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David Beckham in a black suit© Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images

David Beckham left 'emotional' over huge royal honour

The former England footballer has been a long-time supporter of the royal family

Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
January 21, 2025
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David Beckham has spoken of his immense honour of being named an ambassador for the King's Trust as he picked up an award at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Switzerland.

The father-of-four was honoured for his humanitarian work, having served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF for over two decades. Last year, David was also named as an ambassador for the King's Trust, an organisation founded by the monarch which aims to preserve traditional skills.

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Their work also sees them transform communities through urban regeneration and planning, supporting sustainable food production and teaching rural skills.

Speaking about his work with the royals, David confessed he "always gets emotional talking about anything with our royal family".

David Beckham in a black suit holding pieces of crystal© BUHOLZER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
David was awarded a Crystal Award at this year's Davos

The former footballer continued: "I've always been a huge royalist, I was brought up in a family and household that adored and loved everything with the royal family."

David revealed: "When the King asked me to part of his foundation, I was very honoured, very privileged, I rang my mum straight away," sharing that his mum, Sandra "burst into tears" at the news.

man posing outside with his mother© Instagram
David's mum was also emotional over the news

Praising the King, the star concluded: "Our King is an incredible man, he has not just been incredible for the last five, 10 years, he's been an incredible man for decades."

"We have very similar interests, beekeeping … he's into bees, I'm into bees, he's into the countryside, I'm into the countryside, he's into empowering young people so I'm very honoured with that role."

Shared passions

David previously spoke of the shared passions that he shares with the monarch. Speaking after meeting Charles last year, he joked: "Having developed a love for the countryside I'm also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the foundation's work. 

King Charles shakes hands with David Beckham© Getty
David holds the King in the highest regards

"It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of His Majesty's foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens – and compare beekeeping tips!"

He continued: "I've always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I'm particularly looking forward to supporting the foundation's education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature."

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