Beckham

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The honours system

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Beckham’s knighthood marks the completion of a reputational rebuild for arguably the UK’s most famous living sports star.

Despite his stellar footballing career, charity work and support of the London 2012 Olympic bid, for years there has been speculation that controversy may explain why he kept being overlooked for the honour.

In 2017 leaked emails that Beckham had allegedly written appeared to reveal his frustration at missing out on a knighthood.

A spokesman for the star at the time said the story was based on “outdated material taken out of context”.

In the same year he was among a number of celebrities embroiled in a tax case having invested in the Ingenious film financing scheme.

However, in 2021 it was reported, external he was deemed eligible for a knighthood after having his finances cleared.

Yet still his wait continued. In 2022 Beckham was widely criticised for his decision to accept millions of pounds from the Qatari regime as a World Cup ambassador, and associating himself with a country accused of human rights abuses and where same-sex relationships are illegal. Beckham had posed for the cover of Attitude magazine in 2002, saying he was honoured to be called a gay icon.

Comedian Joe Lycett appeared to destroy £10,000 of his own money in a protest against Beckham’s role with the tournament.

Beckham later defended himself, saying he was “proud” to be part of the event, and a spokesman added that it was “a positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated. We hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy towards all people, and that progress will be achieved”.

Later that year however, the patriotism for which Beckham had become known was praised after queuing for 12 hours to see the Queen lying in state, with other celebrities criticised for skipping the long wait.

Since then, the father of four appears to have forged a close friendship with the royals, especially King Charles after becoming an ambassador for the monarch’s charitable foundation last year, even bonding with him over their shared interest in gardening. It was notable that Beckham and his wife Victoria attended a state banquet for the Emir of Qatar at Buckingham Palace in December.

With a popular 2023 Netflix documentary testament to the enduring interest in his life, accompanying all this has been continued commercial success for the 50-year-old’s personal brand. Indeed, he was recently estimated to be the eighth highest-paid athlete, external of all time.

With a range of companies still lining up to be linked with him, the co-owner of Inter Miami continues to enjoy an international profile like no other British athlete, even in retirement.

DAVID Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood, The Sun can reveal.

The footie legend, 50, will become a ‘Sir’ in the King’s Birthday Honours list next week.

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His Spice Girl wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham.

Ex-England and Man United star Becks has longed for a knighthood for years.

The news will also bring some joy to the Beckham household amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz.

Politicians and fellow sports stars have spent years calling for the man known as “Golden Balls” to receive a knighthood.

The father of four — who played 115 times for England and has made major contributions to charity— has struck up a firm friendship with King Charles.

And the monarch dropped a potential hint last month that his wait was coming to an end.

Countryside-loving Becks, who is an ambassador of The King’s Foundation, was seen greeting Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Coveted honour

He shares a passion for horticulture with Charles and sported the King’s rose in his lapel.

Charles asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?”

Becks replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”

Letters inviting recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance – and one may have already landed on David’s mat at the time of their chat.

He was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics.

But he was blocked from getting the title by the Honours Committee after becoming caught up in a tax avoidance scheme, along with many other stars.

Becks retired from playing in 2013, and his finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago – paving the way for him to finally get the coveted honour.

Many thought it would finally come in 2022, after he spent 13 hours queuing with the public to pay his respects at Queen Elizabeth’s coffin, which lay in state in Westminster.

But he was again left waiting for the honour.

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The Sun understands he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours List published in December last year.

Former England football manager Gareth Southgate got the award.

David had been given an OBE in 2003 for services to football.

He received it from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, watched by proud Victoria, sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and his grandparents.

David and his wife — who shot to fame with the Spice Girls before becoming a successful fashion designer — have an estimated combined net worth of £500million.

David also has a long history of charitable work, which will have been considered by officials on the Honours Committee.

It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty’s Foundation

David Beckham

Last year, he was formally made a charity ambassador by the King, and beekeeper Becks was buzzing with excitement at teaming up with him.

Charles invited Beckham to Highgrove to learn more about the charity, which focuses on “creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony”.

Tours of the grounds help to fund workshops and courses in traditional skills and crafts, and the former footie star met woodworking and embroidery students.

