Luke Littler and darts rival get MBEs as Beckham knighted in King's Birthday Honours - Daily Star

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Darts teenage sensation Luke Littler will receive an MBE alongside World Cup of Darts team-mate Luke Humphries in the King's Birthday Honours List as David Beckham knighted

King Charles' Birthday Honours List sees darts stars Luke Littler and Luke Humphries to receive MBE, while David Beckham earns a knighthood.

The two Lukes have transcended darts over the past two years with their dominance of the sport creating one of the great sporting rivalries. But there's incredible respect between the two players, and they're both set to be rewarded for their services to darts.

Littler became the youngest world champion at the age of 17 earlier this year with his success at Ally Pally, while world No.1 Humphries got the better of the Warrington sensation in the Premier League Darts final last month.

Both players will take to the stage in Blackpool next month for the World Matchplay, with an £800,000 winners' jackpot up for the grabs.

Humphries lifted the title last year, but they could both become world champions this weekend by winning the World Cup of Darts.

Elsewhere, David Beckham will be knighted for his services to sport and charity. The former England captain is currently an OBE and an official ambassador for the King's Foundation. Beckham has also been a UNICEF special ambassador for 20 years.

Rugby league legend Billy Boston is also set for a knighthood. The 90-year-old will be rewarded for his services to rugby league. He was a member of the 1960 World Cup winning Great Britain team.

Virginia Wade will be made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to tennis and charity - the only sports icon to receive the honour in the latest list.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs) will be awarded to Alistair Brownlee for services to triathlon and charity, Deta Hedman for services to darts and charity, Devon Malcolm for services to cricket and diversity in cricket.

North Amateur Football League chair Terry Pateman, will also receive an OBE for services to grassroots sport and community relations. Frank Rothwell, the owner of Oldham Athletic and fundraiser for Alzheimer's Research UK, for charitable services to dementia research.

Also in line for an OBE is Charlton Athletic's commercial manager, Steve Sutherland, for services to sport. And retired British Paralympian swimmer and nine-time Paralympic gold medal winner, Monica Vaughan, for services to sport.

While Neil Booth, Maureen Clark, Jill Coulter-Sloan, Rachel Daly, Steven Davies, Marcel De Matas, Michael Dunlop, Bryan Henderson, Freddie Hudson, Trish Johnson, Natasha Jones, Julius Joseph, Lucy Katan, Saffron Lane, Andy Lapthorne, David Lawrence, Christine Pascall, Sanjay Patel, Sheelagh Redpath, Christine Still and Rod Thorpe, will receive Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs).