Three emblematic figures of British culture were ennobled by King Charles III on Saturday, receiving the title of Knight (Sir).
Roger Daltrey, the legendary soloist of The Who. Photo: Facebook
Three prominent personalities in music, film and sport were included in the annual list of royal honors, published on the occasion of the official birthday of King Charles III. This is Roger Daltrey, the legendary soloist of The Who, actor Gary Oldman, a Laureate with the Oscar, and the former captain of England football, David Beckham, who were appointed Knights by King Charles, for the remarkable contributions in their fields of activity and involvement in charity, according to The Guardian.
“It is a dream come true for me.”
Roger Daltrey, 81 years old, received the title of knight for his devotion to humanitarian causes, 25 years old he being the owner of Teenage Cancer Trust, an organization dedicated to supporting young cancer patients. The artist organizes a series of charitable concerts annually at Royal Albert Hall, and this distinction comes as a recognition of the constant efforts made in support of young patients.
“It is a dream come true for me, but it is a dream all the more special as charity means so much to me,” said Roger Daltrey, adding with humor that he will celebrate “with a cheap wine.” The artist stressed that he feels “very honored” to receive this recognition for his activity in the charity and music.
Also, Gary Oldman, 67, was distinguished with the title of knight for his contributions to the theater. The British actor was rewarded with the Oscar prize in 2018 for his role in the movie “Darkest Hour”, in which he played Winston Churchill, one of the most appreciated benefits in his career.
Gary Oldman, an Oscar awarded actor. Photo: Gettyimages
“I would never have imagined that I would receive such an honor.”
The royal list also included David Beckham, 50 years old, former English international and a symbol with a round ball. The title of knight was granted for his sports activity and involvement in humanitarian actions. Beckham wore England’s national shirt in 115 matches and was an international English football ambassador. He is also an ambassador of UNICEF and King’s Foundation Foundation.
King Charles and David Beckham. Photo: WEPB
“I would never have imagined that I would receive such an honor,” said Beckham, visibly excited. “It is a very special moment for me and my family.”
With this distinction, his wife, Victoria Beckham, a former member of the band Spice Girls, will be able to bear the title of “Lady Beckham”, according to the British noble label.
The official ceremony for granting the titles takes place traditionally on New Year’s Day or the official Sovereign Day. This year, the event was scheduled for Saturday, June 14, when the UK marks King Charles III.
Sovereign’s birthday parade
Although King Charles was born on November 14, having two birthdays is a long -term tradition for the Royal Family of Great Britain. For example, Queen Elizabeth II was born in 1926 on April 21, but an “official birthday celebration” usually took place in June, in the form of a parade called Trooping the Color.
The British tradition called “Trooping the Colour” has its origins in 1748. This ceremonial event takes place on Horse Guards in London and is organized by the regiments of the Household division, in order to mark the official birthday of the United Kingdom monarch. The parade is also known as the “Sovereign Birth Parade”.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the initiative belonged to King George II, who, because his real birthday was in November, a cold and capricious time, decided to celebrate it symbolically, at the same time as the annual military parade. Thus, in 1748 it was established that this military ceremony became the festive moment that officially celebrates the British Sovereign Day, regardless of the real date of birth.
This tradition has been taken over by every monarch since then, including King Charles III.
