Prince Harry was reportedly stunned by David Beckham’s alleged actions after inviting the ex-footballer to the Invictus Games

David Beckham and Prince Harry were once close friends (Image: GETTY)

Prince Harry reportedly unleashed a stinging three-word reply to football icon David Beckham after the star showed up to lend his support at the Invictus Games in Australia.

The two celebrities developed a solid rapport that even featured the Beckhams opening their expansive six-bedroom Beverly Hills mansion to Meghan Markle prior to her Royal nuptials. But the bond has waned amid perceived snubs and Beckham’s continued amicable ties with Harry’s estranged relatives.

Now, royal expert Emily Andrews has shared details of a particularly icy encounter back in 2018 during the prestigious Invictus Games in Sydney, an occasion extended by Harry himself.

Highlighting a tense chapter in their friendship, Emily recounted how Beckham had received a personal invitation from Harry, being a distinguished guesst at the couple’s wedding earlier that year, to witness the Invictus Gamesan international sporting event for injured military personnel initiated by Harry in 2014. This was supposed to be a prominent feature of the Sussexes’ inaugural Australian tour.

Yet things took an unexpected turn when upon reaching Sydney, Beckham was met with confusion as he noted Harry seemed to be dodging him. Writing for Woman magazine, Andrews explained a source told her: “Becks was personally invited and duly came, along with sons Cruz and Romeo. When he arrived in Sydney, he asked what Harry’s schedule was so he could attend the same events.”

The Beckhams attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding (Image: Getty Images)

Harry reportedly exclaimed in disbelief: “What the f**k? He should be coming to support the games, not have his pictures taken with me.”

The insider revealed: “When we pointed out that having a picture of them together would be great for Invictus coverage, he then said he never wanted to be in a picture with him. That then meant a ridiculous two-step to try and ensure that they were never pictured together.”

The source detailed an incident at the wheelchair basketball event where Beckham was seated among dignitaries, and Harry and Meghan were supposed to join.

“So a whole area on the other side of the court had to be cleared of spectators and filled with Australian military, so Harry and Meghan could sit there instead,” the informant disclosed. Speculation arose that the Royal ‘snub’ may have been due to the new duchess’s aversion to any limelight shared with Victoria during her first Royal tour.”

It has been rumoured that the Sussexes’ rift with the Beckhams stemmed from Meghan’s suspicion that they were leaking stories to the media.

A source told The Sun in 2020: “Harry was very polite, but obviously it was a pretty awkward exchange and David was mortified. Inexplicably, [Meghan] feared Victoria was behind it – I mean, the idea that Victoria Beckham would be personally ringing journalists to give them a scoop is ridiculous – and spoke to Harry about it.

“Harry is very protective of Meghan, and decided to deal with the matter head-on, by directly contacting his good pal, David. He quickly put Harry right, and the two men agreed to move on – but it certainly made things awkward for a while.”