From David Beckham to Gary Oldman: Every celebrity honored with Knighthood on King Charles’ birthday

On 14 June 2025, King Charles III announced his Birthday Honours list, celebrating remarkable achievements in areas such as music, sport, drama, and charity. The honours recognized prominent figures and pioneers who made persistent contributions.

Football star David Beckham earned his long-anticipated knighthood, honoured for his impact on soccer and his humanitarian work. Alongside him, actor Gary Oldman, singer Roger Daltrey, and rugby league hero Billy Boston were also knighted.

This year’s honours highlighted both long-standing customs and new landmarks by recognising achievements from many walks of British life.

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From Beckham to Oldman: Stars Knighted by King Charles III

Sir David Beckham – Services to Sport and Charity

David Beckham, now 50, earns the title of Sir David to honor his remarkable football career, which includes 115 England appearances, trophies across England, Spain, France, and the U.S., and his dedication to charity.

He began working as a UNICEF ambassador back in 2005 and became an ambassador to The King’s Foundation in 2024. Tax investigations had delayed his knighthood, but official approval came in 2021.

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Sir Gary Oldman – Services to Drama

Gary Oldman, now 67, holds the title of Sir Gary because of his diverse acting career. He gained praise and won the Best Actor Oscar by playing Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.

He still takes on major roles in movies and TV shows. The knighthood recognizes his work in the arts and his role in inspiring younger actors.

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Sir Roger Daltrey – Services to Music and Charity

Roger Daltrey, the lead singer of The Who, is now a knight at the age of 81. This recognizes his long career in music and his dedication to helping others through charity. Since 2000, he has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

He has performed at fundraising concerts at the Royal Albert Hall that raised millions to support teens dealing with cancer. This knighthood honors both his musical achievements with The Who and the important charity efforts he leads.

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Sir Billy Boston – Services to Rugby League

At 90, Billy Boston becomes the first rugby league player to be knighted. His groundbreaking successes with Wigan and Great Britain in the 1950s and 1960s made him a sporting icon.

Officials announced this ahead of the formal 14 June list because of concerns about his health, letting him enjoy the moment with family and teammates.

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Sir Hans Kristian Rausing – Services to Philanthropy

The UK honors philanthropist Hans Kristian Rausing for his significant donations to charity. He has given hundreds of millions over the years to support the arts, historic preservation, and medical studies. His knighthood recognizes how private generosity helps national cultural institutions.

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Companions of Honour

Two figures received the rare Companion of Honour, limited to 65 living members by King Charles:

• Sir Antony Gormley, sculptor of the Angel of the North, is recognised for his art services.
• Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell, astrophysicist, honoured for contributions to astronomy and diversity.

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Broader Honour Roll Highlights

Beyond knights and dames, the list of 1,215 recipients spans many orders:

• Dames include author Pat Barker, ceramicist Emma Bridgewater, and singer Elaine Paige.
• CBEs went to broadcaster Martha Kearney and tennis great Virginia Wade.
• OBEs and MBEs recognise Olympians Alistair Brownlee, TV hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, campaigners like Georgia Harrison, and young fundraisers such as 11‑year‑old Carmela Chillery‑Watson.
• Nearly half of the honorees are women, and 11 % come from minority ethnic backgrounds, underscoring the list’s diversity.

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The Ceremony & Its Meaning

Investiture ceremonies will take place at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle over the autumn. Recipients will kneel before King Charles to be dubbed “Sir” or “Dame” with a sword tap on each shoulder.

The honours celebrate excellence in public service, arts, sports, science, and community work, linking medieval traditions with modern contributions.

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Why This Year’s Honours Stand Out

This year’s list at King Charles' event turns longstanding conversations into reality: Beckham’s delayed knighthood finally arrives; Oldman’s dramatic legacy earns recognition; Boston’s groundbreaking rugby honour corrects a historical oversight; and Rausing’s philanthropy is spotlighted.

It also balances fame with grassroots impact, young fundraisers, scientific pioneers, and frontline workers join celebrities in a roll call that reflects changing values in British society.

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Spotlight: Beckham & The King Charles' Foundation

Beckham received his knighthood from King Charles while becoming more involved with The King’s Foundation. In 2024, he joined filming efforts at Dumfries House to make an Amazon Prime documentary.

The film highlights the Foundation’s goals to improve rural education and protect the environment. His shared interest in beekeeping with King Charles indicates a commitment to sustainability and helping youth. This ties his sports legacy to meaningful social work.

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These knighthoods by King Charles highlight how contributions in sports, arts, and charity are honoured alongside longer-serving public servants and volunteers. From Beckham’s charity efforts to Oldman’s dramatic achievements, and Boston’s groundbreaking rugby recognition, each title tells a story of dedication and impact.

The list also shines a light on quieter heroes, scientists, campaigners, and young fundraisers, reminding us that honours extend beyond fame. As investiture ceremonies take place later this year, the conferral of “Sir” or “Dame” cements these individuals’ roles in British society.

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