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David Beckham is looking back at the moment he was made a knight — and says the occasion was an “emotional” one.
“It’s been a very emotional week,” Beckham, 50, tells PEOPLE as part of his partnership with Verizon FIFA 2026. “I wasn’t nervous, just emotional, as it means so much to me and my family.”
He adds, “It’s such a huge honor to receive, and all-round, it was a very special day for us. It’s a memory I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
The soccer icon, 50, was knighted for his “services to sport and charity” in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Nov. 4.
King Charles hosted the event, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community.
At the ceremony, Beckham wore a custom morning suit designed by his wife Victoria Beckham, and both were joined by his parents, Ted Beckham and Sandra West.
Victoria, meanwhile, wore an elegant black dress that she designed for the investiture ceremony and tied her hair into a stylish up-do.
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For Beckham, the honor came more than two decades after he was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.
The former Manchester United star was first put forward to receive a knighthood over 10 years ago, with a nomination in 2011, according to The Guardian.
Shortly after, the Inter-Miami CF owner turned to social media to share his enthusiasm and gratitude about the honor.
“I have been fortunate to represent our country and I’ve always done that with pride,” he wrote on Instagram. “I love our Royal Family and what it means to people not just in Great Britain but around the world. I could never have dreamed that this would happen to me.”
