DAVID Beckham will receive his long awaited knighthood today after more than a decade of setbacks.
Footie legend Becks, 50, will be knighted at Windsor Castle after being selected in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
The ex-England and Manchester United star received the honour for services to sport and charity.
It marks the end of an agonising wait for the charity ambassador, who was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011.
He was nominated after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics, but was initially blocked.
Honours Committee prevented him after he became caught up in a tax avoidance scheme, along with many other stars.
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He retired from football in 2013, and his finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago.
That then paved the way for him to finally get the coveted honour.
Politicians and fellow sports stars have spent years calling for the man known as “Golden Balls” to receive a knighthood.
Earlier this year, King Charles dropped a subtle hint the former AC Milan star’s wait was coming to an end.
The father of four – who played 115 times for England – has struck up a firm friendship with the King.
Countryside-loving Becks, who is an ambassador of The King’s Foundation, was seen greeting Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show.
As the pair chatted, Charles asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?”
David replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”
Letters inviting recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance.
And it is understood Becks may have already received his at the time of their chat.
His Spice Girl wife Victoria will now be known as Lady Beckham.
David had previously received an OBE in 2003 for services to football.
He received it from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, watched by proud Victoria, sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and his grandparents.
David and Victoria — who is now a successful fashion designer — have an estimated combined net worth of £500million.
The footballing icon also has a long history of charitable work, which will have been considered by officials on the Honours Committee.
Last year, he was formally made a charity ambassador by the King, and beekeeper Becks was buzzing with excitement at teaming up with him.
Charles had invited Beckham to Highgrove to learn more about the charity.
It focuses on “creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony”.
At the time, David said: Becks said at the time: “I’m excited to be working with The King’s Foundation…
“… and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work.
“I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.
“It was inspiring to hear from The King about the Foundation’s work during my visit to Highgrove Gardens — and compare beekeeping tips.”
In 2020, he teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun’s campaign to save the Poppy Appeal during the Covid lockdown.
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He said he was “in awe” of the veterans as he delivered poppies to their London HQ.
Becks has also carried out lots of charity work focusing on children, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador 20 years ago.
