Why Beckham’s wait for a knighthood goes on

The newspapers’ front page photograph of David and Victoria Beckham entering Buckingham Palace’s State Dining Room was a publicity triumph for England’s global icon. Beaming with pride, Posh – wearing one of her own designs – and Beckham in a specially tailored white tie and tails – had worked hard to secure the invitation last December to King Charles’s dinner in honour of the ruler of Qatar.

As the photographs revealed the King’s surprise guests, it was reported that the monarch was certain to propose a knighthood for Beckham. The tabloids’ headlines “Make it ‘Sir Becks” relaunched the bandwagon. Surely,  no one could deny that Goldenballs, England’s glorious footballer, dedicated ambassador for charities and loyal monarchist, deserved that honour?  

Actually, they could – and they did in 2011, when Beckham’s nomination for a knighthood was outrightly rejected by the honours committee. Despite the certainty of his sponsor Sebastian Coe, being an iconic brand and passionate Englishman did not qualify Beckham for a knighthood.