Elaine Paige has revealed she was taken aback by a comment Victoria Beckham made to her at Windsor Castle. The BBC Radio 2 presenter was awarded a Damehood at an investiture ceremony last November, recognised for her services to charity and music.
The same event also saw David Beckham honoured after being named in King Charles' Birthday Honours list for his work in sport and charitable causes.
Meeting the Beckhams
Before collecting their awards, the 78-year-old said she spent time mingling with the Beckhams, as well as David's parents, Ted and Sandra. Recalling the moment on BBC Radio 2 with Sara Cox, Elaine claimed Victoria looked her “up and down” and let out a gasp, which left her briefly worried she had done something wrong.
Instead, the West End star said David's wife told her: "You look absolutely stunning." She admitted the praise "shocked" her, before she informed the former Spice Girl that she was using a handbag designed by her.
Victoria's response
Elaine Paige said Victoria's comment left her 'shocked'. "And she looked at it and she said, 'Oh, that makes me feel very happy'. So yeah, I got ten points from Victoria Beckham," she claimed.
The musical theatre star later described both David and Victoria as "absolutely charming", telling Woman's Weekly there was “a real buzz in the air” at Windsor Castle.
Exchange with the King
Opening up about her exchange with King Charles, she said the monarch was left laughing at one of her comments. She told PA: "The King has a very quiet voice and he said to me, I think he said to me, ‘Are you keeping your hand in?’ after having said to me, ‘I haven’t seen you in quite a while’, which was true.
“And so I said I was keeping my hand in and that I was in fact about to embark on a new album and that I would send him a signed copy if he would like it once it’s done. He thought that was rather amusing and laughed. I’m sure it’s not something that he would be particularly interested in but I will send it anyway."
David Beckham's knighthood
After receiving his knighthood, David spoke warmly about what the monarchy means to his family, calling the day "surreal". Reflecting on receiving the honorable title, the former footballer added as part of a lengthy statement: "I cried when I first found out and possibly for a few months after it as well. But this week has been really emotional. Being back in London and obviously in the lead-up to this day, it’s not been stressful. I’ve not been nervous, I’ve just been emotional – I get that from my mum!"
"I think it's because of the journey, I think it’s because it’s such a big moment for our family and it’s just so special. I’m not insisting but if they [the family] would like to call me Sir Dad, or Sir Son, they can… but no. It’s going to take some getting used to, people saying it, but it’s just a huge honour," he added.
"It’s a huge honour to be at Windsor Castle, it’s a huge honour to receive this from His Majesty, the King, and it’s just, all round, a very special day for us. I was just asked if I was relieved to get it, or I was proud. I’m just proud."
