David Beckham will be knighted by the British Crown

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.

Contrary to popular belief, the monarch doesn't pronounce the famous phrase "Rise, Sir...!" as it is part of the collective imagination and not official protocol.

One of the most peculiar details is the presence of the King's Gurkha Officers, Nepalese soldiers who accompany the royal member throughout the ceremony. This tradition, started in the time of Queen Victoria, remains in place as a symbol of the bond between the United Kingdom and Nepal.

A centuries-old honors system

Beckham had already joined the Order of the British Empire in 2003, with the rank of officer. With this new recognition, he rises to the rank of knight, which allows him to place the title of Sir before his name.  Victoria Beckham, meanwhile, will adopt the honorary title of Lady.

The British honors system includes several orders, such as the Order of the Garter—the most exclusive—the Order of the Thistle, the Order of the Bath, the Order of St. Michael and St. George, and the Royal Victorian Order. Some have strict entry requirements, but the Order of the British Empire is open to nominations for social, cultural, or sporting merit.

Actresses such as Angelina Jolie have also been honored in this way, being named dames within other orders.

A new chapter for the Beckhams

With this investiture, David and Victoria Beckham are established not only as influential figures in fashion and sports, but also as institutional role models. The ceremony is a reaffirmation of the bond between the British monarchy and the popular icons who have shaped the United Kingdom's identity on the world stage.

Thus, with sword in hand and centuries of history behind them, the British royal family writes a new chapter in its book of traditions. This time, with the Beckhams as protagonists.