Former England captain David Beckham has received his knighthood at Windsor Castle from the King.
The football star, 50, was given the honour at a star-studded investiture ceremony on Tuesday.
Watching on were his fashion designer and former Spice Girl wife, Victoria and his parents Ted Beckham and Sandra West.
The ceremony was carried out to the strains out of Golden, the smash-hit song from the Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters, played by a string quartet.
Earlier this year, Sir David said he was “immensely proud” of being recognised for his services to sport and charity in the King’s Birthday Honours.
After receiving his Knighthood on Tuesday, Sir David wrote an emotional message on social media, saying: “I can't even begin to describe what a special day it is for me today, a boy born in East London, to receive a Knighthood from His Majesty The King.
“I am truly humbled and so grateful for this honour. I have been fortunate to represent our country and I've always done that with pride... I love our Royal Family and what it means to people not just in Great Britain but around the world.
“I could never have dreamed that this would happen to me... From Ridgeway Rovers to Manchester United to Preston North End to Real Madrid to LA Galaxy to AC Milan to Paris Saint Germain & of course England, all the clubs I've played for, with the best managers and teammates and loyal fans who have helped me get where I am today... I'm so thankful to them all...
“Playing for my country will always be the proudest moment in my career….to represent England and captain my country was my dream at 7 years old. Football gave me everything and it also allowed me to travel from a young age.
“Travel opened my eyes to issues facing children around the world. I have been lucky to work with incredible organisations like UNICEF, the Royal Foundation and the King’s Foundation who have taught me how important it is to support children, to help them fulfil their potential and to inspire the next generation.
“I've also been proud to work with our Armed forces who sacrifice so much for us all...All I have ever wanted to do is to make my family proud.
“My parents and grandparents who were always there for me and instilled the right values of hard work and respect.
“My beautiful wife who has been by my side for the last 28 years, who has been my biggest supporter and my shoulder to cry on in tough times….without her I wouldn't have had the life I have had. To my beautiful children who I am so proud of and I know this is a proud and inspiring day for them as well, they are our greatest joy in life and my inspiration every single day.
“I love you all so much... Finally Mum, Dad, Victoria and to my Kiddies can you believe this…I love you all so much and Thank You.”
His fashion designer wife prepared for the occasion by making her husband the suit he will wear as he receives the honour.
Victoria created a man's morning suit complete with a tailcoat – the first time she has ever made Sir David any item of clothing.
According to the Daily Mail, the secret project began in June when the couple learned that the former Manchester United star would be knighted in the King's Birthday Honours.
“David teases Victoria that she never makes him any clothes,” a friend of the couple told the Mail.
“So when they found out in the spring that David was going to get his big day at Windsor later in the year, Victoria decided that she had enough time to make it happen.
“She has never done anything like this before and she was aware it would be time-consuming but Victoria knew the investiture would be some way off.
“Victoria got to work, designing the three-piece suit and, as she doesn't do anything by halves, she threw herself into it and made sure it was absolutely perfect.
“The fact that David is wearing a Victoria Beckham outfit will make a special day even more special.”
The sports star from north-east London made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in 1995 and was part of the team that earned a dramatic Champions League final victory in 1999 when they beat Bayern Munich with two late goals.
In total, he scored 85 goals and collected honours including six Premier League titles and two FA Cups as a footballer, before retiring from the sport in 2013.
Alongside his football career, he has supported a number of charity causes, including serving as a goodwill ambassador for humanitarian aid organisation Unicef since 2005.
Last year, Sir David, who has described himself as a “huge royalist”, was named an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, an educational charity established by the King in 1990.
He is also known for his stylish clothing choices, and in 1998 was named most stylish man of the year by GQ magazine and he has modelled for the likes of H&M, Armani and Boss.
Sir David married Victoria in 1999 and the couple share four children together – Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
Also among the other personalities being honoured on Tuesday were Nobel Prize-winning novelist Kazuo Ishiguro and West End performer Elaine Paige.
