Bond it like Beckham

Following a string of near misses, the world's most famous footballer is finally in line for a knighthood.... and his blossoming relationship with the King hasn't exactly hurt his chances

- By Karen Rockett and Hanisha Sethi

BONDING over their mutual love of gardening and beekeeping, the King and Britain’s most famous footballer, David Beckham, hit it off splendidly at Chelsea Flower Show last month. As they chatted away with smiles as brilliant as the surrounding blooms, it was clear to onlookers that these two men from very different worlds had made a true connection.

Now it appears their encounter may have been more important than any of us realised after it was revealed that Beckham is set to receive a long-awaited knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours list next week.

Coming some two decades after the former England player was appointed an OBE in 2003 to acknowledge his contributions to football and charity, it is the title he has arguably coveted more than any other — despite a glittering trophy cabinet at home.

During their encounter, King Charles was heard asking: “You got it, didn’t you?” to which David replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”

It was perhaps the biggest hint yet that the star striker knew of an impending knighthood after making a string of public appearances alongside the Royal Family this year.

And Beckham, an avid royalist since his schooldays in Chingford, is sure to be feeling like he’s scored a winning goal in extra time.

“He will be elated, it’s the pinnacle of one’s career to be recognised with the honour of a knighthood,” Dickie Arbiter, the former royal press spokesman for the King and the late Queen Elizabeth II, told the Daily Express.

“This is about someone being recognised for the huge work he has done in supporting the King’s charities and communities — not because he kicked a ball around the pitch.

“He’s been away from the sport for too long. He’s worked tirelessly over the years since retiring from football. And all power to him for bonding with the King. He’s a nice person.”