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The Duke of Sussex said he is “honoured” that acclaimed artists have contributed their work to a fundraising auction supporting his Sentebale charity.

The auction, hosted by Sotheby’s, features works including a wooden mask made by Yinka Shonibare, a painting by Nelson Makamo and portraits shot by Camila Falquez.

Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho co-founded Sentebale in 2006 as a response to the needs of children and young people living in the southern African nation.

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Yinka Shonibare CBE, Hybrid Mask (Punu) III. PA/Photo provided by Sentebale charity.

Proceeds from the audition will go towards the charity’s work including supporting the care of young people living with HIV, Aids and mental health issues, and training related to career development, entrepreneurship and education.

The charity has since expanded its operations to include Botswana.

In his 2022 Netflix documentary, Harry spoke about his love for southern Africa and how his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, inspired his charitable work there.

Of his work in Africa, the duke told the documentary: “I was 18 years old and I wanted to go and somehow carry my Mum’s torch and try to keep her legacy alive and try to make her proud.”

The charity’s name, Sentebale, means forget-me-not in the Sesotho language of Lesotho and represents a pledge to remember and help vulnerable children.

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A portrait of Arewa Basit, shot by Camila Falquez is being offered as part of the the benefit auction. PA/Photo provided by Sentebale

In a joint statement, the duke and Prince Seeiso said: “At the intersection of this incredible roster of artists is a reminder of the resilience, identity, and power we strive to instil in those we serve, echoing the very essence of ‘forget-me-not’, which Sentebale means in Sesotho.

“We are so honoured that these artists are contributing their work in support of ours, as we engage with children, young people and their communities in Lesotho and Botswana in forging sustainable solutions for a brighter, more inclusive future.”

The charity’s first benefit auction is online until 7pm BST on April 25 at sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/sentebale-benefit-auction-hosted-by-sothebys.

She’s been his mother-in-law for 13 years – and over the decades, Carole Middleton has become become not only family but a close friend the Prince of Wales can ‘confide’ in.

Recently, the pair were reportedly spotted at a ‘low key’ pub outing in Norfolk, as the Princess of Wales was thought to have stayed at home.

It is understood that Kate’s mother was staying with her and William, 41, in Norfolk over Easter – while her daughter is being treated for cancer.

It’s no wonder that William and ‘second mum’ Carole, 69, have over the years formed a bond. One expert in past has also remarked how she has taught her son-in-law ‘how a loving and supportive family works’.

She has provided a ‘real sense of normality amid any chaos’ for the Prince since he married Kate in 2011, royal biographer Angela Levin told The Sun in 2021.

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She’s been his mother-in-law for 13 years – and over the decades, Carole Middleton has become become not only family but a close friend the Prince of Wales can ‘confide’ in. Pictured, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla and Carole Middleton on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s wedding day

‘[Carole] made him feel secure, comfortable and protected and he didn’t have to worry about what he said or be responsible for her emotions,’ she claimed.

Carole has also been on hand as a supportive, and very involved grandmother to William and Kate’s children.

Speaking to PEOPLE, one palace insider also said that Carole and her husband, who only need to take a short drive from Bucklebury, Berkshire to Windsor, are already ‘an enduring factor in the upbringing of their grandchildren’.

In an interview Good Housekeeping, Carole – who has seven grandchildren in total – has remarked that she wants to ‘run down the hills, climb the trees and go through the tunnel at the playground’.

‘As long as I am able to, that’s what I’ll be doing,’ she revealed. ‘I cook with them, I muck around dancing, we go on bike rides.’

And the Prince has also found someone he can trust and talk to in his mother-in-law.

Speaking to OK in 2022, royal expert Rachael Andrews said that with Carole and Michael, William has two people to confide in ‘who are removed from the monarchy’.

According to the outlet, William has even been known to help out at their Berkshire home by washing the car with his father-in-law. He and Kate, 42, are also said to have stayed there when George was first born.

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It’s no wonder that William and ‘second mum’ Carole, 69, have over the years formed a bond. Kate and Carole in 2017

The Prince is also close with his wife’s parents because of their united commitment to Kate’s happiness and safety.

