Anne Diamond has praised David Beckham as a “national treasure” whilst discussing his forthcoming knighthood on GB News.
The comments come as the former England captain is set to receive a knighthood in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours list next week, according to multiple reports.
His wife Victoria will gain the title Lady Beckham when the Manchester United icon becomes Sir David.
The recognition comes for both his illustrious football career, during which he earned 115 England caps, and his extensive charitable work.
Speaking about the honour on GB News, Anne said: “I think he’s a great British institution. He’s a treasure, isn’t he? A national treasure. And I think we should be proud of him.
“I know he’s not perfect. And of course, he was so utterly famous. The tabloid press were always willing to try and unearth things about him and everything.
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“But nevertheless, as a family, they have been pretty strong. I know they’ve got problems at the moment with Brooklyn, but as a family they’re pretty strong.
“He’s always said the right things as a father, as a great human being.”
Eamonn Holmes said: “This does make Victoria, Lady Victoria. She’ll be a Lady. Lady Beckham.”
Anne said: “She will be very pleased about that and the other Spice Girls will be furious. But there you go.”
Beckham’s path to knighthood has been fraught with setbacks. He was reportedly first nominated in 2011 after helping London secure the 2012 Olympics but was blocked due to involvement in a tax avoidance scheme.
In 2013, leaked emails allegedly showed him calling the Honours Committee “unappreciative c****” after being overlooked again.
Former royal butler Paul Burrell suggested last year that Beckham’s commercial activities and relative youth had delayed the honour. “He’s sponsoring and commercialising himself.
“Obviously, this is the end of his career. And once this phase is over, the commercial phase, and he goes back into charitable work,” Burrell explained.
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Beckham’s football achievements include memorable stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain before retiring in 2013. His iconic free-kick against Greece in 2001 secured England’s place at the 2002 World Cup.
Beyond football, Beckham has served as a UNICEF ambassador since 2005 and became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation in 2024.
He expressed enthusiasm for the role, saying: “I’m excited to be working with the King’s Foundation, and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work. I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons.”
His gesture of queuing to honour Queen Elizabeth II further endeared him to the public. The knighthood places him alongside Manchester United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and the late Sir Bobby Charlton.
