David Beckham's frustration over being denied a knighthood has been laid bare in leaked emails, where he reportedly called honours committee members 'unappreciative c***s' and described the situation as 'a disgrace'. The former England captain, 49, has long been open about his desire for the title, but the 2017 leaks suggest his anger boiled over after being overlooked in 2013.
In the emails, Beckham also expressed bitterness about the honour given to Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins in 2014, asking: 'For what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops.' Friends of the footballer claimed the messages were sent 'in the heat of the moment' and that some were 'doctored'. Beckham, who received an OBE in 2003, later insisted he did not care about being knighted.
The leaks also included an exchange where Beckham reportedly refused to donate $1m to a UNICEF event, saying 'it's my f***ing money'. This was damaging to his image as a children's ambassador. However, a close friend defended him, stating: 'The one thing David is very proud of and feels can't be faulted is his work for UNICEF.'
Beckham was cleared of involvement in the Ingenious tax avoidance scheme in 2013 and made a comeback in the 2022 honours recommendations list, but his prospects for a knighthood may still be affected by the leaks. He was snubbed by King Charles in the 2024 New Year honours, with Sir Rod Stewart recently mocking his lack of a title.
