David Beckham has paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, on the day the country said goodbye to the UK's longest-ever reigning monarch of 70 years.
Beckham, who received over 100 senior caps for England over the course of his stunning international footballing career, joined the public in queueing to see the Queen lying in state in Westminster.
The former footballer waited for around 12 hours to pay his respects in person, having joining the queue in the early hours of the morning.
Read more: "Makes you proud to be British": People of the North East travel to London for Queen's funeral
The Mirror reports that the Queen's state funeral took place today, with world leaders and foreign monarchs among those in attendance. Beckham, who was awarded an OBE in 2003, also shared a touching tribute early today, in wake of the ceremony itself.
Taking to his official Instagram page to share kind words with his 75million followers, Becks wrote: "Our Queen is home.. Today we said a final farewell to Her Majesty The Queen. This week the world has mourned the loss of a unique , inspirational & caring leader.
"People from all walks of life came together in their thousands to show gratitude for our beloved Queen. Alongside the incredible ceremony and tradition we have watched a loving family grieve for a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother with dignity and dedication.
"Her legacy of service and devotion to duty will endure…Long live the King."
Beckham has earlier spoken about his pride in receiving a coveted OBE, which was given to him for his services to football in June 2003. The very same summer which saw him leave his boyhood club of Manchester United to play on Spanish soil for Real Madrid.
"A special moment I'll always remember is receiving my OBE," the star told ITV.
" I took my grandparents with me, who were the ones who brought me up to be a huge Royalist and a fan of the royal family. To step up, I have my wife there as well, to get my honour and to speak to Her Majesty.
"To ask a question. I was so lucky to have a few moments like that in my life. To be around Her Majesty.
"We can all see the love that is being shown how special she was and the legacy that she leaves behind. It's a sad day but it's a day for us to remember the incredible legacy that she's left."
After the Queen's death was announced on September 9, a number of football figures shared their memories of the monarch. This included those who - like Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry - had the opportunity to meet the Queen during their own careers.
"In an ever-changing world, throughout her reign, her sense of duty, and dedication to keeping the nation united are qualities I had huge respect and admiration for," Wenger said. "The tributes that have been paid by people from all walks of life from around the world, demonstrate how much she meant, to so many. I would like to send my condolences to the Royal Family, and to all those who are in mourning today."
Read next:
- 'It's history': North East mourners travel on the first train to London for the Queen's funeral
- Today's timings for monarch's final journey and funeral services
- Queen's lying in state ends with RAF servicewoman last person to pay respects
- Full Order of Service for Westminster Abbey and St George's Chapel services
- Never before seen image of Queen released
