DAVID Beckham has been made a charity ambassador by King Charles — giving his knighthood credentials a boost.
The royal appointment was announced yesterday, with the thrilled former England football captain telling of his “excitement” at teaming up with the monarch.
A new photograph of the pair laughing helplessly together at the King’s estate — with Becks dressed like a country gent — was also released.
The move comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed last month how the pair bonded over a jar of honey during a recent private meeting at the monarch’s Gloucestershire residence.
Ex-Manchester United ace Becks, 49, surprised the King, 75, last year with a jar of his homemade honey then chatted about their passion for beekeeping.
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Nature-lover Charles was also impressed by Beckham’s knowledge and passion for the countryside.
Now the father-of-four has been formally appointed as an ambassador of The King’s Foundation — the monarch’s charity founded in 1990.
A source said: “The King and David Beckham have really bonded over their similar interests.
“This is a massive thing for him and he’s delighted. He is really passionate about his new role.”
The Foundation focuses on “creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony”.
Charles invited Beckham to Highgrove to learn more about the charity, and the former footie star met woodworking and embroidery students.
Tours of the grounds help to fund workshops and courses in traditional skills and crafts.
A new education centre has also been built which provides training in traditional industries such as woodcarving, stonemasonry and textiles.
Beckham, who lives in the Cotswolds with his fashion designer wife Victoria and his family, said in a statement: “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.
“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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“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.”
Beckham presented the King with his honey gift last May at a British fashion awards event in central London.
And the present seemed to delight Charles, who has beehives at his estates.
We look forward to working with David over the coming months and years, to share the good work of the Foundation with a wider audience
Kristina Murrin, chief executive of The King’s Foundation
Beckham turned to beekeeping during the Covid lockdowns and built a £500 hive at his country home.
In October last year The Sun revealed how he had accepted an invitation to dine with King Charles.
The meeting helped the monarch “suss” out the star and they discussed him becoming a celebrity ambassador for the charity.
Beckham had served a similar role for Prince Harry’s Invictus Games.
But he has since distanced himself from the Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan after they moved to the States and trashed the Royal Family.
Sources say it’s an “open secret” that the former Real Madrid midfielder wants to become “Sir” David Beckham.
He was made an OBE for services to football 20 years ago while former Spice Girl wife Victoria, 50, was given the same honour in 2017 for her work in the fashion industry.
Beckham is a renowned royalist and famously joined the massive queue to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state in Westminster Hall after her death in September 2022.
Buckingham Palace is believed to be hoping that he will bring some of his global appeal and star power to the operation.
Kristina Murrin, chief executive of The King’s Foundation, said: “We are delighted to welcome David Beckham to The King’s Foundation family as an ambassador.
“We look forward to working with David over the coming months and years, to share the good work of the Foundation with a wider audience.”
