England’s football icon David Beckham was officially knighted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, describing it as the “proudest moment” of his life. The 50-year-old received the honour for his contributions to football, British culture, and extensive charity work.

Wearing a custom-made grey three-piece suit designed by his wife Victoria Beckham, the former England captain attended the ceremony alongside her and his parents, Ted and Sandra Beckham.

“It’s an incredible feeling for a boy from East London to stand here at Windsor Castle and be honoured by His Majesty,” Beckham said after the ceremony. “This is, without question, the proudest moment of my life.”

He reflected that the knighthood held deeper meaning than any of his sporting titles. “I’ve been fortunate to win trophies, captain my country, and live my dream through football,” he said. “But this—this recognition for both my sporting and humanitarian work—means the world to me.”

Beckham, who has worked with several global charities and UNICEF, said the award also celebrated his commitment to helping children. “My charity work is something I do from the heart. I never had to do it, but I love doing it because it makes a real difference,” he said. “To be honoured for that makes this extra special.”

Throughout his glittering career, Beckham won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the 1999 UEFA Champions League with Manchester United before moving on to Real Madrid, where he lifted the La Liga trophy in his final season. Later, he continued his football journey in the United States.

Internationally, Beckham earned 115 caps for England, debuting in 1996 and captaining the team for six years.

When asked about his brief conversation with King Charles, Beckham smiled and said, “He was quite impressed with my suit.” He added that as a lifelong admirer of the monarchy, receiving the knighthood was “beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Since the announcement of the honour in June, Beckham has been formally addressed as Sir David Beckham, while Victoria now holds the title of Lady Beckham.

“Standing before His Majesty to receive this recognition—not just for football, but for something that truly matters to me—will stay with me forever,” Beckham said with pride.