The soccer legend was praised for joining fellow mourners in the long queue for the Queen lying in state on September 16.
Soccer icon and London native David Beckham was spotted waiting in line for 14 hours to pay his respects to the Queen at her lying-in ceremony during the royal funeral at Westminster Hall. "This day was always going to be difficult, and it's difficult for the nation, it's difficult for everyone around the world, because I think everyone is feeling it, and our thoughts are with the family and obviously with everybody here today," the father-of-four told ITV News, per the Guardian. "Because it's special to be here, to celebrate, and to hear the different stories that people have to say." “I thought by coming at 2am it was going to be a little bit quieter – I was wrong,” he added.
“If my grandparents were alive they would have been here.”
— Georgie (@GeorgieProRadio) September 16, 2022
David Beckham waits 12 hours in the queue to view the Queen’s coffin: pic.twitter.com/2VUXDtUtBj
Victoria Beckham recently told Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on TODAY that the experience "meant so much" to her husband. "David felt very humbled by the experience," the 48-year-old said. "It was something that he really wanted to do. And he is so happy that he did it. He said the experience was something that he struggles to even express. It meant so much to him. He said he met some really amazing people," she said. "He was buying them all doughnuts. He said, 'I met some great, great people,' and he's just so happy he did it."
David Beckham paid his respects to The Queen after waiting 13 hours in the queue - despite being offered the chance to jump ahead by an MP
— KB #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 (@GalwayGirl2505) September 17, 2022
I met David once and he is a super nice guy. No taking advantage of his position. He just waits with others. https://t.co/BJQhQtSgjw
The Beckhams have a strong connection with the royal family and the pair even attended Prince William and Princess Kate's royal wedding in 2011. In 2003, the 47-year-old soccer star was honored with an OBE for his services to the sport. According to the U.K.'s government website, an OBE—Officer of the Order of the British Empire—"is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area."
Queen Elizabeth II died at age 96 at Balmoral Castle on 8 September 2022. Her Majesty holds the title of the longest-reigning monarch in British history after she completed 70 years on the throne.
The former professional soccer player shared a moving tribute via Instagram after the Queen was laid to rest at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England on Monday, September 19. He wrote: Our Queen is home. "Today we said a final farewell to Her Majesty The Queen. This week the world has mourned the loss of a unique, inspirational & caring leader. People from all walks of life came together in their thousands to show gratitude for our beloved Queen. Alongside the incredible ceremony and tradition, we have watched a loving family grieve for a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with dignity and dedication. Her legacy of service and devotion to duty will endure…Long live the King."
References:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/16/david-beckham-joins-queue-to-pay-tribute-to-queen
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Jeff Spicer
