Despite his considerable charity work, football legend David Beckham was repeatedly been bypassed for a knighthood by the late Queen, for decades sparking much speculation over the years. Now, amid the family feud with Brooklyn Beckham , David will finally be awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours list next week. His wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham. But why was he snubbed for so long? Year after year, Beckham, now 50 and retired from professional football, had been notably absent from the honours list. In 2013, it seemed his chances were dashed when explosive emails were leaked where he reportedly lashed out at the Honours Committee for not including him on the list, referring to them as "unappreciative c***s." At the time, Beckham, who is paired with fashion icon Victoria Beckham , maintained the email was bogus. Compounding his frustrations, it came to light that he was particularly incensed by opera singer Katherine Jenkins receiving an honour, allegedly retorting: "Katherine Jenkins OBE for what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops. F****** joke." Now, however, David Beckham ’s prospects of being knighted have been fulfilled after the monarch dropped a hint last month when Beckham greeted Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show. Charles asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?” Before Beckham replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.” However, just last year, ex-royal butler Paul Burrell said David Beckham shouldn't hold his breath for a knighthood citing three key reasons. Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Paul explained: "We haven't seen [David Beckham knighted] yet because A, he's not old enough and B, he hasn't earned his stripes yet and C, he's still in a very commercial world . "David Beckham is everywhere. He's sponsoring and commercialising himself. Obviously, this is the end of his career. And once this phase is over, the commercial phase, and he goes back into charitable work because you've seen him with William, you've seen him with the King." He went on to say: "He's obviously been fast tracked for a knighthood, but not just yet and they're keeping him just dangling for a while. Because, you know, they're waiting to see what happens. I think he is an excellent ambassador, not only for charitable foundations, but for our country. I think he's shown his worth, and I'm expecting it. Of course it's going to happen. The question is, when." Paul then added: "When will the King finally say it's time for David to receive his knighthood? I think he has to put some more work into the King's Trust, and I think he'll be seen many more times with the King and William before that honour comes his way." Yet he's convinced that all David required was a bit more time. He continued: "It's a much sought after honour, it's one that's eluded him, but it will come his way, he just has to be more patient. It's on its way. It's not in the post yet, but it's on its way. His name is on the King's desk!" Now, it's been revealed that Paul was completely right - all he needed was a bit more time. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .