David Beckham admits his mum Sandra ‘burst into tears’ when he was named a King’s Foundation ambassador

David Beckham admitted his mother Sandra ‘burst into tears’ when he was appointed ambassador of the King’s Foundation.

The former footballer, 49, who has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for 20 years, received the Crystal Award for his continued commitment to improving the lives of young children.

Speaking on stage Monday at the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he recalled when he first became involved with the king’s charity.

David said, “When the king asked me to be part of his foundation, I was very honored. I immediately called my mother.’

He admitted that she “burst into tears” after hearing the news and then praised the king.

‘I have always been a huge royalist, I grew up in a family that adored and loved everything about the royal family.’

David Beckham admitted his mother Sandra ‘burst into tears’ when he was appointed ambassador of the King’s Foundation

The former footballer, 49, who has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for 20 years, received the Crystal Award for his commitment to improving the lives of young children (pictured with his mother Sandra and father Ted in October 2023)

The former footballer, 49, who has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for 20 years, received the Crystal Award for his commitment to improving the lives of young children (pictured with his mother Sandra and father Ted in October 2023)

David continued, “Our king is an incredible man. He hasn’t just been incredible for the last five, 10 years, he’s been an incredible man for decades.

‘We have very similar interests, beekeeping. He likes bees, I like bees. He likes the countryside, I like the countryside. He loves empowering young people, so I’m very honored.”

David looked typically dapper in a striped blue shirt and knitted tie, which he wore to the event with a charcoal double-breasted suit and dress shoes.

The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum brings together entrepreneurs, scientists and leaders from business and politics.

While accepting his award, David gave an impassioned speech about girls’ rights as he took to the stage at the ceremony.

He spoke about “the sad truth” that girls are “held back” by discrimination and said he wanted his own daughter Harper, 13, to have the same opportunities as her brothers.

UNICEF Ambassador David, who also shares sons Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, and 19-year-old Cruz with wife Victoria, was honored at the event for his humanitarian work.

He said: ‘I have always believed in the potential of children, and that when children are given time, opportunity and encouragement, they will reach their full potential.’

Speaking on stage Monday at the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he recalled when he first became involved with the king's charity.

Speaking on stage Monday at the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he recalled when he first became involved with the king’s charity.

David said, “When the king asked me to be part of his foundation, I was very honored. I immediately called my mother.

David said, “When the king asked me to be part of his foundation, I was very honored. I immediately called my mother.” He admitted she “burst into tears” after hearing the news

David continued, “Our king is an incredible man. He's not just been incredible for the last five, 10 years, he's been an incredible man for decades' (pictured together in June 2024)

David continued, “Our king is an incredible man. He’s not just been incredible for the last five, 10 years, he’s been an incredible man for decades’ (pictured together in June 2024)

“Growing up, I benefited from the support of family, coaches and teachers.”

David then urged his fellow attendees to do more for the rights of girls around the world: ‘Girls are held back by poverty, girls are held back by violence, girls are held back by discrimination.’

After expressing his hopes for Harper, David added, “[Girls] need opportunities. They need collective action and investment.”

Before presenting him with his trophy, Hilde Schwab, president of the World Economic Forum, raved about his: “extraordinary leadership and humanitarianism in promoting and protecting the rights of the world’s most vulnerable children.”