David Beckham ‘believes a knighthood is on the cards’ in the very near future according to a body language expert who analysed the former footballer’s behaviour at his recent visit to Buckingham Palace.
According to body language expert Darren Stanton, Beckham, 49, showed ‘complete elation’ and ‘confidence” as he and his wife Victoria were specially invited along to a state banquet on December 3 at Buckingham Palace where King Charles III hosted the Qatari ruler.
Speaking on behalf of BetFair Casino, Stanton claims the former Manchester United player flashed an expression of ‘duping delight’, hinting that he knows ‘something very positive’ is coming which the rest of the public are not aware of yet.
Stanton branded him as the ‘the man of the moment’ during the reception which was held on Tuesday evening on December 3 for 150 special guests.
Darren noted that Beckham was also wearing his OBE which is not abnormal as it is tradition to wear existing medals when you are in the company of the royals.
However, his delighted expressions suggests something more is going on here as the expert believes the dad-of-four is holding in an ‘internal secret you can’t help but smile about’.
Speaking of his posture and positioning, Darren commented that Beckham appeared to be “front and centre” and appeared very self assured as he made strong eye contact and looked straight forward as he walked.
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community hereand get the latest news sent straight to your messages
Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla also appeared to be in good spirits with Darren commenting that the monarch looked ‘delighted’ to have his wife back by his side after her brief illness and seemed ‘much more relaxed’ than he did during events earlier this week.
He commented: “Camilla looks great. A very genuine smile, clearly feeling herself and back on form. Charles has a big genuine smile, body posture is more relaxed compared to the other day, he was missing Camilla the other day. He doesn’t like attending events without her as she is his rock.”
Despite the jubilance from David, Victoria appears quite ‘nervous’ as the body language guru explains the pair are expressing ‘very different emotions’ during the prestigious event.
Darren noted that the former Spice Girl did not appear as ‘animated’ as her husband as he said: “David is walking in front of Victoria, taking a slight lead. Victoria is held back a bit, they’re holding hands, which is a clear gesture of support towards each other.
“However, Victoria appears quite nervous despite presenting herself in a dutiful way. This is a big event for them both as she turns out to support her husband. She isn’t as animated as David, instead choosing to maintain a fixed composure to help steady her nerves internally. “
Meanwhile, former royal butler Paul Burrell believes that 49-year-old Beckham isn’t ‘old enough’ yet and is also too immersed in a ‘commercial phase’ in a previous interview with Slingo.
Burrell’s comment comes after the former Manchester United player joined Prince William earlier this year to help raise funds for the London Air Ambulance service.
However, the former butler has claimed that Beckham should throw himself into more charitable work and help with the King’s Trust before the monarch names him ‘Sir David’.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Paul Burrell said: “We haven’t seen [David Beckham knighted] yet because A, he’s not old enough and B, he hasn’t earned his stripes yet and C, he’s still in a very commercial world. David Beckham is everywhere.
“He’s sponsoring and commercialising himself. Obviously, this is the end of his career. And once this phase is over the commercial phase and he goes back into charitable work because you’ve seen him with William, you’ve seen him with the King.
“He’s obviously been fast tracked for a knighthood, but not just yet and they’re keeping him just dangling for a while. Because, you know, they’re waiting to see what happens.”
Paul added: “I think he is an excellent ambassador, not only for charitable foundations, but for our country. I think he’s shown his worth, and I’m expecting it. Of course it’s going to happen.
“The question is, when. When will the King finally say it’s time for David to receive his knighthood? I think he has to put some more work into the King’s Trust, and I think he’ll be seen many more times with the King and William before that honour comes his way.
“It’s a much sought after honour, it’s one that’s eluded him, but it will come his way, he just has to be more patient. It’s on its way. It’s not in the post yet, but it’s on its way. His name is on the King’s desk!”
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.