David Beckham is preparing to receive one of the United Kingdom's highest honors: the title of Sir. According to reports in British media, his name appears on the honors list published in June, coinciding with the official birthday of King Charles III, a key date in the country's ceremonial calendar.
The investiture will also mark a new status for his wife, Victoria Beckham, who will be recognized as Lady Victoria. Thus, the couple, icons of British pop culture, will officially join the circle of distinguished figures honored for their contributions to the country.
How is a royal investiture conducted?
Investiture ceremonies are held about 30 times a year in iconic venues such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, or the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Each ceremony involves more than 50 people, but only a few are named knights or dames.
In Beckham's case, all indications are that Charles III himself would bestow the honor, since the former footballer keeps a close relationship with the monarch and collaborates with his foundation. However, it is also possible that the honor could be conferred by Prince William or Princess Anne, the only other members of the royal family authorized to perform this ceremony.
The process begins with the solemn entrance of the royal member in charge, accompanied by the national anthem. Then, the military band continues playing music while the Lord Chamberlain or one of the lords-in-waiting announces each honoree one by one.
The sword, the stool, and the Gurkha soldiers
For new knights, the ceremony includes a specific ritual: they kneel on a Louis XVI-style velvet stool while the royal member touches their shoulders with a sword, first the right and then the left. In most cases, a historic sword that belonged to George VI, Queen Elizabeth II's father, is used.