Becks said at the time: “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.

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“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.

“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.

“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.”

In 2020, he teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun’s campaign to save the Poppy Appeal amid the devastating Covid lockdown.

He said he was “in awe” of the veterans as he delivered poppies to their London HQ.

David added: “With another lockdown coming it is more important than ever that we support our veterans.”

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Becks, also dad to son Cruz and daughter Harper, has carried out lots of charity work focusing on children, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador 20 years ago.

To mark his 50th birthday last month he appealed for donations for the charity.

He was also a founding member of the leadership council of charity Malaria No More in 2009, helping to eradicate the disease, even visiting No 10 to highlight the issue.

In 2023, he delighted the Brentford Penguins – a football team for children with Down’s Syndrome — with a visit to celebrate them winning one of The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards.

He took footballing son Romeo with him to lead a surprise training session.

David celebrated his 50th last month with a string of parties, though Brooklyn stayed away.

The honours will be formally announced later this month.

The government does not comment on them beforehand.

In this Monday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from an volcanic eruption at a tourist hotspot, to an update in the search for Madeleine McCann

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Sport teams and more. This Monday, we’re taking a look at Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz breaking their silence on their ongoing family feud, to the health risks of the eruption of Mount Etna.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola break silence in first interview since family feud exploded

This afternoon, our Showbiz team reported that Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz have spoken out for the first time since reports of the Beckhams’ family feud broke.

Brooklyn Beckham snubbed parents David and Victoria Beckham in a revealing new interview about his marriage. The eldest of the Beckham kids, who is currently embroiled in a family feud, said he has been ‘captivated’ by wife Nicola Peltz and wanted to marry her within days of their meeting.

As the sad rift in the Beckham clan continues to rumble on, Brooklyn has broken his silence in a gushing interview all about his new wife in which he calls her his ‘best friend.’

Read the full story here.

Mount Etna eruption health risks from exposure to volcanic gases – key symptoms

Earlier today, our News team reported that Mount Etna, which is on the coast of Sicily, had turned black. Our Health team then did a deep dive on possible health risks of the eruption, some of which could potentially be serious.

Even if fire, lava and magma are unlikely to make an appearance, volcanic eruptions can pose a major health risk to people in the surrounding areas. This could mainly affect the eyes, lungs and skin through the acidic gases and ash released into the atmosphere.

The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network notes that being exposed to volcanic gases can have a range of effects depending on how concentrated it is and the length of time a person is exposed to it. This can include suffocation and death if the CO2 or H2S is concentrated enough.

Read the full story here.

Madeleine McCann updates: Cops launch major land search near top suspect’s house

Since 2007, the case of missing girl Madeleine McCann has been ongoing. Our World News team earlier reported some updates in the case, focusing on an upcoming search near the house of the case’s top suspect.

Fresh police searches are due to start tomorrow near the spot where Madeleine McCann was last seen.

German police have requested the searches, expected to take place between Praia da Luz where the three-year-old vanished on May 3, 2007 and a house near the holiday resort where principal suspect Christian Brueckner used to live.

A well-placed Portuguese source confirmed this week’s operation was scheduled get underway tomorrow but said some preparation work may take place beforehand. He said: “They will be land searches only. The main objective is to look for any signs of Madeleine’s body.”

Read the full story here.

Exact date Spanish scorcher sends UK mercury soaring to 31C as maps turn dark red

Our News team have reported that Britain is set to be hit by a 400 mile-wide ‘Spanish scorcher’ as temperatures finally top 30C. After the record spring sizzle, summer is beginning with drizzle and a cooldown this week, with disappointing 16-20C highs over the next few days and soggy spells.

But hot air blowing from melting Spain – which has ushered in 40C early summer temperatures across the Iberian peninsula – is due to blow to Britain after the weekend, according to weather maps. BBC Weather has predicted that the mercury will nudge 27C by next Wednesday and other weather forecasters have said 31C will follow, beating the 29.3C hottest day of the year recorded on May 1.

Read the full story here.

Holidaymakers told to wear masks and get jabs as cases of ‘new Covid’ soar

A big story from our Travel team today is reported warnings from a popular holiday spot to be wary of the latest Covid variant.

