David Beckham Attends Royal Reception At Buckingham Palace

David Beckham joined Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace for a very special reception on Monday. The retired footballer attended an event to celebrate the first winners of the Queen’s Young Leaders program and gave a heartfelt speech about their work. Later in the evening, the 40-year-old sat next to the queen for an official photograph to commemorate the evening.

The retired footballer was given pride of place in the photograph, sitting to the queen’s left. Beckham was joined by the likes of Fearne Cotton, John Bishop, David Walliams, Rob Brydon and Duncan Bannatyne at the star-studded event. Former Prime Minister John Major sat to the right of the monarch, according to Express UK.

Beckham later posted a close-up of the trio on his Instagram account, remembering his grandparents and imagining their reaction to the photo. “WOW my nan and grandad would have been so proud of this picture... Beautiful evening at Buckingham Palace,” Beckham wrote as the caption. The 40-year-old was dapper at the royal reception, wearing a navy-blue suit matched with a crisp, white shirt.

He accessorized with a white pocket square and polka-dot tie. A pair of leather shoes, designer stubble and his trademark quiff completed the former England captain’s slick look. The queen, meanwhile, opted for a light pink dress and jacket, accessorizing with three strands of pearls, matching earrings, a brooch and a pair of white gloves.

The Queen’s Young Leaders program aims to highlight the life-changing work carried out by various young people around the Commonwealth on a daily basis. The award recognizes and celebrates exceptional people aged 18-29. Winners of the prestigious award will receive a unique package of training, mentoring and networking, including a one-week residential program in the U.K. in association with Cambridge University, during which they will collect their award from the monarch.

David is no stranger to the royal family. He has met the monarch on various occasions and received the Order of the British Empire from Buckingham Palace in 2003. He also has mingled with Princes William and Harry and even teamed up with William to promote a wildlife campaign last year.