As reported by Mirror, author Jennie Bond earlier this year told OK that ‘attacks’ from Omid Scobie’s Endgame left William feeling ‘guilty and angry because he promised Kate’s parents that he would protect and look after her’.

‘The attacks from Omid Scobie were vicious, so William will feel guilty because all she’s done is fall in love with someone who happened to be a future king,’ she said.

‘There’s obviously a lot of baggage that comes with this – it’s a unique and different life which you’ve got to have a very thick skin for.’

William also found a mother figure in Carole, with him and Kate relying on her support after his brother Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the UK, a source told The Sun in 2020.

They said: ‘William’s in-laws have become like second parents and Carole is almost a Diana-Type mum.’

The insider added that William and Kate visited Berkshire ‘quite a few’ times following the Sussexes departure.

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The Prince is also close with his wife’s parents because of their united commitment to Kate’s happiness and safety. Carole and Michael in 2022

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Recently, the pair were reportedly spotted at a ‘low key’ pub outing in Norfolk, as the Princess of Wales was thought to have stayed at home. William in 2020

The Prince and Princess of Wales are also sure to be relying on their in-laws as Kate – who recently opened up about being diagnosed with cancer – undergoes treatment.

She is likely to have been doted on by her caring parents after leaving the hospital following a surgery in January.

A few weeks after, Kate’s mother was snapped at the wheel of a car driving her daughter – who was pictured for the first time in two months since January – around Windsor Castle.

And the doting parent is at her daughter’s side as she focuses on her health.

Speaking to The Independent last month, a source close to the Middletons said: ‘Carole has been the driving force keeping the family together with minimum fuss and maximum modesty.

‘She’s ferried and fetched George, Louis and Charlotte, taken them to school sports matches and given them endless support. She’s been a real Mary Poppins-like figure.

‘She’s come to the rescue, provided reassurance, and has been a rock to Catherine and William as they come to terms with the news.’

It comes as William has allegedly been spotted on a ‘low key’ pub outing in Norfolk with his mother-in-law, as his wife apparently stayed at home.

‘A patron tells me: “It was all very low-key, with no great fanfare. He just walked in and through the pub. He appeared to be with Carole Middleton,”‘ The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden wrote in today’s newspaper.

‘There was no sign of Catherine, who is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.’

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Carole has also been on hand as a supportive, and very involved grandmother to William and Kate’s children. Pictured, Princess Charlotte’s Christening in 2015

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The Prince and Princess of Wales are also sure to be relying on their in-laws as Kate – who recently opened up about being diagnosed with cancer – undergoes treatment. The Middletons pictured on William and Kate’s wedding day

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Kate is known to be close with her mother. Pictured with Carole in London as they shop years ago

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Carole has had a hands-on approach with her children. Pictured with Kate as the pair enjoy a stroll in 2006

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Pictured: William and Kate with George and Charlotte, followed by Carole, James and Michael Middleton in 2016

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King Charles, Queen Camilla and Kate’s parents pictured smiling at William and Kate with George in 2015

Carole has reportedly been supporting her daughter through her recovery at her home in Windsor, with the Princess retiring from royal duties until cleared to return by her medical team.

The Prince broke his social media silence following the tragic news of his wife’s cancer diagnosis only on Wednesday, paying tribute to England Lioness Rachel Daly after she announced her retirement.

daIn a statement shared on the Instagram account ran by the Prince and Princess of Wales, he said: ‘Thank you for so many unforgettable performances with Lioneses, Rachel Daly’.

‘Plenty more goals for Villa now,’ he quipped, with Rachel now focused exclusively on her role as Aston Villa number 9.

The family have kept a low profile in recent weeks as the Princess of Wales takes time to recover amid rounds of ‘preventative’ chemotherapy to stop the disease.

Prince William, who has not been seen publicly since his wife’s announcement, is not expected to pick back up his public duties until his children return to school after the holidays.

In an emotional video message at the end of March announcing the news, the Princess said it had been an ‘incredibly tough couple of months’ for her family but she was ‘well and getting stronger every day’.

She added: ‘My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.’

She’s reportedly the highest-paid divorce lawyer in the UK, once nicknamed the ‘steel magnolia’ – a combination of feminine demeanour and unbreakable will.

