It’s been a week of milestones for David Beckham — and he wasn’t about to miss the chance to honor a royal friend. The Prince of Wales celebrated his 43rd birthday on June 21, receiving warm wishes from many well-wishers. Among them was former England captain David Beckham, 50, who shared a special tribute for his longtime pal.

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The soccer icon shared a pair of throwback photos to celebrate Prince William’s 43rd birthday, just days after receiving a knighthood nomination of his own.

Beckham’s Birthday Tribute to Prince William

“Happy Birthday Prince William x,” David wrote on his Instagram Stories, posting a photo of the two from 2010, taken during the World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge launches the ‘United for Wildlife’ Campaign with David Beckham at Google Town Hall on June 9, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

He followed it with another throwback — this time of himself and Prince William shaking hands at the EE BAFTA Film Awards in February 2024. He accompanied the photograph with a birthday message, a red heart emoji, and a British flag sticker.

Beckham’s Knighthood Honor from King Charles

Beckham’s birthday wishes for the Prince come just days after another significant milestone — his knighthood.

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On June 13, King Charles announced that Beckham would be named a knight, honoring his legendary sports career and contributions to British society. The investiture ceremony will take place at a later date.

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The honor arrives 22 years after Beckham was first appointed an OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth in 2003. It also follows Beckham’s recent appointment as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation in 2024.

A Family Moment to Celebrate

Following the announcement of his knighthood, Beckham celebrated with his mother, sharing a special lunch moment on Instagram.

Posting a selfie from their visit to Tony’s Pie and Mash in London on June 16, he wrote: “Mum cried when she arrived, cried during lunch and cried when I was leaving x special moment for us all ❤️.”

Victoria Beckham’s Sweet Tribute to Her “Knight”

Victoria Beckham also posted her emotional tribute following the news, calling her husband “my knight in shining armor.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of you,” she wrote on Instagram. “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 every day.”

“But above all else, I’m so, so proud to call you mine,” she added. “I love you so much xxxx.”

The couple shares four children — sons Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and daughter Harper, 13.

William’s Birthday Tributes from Family

Beckham wasn’t the only one to celebrate Prince William’s big day this weekend.

Kate Middleton posted her birthday wishes on Instagram — a photo of Prince William surrounded by their family’s puppies.

The message was signed by her and their children, Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7).

“Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla, and the puppies! 🐾,” the Princess of Wales captioned the shot.

King Charles also shared a birthday tribute to his elder son on the royal family’s Instagram Stories: “Happy birthday to the Prince of Wales!” he wrote, along with a photo of William sitting in a field.

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