For the royals, Beckham has plenty of authentic star appeal, developing a post-football identity as a celebrity involved in charity projects. His iconic sporting status is strong enough to attract public attention and he's supported many different causes. For an air ambulance fundraiser last year, it was Beckham that Prince William asked to help successfully raise £15m. "I had to hide my excitement a little bit," said Beckham afterwards about being asked to get involved. It was once considered important to keep honours a secret until they were officially announced, but details of this award seems to have emerged early, even though there is no official confirmation from the Cabinet Office, the government department that oversees honours. The news of "Sir David" might raise concerns among other sports, who will be looking out for their own stars in next week's honours. Rugby league authorities and supporters have complained that their sport has never had a single knighthood or damehood in 130 years. There have also been challenges about whether top honours are being given to the most deserving. But in terms of David Beckham's long wait for a knighthood - if they thought it was all over, it is now.