David Beckham called his first meeting with the late Queen “an incredible moment” – as the UK marks the first anniversary of Her Majesty’s death.
Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, aged 96. Her Majesty was the longest-serving British monarch in history after reigning for more than 70 years.
The late Queen was succeeded by King Charles III, with the coronation taking place in May.
Elizabeth II was one of the most popular members of the Royal Family, but most Brits never got the chance to say hello.
One man who did experience a conversation with the late Queen was Beckham – having been introduced as a Manchester United player in 2002.
Beckham was almost as famous as Elizabeth II at the time thanks to the England captaincy and his marriage to Victoria, the Spice Girls icon and fashion designer.
Yet even he was left speechless when speaking to the monarch for the first time.
As Beckham spoke to Elizabeth II, Her Majesty asked: “How’s Victoria? How’s the kids?” The football superstar couldn’t believe the late Queen knew about his family. He later remembered: “I couldn’t even answer, it was an incredible moment.”
Beckham went on to meet Elizbeth II several times over the next 20 years and even received an OBE from the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2003, shortly after his move to Real Madrid. He described it as the “best” honour he’d ever received.
That says a lot, as Beckham won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his career, among other honours. The winger added: “It’s great to receive an award for playing football, for something I love doing.”
Tributes have been pouring in for Elizabeth II on Friday. The King said: “In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.
“I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”
Beckham was among those to pay his respects to the late Queen a year ago. He said: “I’m truly saddened by the death of Her Majesty… How devastated we all feel today shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world.
“How much she inspired us with her leadership. How she comforted us when times were tough. Until her last days, she served her country with dignity and grace. This year she would have known how loved she was. My thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family.”
Beckham waited in line for around 13 hours to pay his respects to Elizabeth as Her Majesty lay in state inside Westminster Hall, such was his admiration of the late Queen. He was praised for waiting with the public instead of cutting the line.
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Source: Los Angeles Times
