Former England football captain David Beckham and acclaimed actor Gary Oldman have been awarded knighthoods in King Charles III’s annual birthday honours list, announced on Saturday. Renowned sculptor Antony Gormley was also recognised, receiving the prestigious title of Companion of Honour.
Beckham, 50, began his storied football career at Manchester United in 1993, making nearly 400 appearances for the club and helping them to numerous domestic and international titles. He later played for top clubs including Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Inter Milan, while earning 115 international caps for England and captaining the national side 58 times.
Off the pitch, Beckham’s 1999 marriage to fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham propelled him into global celebrity, blending sports and pop culture influence.
Actor Gary Oldman, 67, was also knighted for his contributions to drama. Beginning his career with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Oldman became a household name through a series of acclaimed film roles. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2018 for his powerful portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, and is also known for his performances in the Harry Potter films, The Dark Knight Trilogy, and most recently, the TV spy series Dark Horses.
Several other notable figures were honoured as well. Music theatre legend Elaine Paige, novelist Pat Barker, and renowned ceramics designer Emma Bridgewater were all made dames. Roger Daltrey, frontman of rock band The Who and long-time supporter of the Teenage Cancer Trust, also received a knighthood for his charitable work.
In total, more than 1,200 individuals were recognised for their achievements and service, with a particular emphasis on contributions to public life, according to government officials.
The honours list coincides with celebrations for the monarch’s official birthday, marked with the traditional “Trooping the Colour” parade in London. King Charles’ actual birthday falls on November 14.