The Thai government has urged people to wear masks, wash their hands, get vaccinated and avoid activity that could spread Covid as a new variant sends cases rocketing, The World Health Organisation has issued a warning over the new variant, NB.1.8.1, which has seen cases soar in countries including Egypt, the Maldives and Thailand.

The new strain, which is said to be more infectious than previous variants, has also been found in the US and the UK. Now the government in Thailand has issued a warning after 257,280 cases of Covid and 52 deaths.

Read the full story here.

VICTORIA Beckham has publicly sent her love to Brooklyn Beckham amid the family’s feud.

The 51-year-old Spice Girl and fashion designer has expressed her love for her eldest son despite rumours of a rift.

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She said “we love you so much” alongside a snap of the family, with Brooklyn seen front and centre in the photograph.

In the snap, Brooklyn could be seen beaming beside his two brothers, his sister, and his grandparents.

Cruz was stood next to Romeo who was standing beside their grandma Jackie and their granddad, with Harper then standing as her brother Brooklyn put his arm around her.

“We both love you all so much,” she penned alongside the snap.

Victoria then tagged her mum Jackie Adams, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.

This comes after Brooklyn and his wife Bates Motel actress Nicola Peltz were notable absentees from David Beckham‘s recent birthday bash – with whispers of a rift ramping up.

Brooklyn’s siblings Romeo, Cruz and Harper all turned out to party with their dad, mum, and famous names like Tom Cruise and Guy Ritchie.

Meanwhile, the eldest Beckham child and his wife were nowhere to be seen.

And since the snub, a rift between Brooklyn and his younger brother Romeo has been uncovered.

Romeo’s girlfriend is Kim Turnbull, who previously dated Brooklyn for a short while.

Romeo and his girlfriend Kim have kept things low-key since going public in November.

The Sun understands Nicola and Brooklyn had intended to be at David’s birthday bash but cancelled at short notice due to Kim being in attendance.

Brooklyn felt uncomfortable that his ex would be in attendance.

But the blame is being levelled at Nicola, which has upset Brooklyn, according to a source.

They said: “She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive — she’s a loyal wife.”

Brooklyn and Nicola also missed an intimate evening earlier this month at the family’s £10million Cotswolds mansion.

The dinner was attended by Victoria, Romeo, Cruz, and his girlfriend Jackie.

Kim was absent, as were Brooklyn and Nicola.

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THERE have been some massive fall outs among famous siblings.

From Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham spat to the Gallagher brothers’ bitter feud, there are several famous faces who are at war, or have been in the past, with their family,

And British stars aren’t the only ones, because there are several high-profile Hollywood stars who have been at war with their loved ones.

From Julia Roberts to Leonardo DiCaprio – The Sun explores some of the biggest sibling feuds.

Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham

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Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz were notable absentees from his dad David Beckham‘s recent birthday bash.

Brooklyn’s siblings Romeo, Cruz and Harper all turned out to party with their dad, mum, and famous names like Tom Cruise and Guy Ritchie, while the eldest Beckham child was nowhere to be seen.

And since the snub, a rift between Brooklyn and his younger brother Romeo has been uncovered.

Romeo’s girlfriend is Kim Turnbull, who previously dated Brooklyn.

Romeo and his girlfriend Kim, who Brooklyn once dated, have kept things low-key since going public in November.

The Sun understands Nicola and Brooklyn had intended to be at David’s birthday bash but cancelled at short notice due to Kim being in attendance.

Brooklyn felt uncomfortable that his ex would be in attendance.

But the blame is being levelled at Nicola, which has upset Brooklyn, according to a source.

They said: “She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive — she’s a loyal wife.”

Brooklyn and Nicola also missed an intimate evening last Wednesday at the family’s £10million Cotswolds mansion.

The dinner was attended by Victoria, Romeo, Cruz, and his girlfriend Jackie.

Kim was absent, as were Brooklyn and Nicola.

Liam and Noel Gallagher

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The two Manchester-born stars became famous together when they were in the band Oasis.

Clashing personalities saw Noel briefly quit the band after Liam threw a tambourine at him during a performance.

Later, Noel hit Liam on the head with a cricket bat when Liam annoyed him while he was working.

