The real reason why David Beckham didn't get a knighthood in 2013

As you’re probably aware, on Saturday a series of leaked emails appeared to show David Beckham throwing a bit of a tantrum after he wasn’t given a knighthood back in 2013.

However, much to the former footballer’s dismay, singer Katherine Jenkins was honoured.

Now sources have revealed exactly why Beckham missed out on the knighthood at this point in time, admitting that the star was close to getting the accolade and some senior officials even went to “personal lengths” to try and ensure that he got one.

As it happens, an insider from the secret Whitehall honours committee has shared that Beckham was given a “red flag” by HM Revenue and Customs for his tax affairs back in 2013, telling The Mirror that even though no laws had been broken, a warning from HMRC was enough for him to miss out on a knighthood.

The source told the publication: “For anybody who is being considered for an honour, we got advice on the reputational risk on relation to their tax affairs.

“It is ranked red, amber and green. And if it is red, the general rule is you do not give them an honour.”

The source went on to reveal that David had been recommended for a knighthood in November 2013 by Olympics chief Lord Coe for his service to the England football team, tireless charity work and his role in the 2012 London Olympics.

The insider shared: “[Beckham’s] agent was aware of the issue holding it up. But you have got to have rules.

“And the general view of the committee was that people in the ‘red’ category do not get an honour.”

They insist that they attempted to resolve the issue privately with David’s camp because they felt the father-of-four “deserved an honour” but were unfortunately unable to do so.

Beckham hasn’t publicly commented on the leaked emails but his spokesperson insists that the messages were “doctored”.