King Charles III’s Birthday Honours showcase the sports stars who matter to millions

While a knighthood from King Charles for Sir David Beckham has kept everyone talking, the inclusion of the former England football captain on the King’s Birthday Honours List is just one of the reasons this list has shown how important sport is to national life. Alongside Sir David, there is recognition for stars whose own sports have been sometimes looked down.

Sir Billy Boston has been made a knight in the King’s Birthday Honours. Sir Billy, 90, is one of the most famous rugby players of all time but he played Rugby League at a time when it was seen as secondary to the more famous Rugby Union. Sir Billy’s career was unparalleled and also difficult. He was one of the few black players in Britain in either code at the time and suffered racist abuse at times. His example helped overcome that prejudice and his knighthood honours his achievements on and off the field.

While Sir Billy Boston is one of the older recipients on the list, a teenage sports star also makes the Honours. Luke Littler, 18, is made an MBE for his services to sport.

Luke Littler MBE was actually just 17 when he won the World Darts Championship earlier this year. He is the youngest player ever to claim the prestigious title and his rapid ascent to the top of darts has been credited with giving the sport a fresh new image. For years, it’s been looked down on by some as a pub game but it’s a huge spectator event with players relying on skill, talent and practice to reach the very top at championships which attract crowds of tens of thousands to even first round matches.

Football may well be regarded as a national sport but the decision to knight David Beckham has also attracted some snobbery. Sir David, former captain of the England football team, is recognised for his services to sport and to charity. He’s given support to a wide range of organisations for decades and has a philanthropic background comparable to many other names on the list.

However, debate has raged around whether ‘Becks’ should be knighted with some commentators barely able, or willing, to conceal their horror at the idea of his wife being Lady Beckham, even if she is one of the most successful fashion designers Britain has produced in recent years.

Sir David’s knighthood was one of the worst kept secrets of recent weeks. Just hours before it was confirmed, he was seen at Buckingham Palace at a reception for The King’s Foundation which he has supported for several years.

He’ll be back at the Palace, or possibly Windsor Castle, for his formal investiture. Headlines will shout ‘Arise, Sir Becks’ but the reality is that King Charles III’s latest Birthday Honours has recognised a range of people whose achievements have been vital to the social reality of recent years. King Charles has chosen to honour stars whose voices matter to millions.