David Beckham’s failed knighthood bid is explored in Tom Bower’s book The House of Beckham as serialised in The Mirror
The footballer once again missed out on a coveted knighthood in the latest New Year’s Honours list.
Author Tom Bower believes David was thwarted for years due to Victoria’s extravagant lifestyle.
Her lavish ways reportedly ‘irritated’ Bob Kerslake, head of the Civil Service and chairman of the Honours Committee from 2011 to 2014, thwarting David’s dream.
In his explosive new book The House of Beckham, Tom says David and Victoria’s “opulent lifestyle” didn’t sit well with “Kerslake’s left-wing political inclinations”.
The Beckhams have owned several properties over the years, including a £1.25million Grade-II listed house in Alderley Edge and a £12million converted barn in the Cotswolds.
It’s believed their extensive property portfolio left Kerslake unhappy, but that’s not all.
In The House of Beckham, Tom claims Victoria even hindered her husband’s efforts. He explains: “The notion of ‘Lady’ Victoria irritated Kerslake. To make her life tolerable, Victoria had admitted that she employed five permanent staff including a nanny, a chef and two housekeepers, plus security staff.”
In their Netflix documentary series, David was heard telling Victoria to ‘be honest’ as she told viewers about her ‘humble’ upbringing, before her dad was revealed to have driven her to school in his Rolls Royce.
Months after the hit series aired, David was unveiled as an ambassador to the King Charles’ Foundation last month. Sources say the prestigious new role will give the former England captain’s knighthood credentials a boost – but he was not given the call up this June.
David was appointed to the new role on May 31 and met with the King earlier this week during the inaugural King’s Foundation charity awards at St James’ Palace. Pictures from the event show the pair smiling as they shook hands, appearing to enjoy one another’s company.
Other celebrities in attendance included Naomi Campbell, Sir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster. Sir Rod, who was knighted in 2016 by the late Queen Elizabeth, poked fun at David’s knighthood aspirations during a short speech.
He joked: “Penny and I are so honoured to be ambassadors for the King’s trust. I’m also wonderfully honoured to be a knight. David, yours is coming soon.” Speaking to reporters at the event, he added: “Someone has to lighten the atmosphere in the room you know – he’s a good sport.”
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
