Former England national team captain and global fashion icon David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood for his contribution to sport and charity. Alongside him, The Who singer Roger Daltrey and actor Gary Oldman were also awarded the honour.

Beckham, who has 115 games for England and has been part of world-famous clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, will now carry the title “Sir” and his wife Victoria, a former member of the Spice Girls, will be referred to as Lady Beckham.
At 50, Beckham, who has long been a candidate for knighthood, has already held the title of Officer of the British Empire since 2003. Victoria has also been honoured with a similar award for services to the fashion industry.
"I grew up in east London with parents and grandparents who were very patriotic and proud to be British. I never imagined I would receive such a real honour," Beckham said.

Roger Daltrey, who co-founded The Who in 1964, will also carry the title “sir” for his contributions to music and charity. He has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000 and has staged charity concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London for over 20 years. | BGNES, AFP