With an impressive list of celebrity clients to her name, including  Prince Charles, Paul McCartney, Stephen Hawking and Liam Gallagher, Baroness Fiona Shackleton, 67, has returned to the spotlight, reportedly advising Australian actress Isla Fisher in her separation from husband Sacha Baron Cohen.

Yet even today, it is her royal clients with whom she is most closely associated –  most notably King Charles when he was negotiating his messy divorce from Diana in 1996.

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Charles and Diana during a photo-call on the Balmoral Estate before their wedding in 1981

The process was understandably hard for both parties, but particularly for Diana, according to royal biographer Ingrid Seward.

In December 1992, Prime Minister John Major read a statement from Buckingham Palace in the House of Commons, stating that Charles and Diana would be separating.

‘This decision has been reached amicably and they will both continue to participate fully in the upbringing of their children,’ the statement said.

The palace claimed that no third party was involved, despite constant reports of marital scandals in the media.

By the beginning of 1996, however, things were getting nasty.

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Baroness Fiona Shackleton is a divorce specialist. Her most notable clients were King Charles in 1996 and Prince Andrew in 1996

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Charles and Fiona Shackleton appear in high spirits while attending an exhibition in London, 2000

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Prince William and Prince Harry both continue to use Shackleton as their Personal Solicitor

The royal solicitor who started as a chef…

Fiona Shackleton was born to Jonathan Charkham, an economist and adviser to The Bank of England, and Moira Elizabeth Frances Salmon, in 1956.

She was educated at Benenden School in Kent, before studying law at Exeter University.

Shackleton qualified as a solicitor in 1980.

Before embarking on a legal career, she trained as a chef and worked as an executive caterer.

In 1984, she joined Farrar & Co, the firm that advises the Royal Family.

Within three years, she was promoted to the position of partner.

Recognised for advising Prince Andrew and Prince Charles during their divorces, Shackleton subsequently represented Paul McCartney in his divorce proceedings with Heather Mills.

Fiona and her husband Ian attend the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle

In a courtroom altercation in 2008, Heather Mills famously doused the lawyer with a jug full of water.

Currently, Fiona Shackleton is a partner at Payne Hicks Beach, specialising in family and private client work, a role she assumed in 2001.

Royal author Ingrid Seward says:

‘What Diana was really concerned about was losing her influence over her boys. So the whole thing was very, very delicate,’ the royal biographer said.

‘Diana blamed everything on Charles – and Charles kept blaming Fiona Shackleton, presumably on her advice.’

The couple came to an agreement in July 1996 and their divorce was publicly announced in August that year.

The same month, Queen Elizabeth II issued Letters Patent, declaring that any woman divorced from a prince would no longer hold the title ‘Royal Highness’.

Diana was subsequently styled ‘Diana, Princess of Wales’.

Fiona Shackleton negotiated a £17 million settlement for Diana and the Princess agreed to cover the legal costs of her divorce.

It was also agreed that Diana would see William and Harry every five weekends.

Her successful handling of the case earned Shackleton praise and Charles continued to utilise her services until 2005.

‘The terms of the divorce were severe,’ says Seward, whose new book, My Mother and I, based on the relationship between King Charles and his late mother, is published by Simon and Schuster.

‘If Diana wanted to leave the country on anything that could be described as official business, she had to get special permission.

‘Her movements were restricted and she wasn’t allowed to take an ordinary job to earn money.’

Shackleton also represented Prince Andrew during his divorce from Sarah, Duchess of York that same year.

Andrew paid out £3 million in a divorce settlement in May 1996.

Shackleton attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 with her husband, fellow Exeter alumnus, Ian Shackleton.

In 2010, the Queen made Shackleton a life peer, giving her the title, Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia.

She sits as a Conservative member in the House of Lords.

While the royal family are known to keep a stiff upper lip, rarely showing affection to one another in public.

But the strict rules of royals protocol seemed to be relaxed at the polo, where royals let their hair down.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are the latest royal couple to kiss in front of crowds.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, planted a kiss on her husband in Miami on Friday, after he won the Royal Salute Polo Challenge.