Liam’s last-minute pull-out and heckling from the audience during their MTV Unplugged performance in 1996 added to the feud. 

The last straw was when a backstage argument in Paris in 2009, reportedly over Liam’s clothing firm, Pretty Green, led to Noel’s decision to leave the band. 

But last month, Liam and Noel performed together for the first time in 16 years as they took to the stage of a members’ club in north London.

And now, the pair are preparing for the Oasis reunion tour which will take place later this year.

Leonardo DiCaprio and his step-brother Adam Farrar

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Although Leo and his step-brother Adam were close as kids, as they grew up, they grew apart.

In the 00s and 10s, Adam accused Leo of putting fame before his family.

In 2016, Adam spoke out about his relationship with Leo.

“We were once so close. I loved him and I still do,” he told MailOnline.

He added: “But we’ve not spoken in a couple of years. The last time I saw Leo was at his birthday party a couple of years ago.

“I’d been invited by another friend. Leo was pleased to see me and gave me a hug.

“But when I try to call him, my messages go unanswered. He has a whole team around him now and it’s impossible to penetrate that wall of hangers-on.”

He also told the paper: “Leo wants to save the world but he seems more concerned about the environment and climate change than he does about his own brother. It hurts.”

While Leo got famous, Adam developed a marijuana and cocaine habit, as well as a serious heroin addiction, with this coming to a head in 2008.

“I was arrested five or six times for petty theft, shoplifting from supermarkets, trying to support an opiate addiction of half a gram to a gram a day,” Adam told the outlet.

“Leo and I never had an argument. But he started surrounding himself with people that didn’t want me around. He’s the biggest star in the world and there’s me, messed up on drugs. I was slowly shut out of his world.

“Finally I got tired of going in and out of jail. I’ve been off heroin since 2013,” he said.

Meghan Markle and her half-sister Samantha Markle

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Megan and her half sister Samantha Markle have been embroiled in a feud that has been long-running for many years.

According to Samantha, she and Meghan were close when they were growing up, although this is not backed by the Duchess.

The pair are 17 years apart and did not grow up at the same time.

In 2018, Vanity Fair reported that Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle “moved in together a couple of years before Meghan was born, along with Samantha and Thomas junior, who had relocated to L.A. after living with their mum.”

In Meghan’s chat with Oprah in 2021, she declared: “I grew up as an only child, which everyone who grew up around me knows, and I wished I had siblings.”

Samantha is estranged from Meghan, and the pair have not spoken for more than a decade, since her “early twenties”, it has been claimed.

Due to their estrangement, Samantha was not invited to Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. Samantha said at the time: “Out of respect and humanitarianism, the Markles should be invited if 2,000 complete strangers are. Our uncle, brother, me, best friend of 30 years, nephews. At issue is not a matter of closeness. Family is family.”

Nick and Aaron Carter

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Nick and Aaron Carter grew apart over the years.

The pair’s bond weakened due to childhood trauma, addiction, and family drama.

In 2019, Nick filed a restraining order against Aaron, saying he had made violent threats.

Aaron denied this also accusing Nick of abuse.

On November 5, 2022, Aaron died at his home in California at the age of 34.

His body was found in his bathtub by a housekeeper.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner later ruled that Carter’s death was accidental: drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam (Xanax).

He was cremated, and his ashes were left in the care of his twin sister Angel.

Julia Roberts and her half-sister Nancy Motes

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Julia Roberts and her half-sister Nancy Motes had a “tortured” bond before she died by suicide.

In 2014, Nancy, who was 37, was found in a bathtub filled with water at a friend’s home in Los Angeles, where she had been dog-sitting.

LA County Coroner spokesman John Kades said prescription drugs had been found at the residence.

She wrote a suicide note blaming Julia for bullying her most of her adult life.

In the three-page note, she said: “My so-called siblings get nothing except the memory that they are the ones that drove me into the deepest depression I’ve been in.”

Louis Tomlinson and his half-sister Georgia

The One Direction star’s biological dad left shortly after he was born and became estranged from him.

His father later had a daughter called Georgia who became a huge One Direction fan when she was 14.

She and Louis’ biological dad, Troy, then saw Louis in a One Direction concert when the band were at the height of fame.

The siblings failed to reconnect.

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