Victoria Beckham's true feelings on King Charles clear after David's surprise tribute

Victoria Beckham expressed her deep respect for King Charles well before her husband David Beckham finally received his long-awaited knighthood. The fashion designer, now officially Lady Beckham, accompanied her husband to Windsor Castle on Tuesday, where His Majesty bestowed the title of 'Sir' upon the football legend.

The accolade brought to a close an extended and occasionally frustrating period of anticipation for the former England and Manchester United star, who had reportedly been hoping for the honour for some considerable time. In recent months, the Beckhams have grown noticeably closer to the Royal Family, having been spotted with the King at the Chelsea Flower Show and paying a visit to his Gloucestershire residence, Highgrove House, earlier this year.

Both David and Victoria have maintained a relationship with Charles spanning many years; Victoria's first encounter with him dates back to the late 1990s, during the peak of her Spice Girls' stardom. Following the King's coronation in 2023, Victoria posted a nostalgic photograph from 1997 showing herself and the group meeting the then-Prince of Wales, describing him on Instagram as "kind" and "supportive" over the years.

"I have so many fond memories of meeting His Majesty throughout my career, and he is always so supportive and kind," Victoria wrote. "Today is a truly historic day and I'm incredibly humbled to celebrate King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they embark on their new roles."

David paid a touching tribute to Victoria whilst speaking with the King during his knighthood ceremony.

The 50-year-old turned up wearing an immaculately tailored suit that captured Charles' attention, and he swiftly gave credit to his wife of 26 years for the outfit.

"He was quite impressed with my suit," Beckham told PA. "He's kind of the most elegantly dressed man I know, so he's inspired quite a few of my looks over the years - and he definitely inspired this one.

"It was something my wife made me," he added. "I looked at old pictures of him when he was younger, wearing morning suits, and thought, that's exactly what I want. So I showed them to Victoria, and she created it."

Victoria - a renowned fashion designer whose eponymous brand is synonymous with contemporary sophistication and tailored excellence - reciprocated on social media, describing her husband as "the same kind, humble, hardworking man I met nearly 30 years ago" after his knighthood ceremony.

"From the moment I met you 28 years ago, you've always been so proud to represent your country. Whether on or off the pitch, no one loves England or respects our Royal Family more, so to see you honoured by The King today is something I'll forever cherish," she wrote.

"You've achieved so much, and yet you're still the same kind, humble, hardworking man I met nearly 30 years ago, as well as the most amazing husband and father. I've never felt prouder than I do today. Sir @davidbeckham, we all love you so much xxx."

Following multiple disappointments, David Beckham's name was finally included on King Charles' Birthday Honours List in June. Whilst the announcement temporarily sparked controversy after details of the recognition were disclosed prematurely, the honour proceeded as intended once it was established that neither Beckham nor his team were accountable for the leak.

Now amongst an exclusive group of knighted footballers - including Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Gareth Southgate - Beckham was clearly moved following the ceremony.

"It's been... not stressful," he told Sky News. "I wasn't nervous, just emotional."

He also made a playful comment regarding how his children might now refer to him: "I'm not insisting my kids call me 'Sir,' but they can call me Sir Dad if they want."

In an earlier statement, Beckham considered the importance of the accolade: "Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined receiving such a humbling honour.

"To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and a boyhood dream come true. Off the pitch, I've been fortunate to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.

"I'm so lucky to do work that gives me so much fulfilment and I'm immensely proud to share this moment with my family."