While the California-branch of the Windsors are decidedly more relaxed than their British counterparts, it seems the polo is certainly a time where protocol is relaxed for over the top displays of affection.

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The Duchess of Sussex presents the trophy to her husband, the Duke of Sussex after his team the Royal Salute Sentebale Team

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Harry’s teammates gamely stood by as the couple enjoyed their smooch

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Meghan pulled her husband into a warm embrace as he stared down at his prize

Many royal fans will be reminded of a very awkward kiss between the now King Charles and Princess Diana in 1985, although Harry and Meghan’s display is decidedly less awkward.

Speaking to Femail, body language expert Judi James said: ‘Their kiss is such a historic royal PDA and there are always memories of the fatal rupture in Charles and Diana’s marriage being illustrated by their own polo kisses over the years from shy and giggly to the moment Diana turned her head and a pained-looking Charles was left pressing his lips against her hair.

‘Harry and Meghan’s kiss here is a very mirrored, “book end” style PDA though, with both facing inward and both sets of hands on the cup.

‘It might be lacking the “get a room” passion of their kiss in 2018 but the love and affection are still obvious as Harry leans in to plant a smiling kiss on his wife’s lips.

‘Both sets of cheeks are rounded and raised here and their lips are pursed to signal a sense of fun and shared good humour.

‘It’s a very sweet kiss but the pleasure is still obvious on both sides, while Meghan’s towering heels do at least allow her to kiss at the same level here, creating a look of symmetry and equality.

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The Sussexes looked very much in love as they marked Harry’s triumphant victory

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are the latest royal couple to kiss in front of crowds

The Prince and Princess of Wales have also showed off their romance at the polo, embracing last year at the Guards Polo Club.

Prince Harry and Meghan also enjoy a PDA. Last May, in an intimate moment that was a far cry from Charles and Diana’s tense public interactions.

The Duchess of Sussex again planted a kiss on her husband as she presented his team with a trophy at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, near their mansion in Montecito, California .

Meghan, who was dressed in a wide brim hat, polka dot blouse and high-waisted trousers, placed her hands either side of her husband’s face, while he pulled her close with a hand on her back.

The tender clinch, captured on camera for all the world to see, is part of a tradition of polo-playing princes being ‘rewarded’ for their efforts with a post-match kiss.

 

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Princess Kate embraced Prince William in a sweet hug kiss at Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2023 today

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William and Kate also embraced last year at the Guards Polo Club

Prince Charles and Diana were captured locking lips on a number of occasions, although their PDA was far chillier than the Sussexes’ romantic moments.

In 1985, just a few months after the birth of Prince Harry, the couple shared an awkward and distant kiss following Charles’ polo victory.

The breakdown of their marriage was revealed to the world when Diana swerved her head at the moment of kiss in India in 1992, leaving her husband’s painfully pursed lips making contact with the side of her hair.

The couple also looked tense on a number of other occasions, with Diana looking glum as Charles showed off his sporting prowess on the pitch.

It is a world apart from Harry and Meghan who couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

After giving each of Harry’s teammates a peck on the cheek, she planted a kiss on Harry’s lips while he put a hand on her back to pull her close.

As a gust of wind threatened to pull her hat from her head, Meghan placed a hand gently on Harry’s arm, before spotting her lipstick smudge and wiping his face.

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A kiss for the crowd! The Duke and Duchess shared a kiss on stage after Los Padres won the memorial cup

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Tense: The affectionate display was a world away from the tense and distant peck Charles and Diana shared following his polo victory in 1985, just four years after their wedding

Yesterday, the Duchess, 42, was seen presenting her husband with a trophy at the end of the match-up, before the pair puckered up for a kiss in front waiting photographers – while a Netflix camera crew captured every moment of the action for the Duke’s upcoming series about the elitist sport.

Images showed a delightful – but slightly tired-looking – Harry celebrating with his teammates after the dynamic polo match, applauding his opponents before stepping up to accept his prize from his glamorous wife.

The Duke of Sussex was beaming from ear-to-ear as his wife prepared to present him with the award, before the pair posed up with his teammates to celebrate their victory in the match, which saw Harry going head-to-head against his longtime pal Nacho Figueras.

