A former royal butler believes that David Beckham will receive a knighthood in the future after he was invited to a state banquet last night by King Charles.
The former footballer and his wife Victoria Beckham were among the 150 guests to attend the three-course banquet at Buckingham Palace for the state visit of the Amir of Qatar.
Since being spotted at the banquet, royal fans have questioned whether the 49-year-old will receive a knighthood, with former royal butler Paul Burrell now confirming it is likely.
Paul, famously known for being a butler and friend to the late Princess Diana, said Beckham “isn’t old enough” to receive a knighthood at the moment but is likely to be bestowed one in the future, especially as a result of his increasing charity work.
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.”
He continued: “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.
“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.”