David Beckham knighted in the UK

Former England national football team captain David Beckham said on Friday he was " proud " and "grateful" to have received the title of " Sir " from King Charles III in recognition of his services to sport and charitable causes.

"I grew up in East London with very patriotic and proud British parents and grandparents, and I never imagined I would receive this honor," he said, in comments reported by the British news agency PA .

The former footballer and model, who was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003, said captaining the England national team was "the greatest privilege " of his career and "literally a childhood dream come true."

'Sir' David, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday , recalled that off the pitch he has "been fortunate to represent the UK around the world and work with incredible organisations supporting communities in need ."

"I'm very lucky to be able to do the work I do , and I'm grateful to be recognized for work that fills me with satisfaction ," he said.

"It will take me a while to process the news, but I am immensely proud and it is a very emotional moment to share with my family ," he added.

In addition to Beckham, actor Gary Oldman and The Who singer Roger Daltrey are also named Knights of the British Empire in the annual list of decorations for the monarch's birthday.

'Sir' Gary, 67, who played Sirius Black in several Harry Potter films, is recognized for his services to the theater .

For his part, 'Sir' Roger, co-founder of The Who in 1964, receives the title for his work in music and charities, as he has headed the Teenage Cancer Foundation since 2000.

• "It's a dream come true, but especially because the foundation means so much to me," he told PA.

The top award goes to the laureate sculptor 'Sir' Antony Gormley , who is appointed a Companion of Honour for his services to art , a title held by only 65 people at any one time.

In total, more than 1,200 citizens from across the UK , including politicians, celebrities and ordinary people, have been decorated with various ranks in this latest selection, which comes ahead of a military parade on Saturday marking the 'official' birthday of the King, who was actually born on November 14, 1948.

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