Meghan, who was joined at the event by her close friend Serena Williams, put on a sensationally stylish display as she and Harry arrived hand-in-hand at a glitzy charity polo match in Palm Beach, Miami, with a camera crew in tow as they prepared to start filming for their next Netflix special.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, embraced the beaming sunshine in an elegant white dress, which featured a pleated skirt design, halterneck top, and a cut-out at the waist, completing her look with glamorous sunglasses, and a chain-strap shoulder bag.

She dared to risk potential disaster by sporting a pair of towering heels on the grassy terrain, but seemed to suffer no issue as she and Harry made their way across the field, while surrounded by burly security guards.

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Distant: Polo-playing princes typically receive a kiss from their beloved as a ‘reward’ and it’s a chance for the public to see some PDA. But Prince Charles and Princess Diana looked serious at a polo match at Windsor in 1983

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On the rocks: The breakdown of their marriage was almost confirmed to the world when Diana swerved her head at the moment of kiss in India in 1992, leaving her husband’s painfully pursed lips making contact with the side of her hair, pictured

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William and Kate looked incredibly loved up today as they kissed

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A quiet word: Prince Charles and Princess Diana looked serious at the polo at Smith’s Lawn Polo Club in 1985, proving royal PDA at the polo is not a given

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Royal kiss: Prince Charles held Diana close as they shared a kiss at the polo in Cirencester in 1985

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Loved-up: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no strangers to polo PDA – and shared this amorous kiss at the Berkshire Polo Club in July 2018, just months after their wedding

Meanwhile Harry opted for a pair of cream trousers, a pale grey jacket, and a crisp blue shirt, while donning some slip-on tan shoes – before changing into his team uniform and taking to the field for the match.

The couple were then seen striding out onto the field while surrounded by a crew of cameramen who captured their every move as they chatted with Harry’s teammates.

Harry and Meghan pulled up at the swish venue at around 4:30pm local time, with a film crew in tow shooting their every move.

The cameras continued to roll as they hopped out of their white SUV with Harry’s Argentine polo player pal Nacho and were led to the clubhouse by excited staff as the Duke prepared to go head-to-head in the charity match against the Argentine star.

The dapper Duke appeared moments later on a terrace where he was seen chatting with guests and posing for group photos.

‘He looked the quintessential networker – shaking hands, smiling for photos. He looked in his element,’ one onlooker said.

While Harry took to the field, Meghan was kept company by her former tennis pro pal Serena, who was seen sipping on a glass of champagne as they mingled with their fellow guests and friends.

At one point, Serena and Harry enjoyed a warm hug as the Prince checked in on the action away from the match, embracing like old friends – having grown close in the years since the Duke and Duchess began dating.

Why are the royals just so awkward at polo? From Charles and Diana’s ‘distant’ pecks to Meghan squishing on to the winners’ stage – and THAT tense ‘mum’s day out’ with Kate

It’s an occasion that often offers rare moments of tenderness, playfulness and even PDA between royal couples – but days out at the polo can also result in plenty of awkward situations.

While the British Royal Family mostly keep a stiff upper lip, the matches appear to be a time when they can let their hair down.

But from cringeworthy kisses to Meghan Markle and the Princess of Wales’ tense outing in 2019, the day doesn’t always go to plan.

For instance, in May 2022, the Duchess of Sussex ended up being squashed between Prince Harry and one of his teenage teammates as they struggled to lift the heavy winning trophy over her head for a photo.

Here, FEMAIL takes a look back at the awkward moments experienced by the royals throughout polo matches…

Diana turned away as Charles leant in to kiss her

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Diana turned away as Charles leant in to kiss her on the cheek at a prize-giving ceremony following a polo match in Jaipur, India in 1992, pictured

The breakdown of Diana and Charles’ marriage was almost confirmed to the world when the princess swerved her head at the moment of a kiss in India in 1992, leaving her husband’s painfully pursed lips making contact with the side of her hair.

Princess Diana turned away as Charles, then the Prince of Wales, leaned in to kiss her on the cheek at the prize-giving ceremony following the polo match in Jaipur.

Body language expert Judi James previously said of the kiss: ‘Charles and Diana looked as though they had no relationship or even connection between them in private.

