'My knight in shining armour' - Victoria Beckham pays loved-up tribute to husband 'Sir David' with emotional post after Man Utd & England legend receives knighthood

The artist formerly known as Posh Spice, now officially Lady Victoria Beckham, took to Instagram to congratulate her hubby for his honour. The 51-year-old said Golden Balls had "always been her knight in shining armour" and that she "couldn't be prouder" of the former England captain.

She posted: "You’ve always been my knight in shining armour, but now it’s official. Sir @davidbeckham!!! What an honour, I couldn’t be prouder of you. Your dedication to the things that matter most — your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family — has never wavered. The way you’ve touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us everyday. But above all else, I’m so, so proud to call you mine. I love you so much xxxx."

Beckham has been knighted for his services to sport and charity. The news of his gong had been leaked last week, which potentially jeopardised the announcement, as Buckingham Palace are fiercely protective of the Honours List before its official release.

Beckham joins an exclusive group of British citizens, and Pele, that have been knighted for their services to the game. The list contains legends of the game with which Beckham is already linked: his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and Sir Bobby Charlton. Beckham's middle name, Robert, is a tribute to the World Cup winner, his father's favourite player.

The Beckhams arc from hot young couple, to social pariahs following David's red card at the World Cup 1998, to celebrity royalty and now recognised members of the British elite is complete. It represents something of an end to Beckham's own version of the hero's journey, as he has clearly longed to be knighted for some time.