David Beckham paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the day the country said goodbye to the monarch after a 70-year reign.
Beckham, who won more than 100 senior caps over the course of his international career, joined the public in the queue to see the Queen lying-in-state in Westminster. The ex-footballer waited around 12 hours to pay his respects, having started queuing in the early hours of the morning.
The Queen's state funeral took place on Monday, with world leaders among those in attendance. And Beckham, who was awarded an OBE in 2003, has shared a tribute on the day of the event.
"Our Queen is home.. Today we said a final farewell to Her Majesty The Queen," Beckham wrote on Instagram.
"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 had earlier spoken about his pride in receiving his OBE. The award was handed out for his services to football in June 2003, the same summer which saw him leave boyhood club Manchester United for Real Madrid.
"A special moment I'll always remember is receiving my OBE," the former LA Galaxy 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."