‘The kiss was clumsy and awkward with no suggestion of a normally-tactile relationship or even chemistry together. There is no synchronicity here.

‘Diana leans forward but also away from her husband and their clutches look misplaced and lacking in any affection.

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Charles and Diana also shared a tense and distant peck following his polo victory in 1985, just four years after their wedding

‘Diana has deflected the kiss by turning her head away. This rejection means Charles is left to plant his kiss on her hair instead of her cheek.

‘His splayed fingers on her back showed a lack of desire for any form of touch and his ugly grimace as he miss-kisses looks miserable.’

Meanwhile, in 1985, just a few months after the birth of Prince Harry, the couple shared an awkward and distant kiss following Charles’ polo victory.

The couple also looked tense on a number of other occasions, with Diana looking glum as Charles showed off his sporting prowess on the pitch.

Awkward ‘mum’s day out’ between Kate and Meghan

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Kate made an awkward joint appearance alongside Meghan to watch William and Harry play in 2019 (pictured)

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During the appearance, which took place months before Megxit, Kate and Meghan were barely seen interacting – though Prince Louis made the women laugh at one point

Ever the supportive wife, Kate can often be found cheering Prince William on as he takes to the polo field.

She stepped out to support her husband at a charity match back in 2019, when the royal mother-of-three was joined by Meghan to watch William and Harry play together on a ‘mum’s day out’.

At the time, relations were said to be fraught between the princes’ wives and the appearance is now believed to have been an effort to put on a united front after months of disagreements between the two couples – including a row over bridesmaid dresses and reported tension over Meghan’s behaviour towards staff.

The Duchess and the Princess put in a surprise appearance to watch Prince William and Prince Harry go head-to-head in the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day, held in honour of late Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha on July 10 2019.

It marked the first time the Sussexes and the-then Cambridges had been seen together as families since Archie’s birth.

It was also a rare joint appearance for Meghan and Kate, who were typically only seen together at official engagements attended by the entire royal family, such as Trooping the Colour.

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Going head to head: William, left, and Harry, right, played on opposite teams for the charity polo match in Surrey

2019: Meghan and Kate watch Harry and William play polo in Berkshire

At the time, there had been months of rumours of a rift between the two couples – and according to the authors of Finding Freedom, the stand-offish episode at the charity polo match was a snapshot of Meghan and Kate’s ‘cordial but distant rapport.’

Their relationship had reportedly struggled to move past the distant politeness of when they first met, according to the explosive biography.

‘While the doting mothers were photographed next to each other with their children, the two appeared to barely exchange a word,’ the authors penned.

In photographs from the event, Meghan, standing at a distance from Kate and her family, cradled her newborn son and planted a tender kiss on his head.

Meanwhile the Princess spent much of the match keeping her three children, who were racing around the pitch and chasing after a football, entertained.

Despite standing close to each other for part of the match, the women appeared to barely interact.

In one moment, which appeared to break the ice between the two, the women shared a giggle as then-one-year-old Louis donned his mother’s sunglasses before turning back to his aunt to cheekily stick out his tongue.

Duchess of Sussex stuck in the middle

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Stuck in the middle: Meghan Markle was on hand to present Prince Harry and his team with a trophy after they won an event at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. But the moment had not been rehearsed and Meghan ended up being squashed between Harry and one of his teenage teammates as they struggled to lift the heavy cup over her head

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Ready for the camera! After a few seconds in the shadows at the back of the stage, Meghan stepped to the front of the stage for her moment in the spotlight (pictured)

The Duchess of Sussex was caught in an awkward moment as she joined Prince Harry on stage at a polo event in May 2022.

Meghan Markle was on hand to present Prince Harry and his team, Los Padres, with a trophy after they won an event at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

But the prize-giving had clearly not been rehearsed and Meghan ended up being squashed between Harry and one of his teenage teammates as they struggled to lift the heavy cup over her head for a photo.

After a few seconds in the shadows at the back of the stage, Meghan stepped to the front of the stage for her moment in the spotlight.

Footage of the encounter was shared online by a social media user who noted it looked like they ‘didn’t know where to put her’ and then ended up ‘blocking her with the trophy’.

Harry’s team, which is captained by his friend Nacho Figueras, dubbed the ‘David Beckham of polo’, took home the Lisle Nixon Memorial trophy at the star-studded event, which was open to the public and attracted stars including Rebel Wilson and Meghan’s actress BFF Abigail Spencer.

Meghan, who wore a black wide brim hat, polka dot blouse and £670 high-rise pleated shorts, was on hand to present the prize and pecked each team member on the cheek – before planting a kiss on her husband’s mouth.

Realising some of her lipstick had rubbed off, she took her finger and gave Harry’s lips a wipe in an intimate moment watched by the crowd of spectators.

As seen in the clip, Meghan then maneuvered herself to the middle of the stage, ready for the trophy photo.

Harry appeared to be telling his younger teammates, who are both 16, how the moment should unfold when captain Nacho Figueras, a longtime friend of the Sussexes, reached in and lifted the trophy above his head and passed it to Harry.

The prince then told his young teammates to ‘hold it’.

But the commotion meant Meghan was pushed to the back of the stage. The mother-of-two clapped in the shadows before stepping forward again into the spotlight, pushing underneath Prince Harry’s arms.

William’s VERY awkward pecks on the cheek for Kate

Bravo Will! Kate congratulates William on win with a peck on cheeks

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Formal: While the Princess of Wales, 41, frequently offers a ‘love pat’ to William when they’re out at official engagements, the Prince struggled to look quite so at ease with PDAs at the polo in Windsor in July – resulting in an awkward clinch

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As the polo crowd looked on, William appeared to go for a controlled air kiss, rather than a public smooch…right: William plants a kiss on his wife’s right cheek

Judging by an awkward kiss at the polo in July 2023, it seems Prince William isn’t quite so comfortable with overt PDAs as his wife the Princess of Wales, says a leading body language expert.

Kate, 41, watched the Prince of Wales, also 41, play in the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2023 at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor – and the couple partook in a rather formal embrace after the match had finished.

As the Princess of Wales strolled over to congratulate her husband on his performance, with others looking on, he offered the kind of greeting you might give a business acquaintance – an awkward peck on both cheeks.

The Prince clutched his wife firmly on both shoulders and planted the robust kisses on each cheek.

Body language expert Judi James told MailOnline: ‘Kate looks so much more comfortable greeting her husband with an air kiss here but, despite approaching the ritual looking emotionally needy, hunching his shoulders, leaning forward and performing an embrace announcement gesture to register his delight, he keeps things more formal once he docks in.’

James said that while it’s clear ‘the couple are increasingly less reserved about their PDAs recently, this moment shows William can still be rather self-conscious about them.’

And it may be that gender roles are at play, says the expert.

‘There are three quite practical reasons for his reservations here, firstly the air kiss is a difficult ritual that often mystifies men, then there is the macho spirit of polo, where PDAs with wives are less common, and lastly he must be sadly aware of his father’s iconic but telling miss-kisses with his mother at similar events, putting pressure on him to get it right.’

Kate had offered a supportive pat on William’s lower back earlier in the day, something she’s been seen performing a number of times in the past few months. She playfully tapped him on the behind during their day at the Royal Ascot, and sent royal fans wild when she performed the same gesture on the red carpet at the BAFTAs in February.

British actress Hannah Waddingham‘s career success seems to have no limits at the moment – and she is now even set to become a godmother to a Princess ship.

After hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK last year, 49-year-old Waddingham’s name seems to be everywhere.

And she has now been given an honour usually reserved for the most high-profile of famous faces, and one often given to senior members of the Royal Family.

The Ted Lasso actress has been named Godmother of Princess Cruise Line’s ‘Love Boat’ Sun Princess ship, according to People Magazine.

The title means Waddingham follows in the steps of Kate Middleton, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II – who have all been ‘godparents’ to cruise ships.

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British actress Hannah Waddingham’s career success seems to have no limits at the moment – and she is now even set to become a godmother to a Princess ship

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The Ted Lasso actress has been named Godmother of Princess Cruise Line’s ‘Love Boat’ Sun Princess ship

But the honour is only the latest example of Waddingham’s seemingly growing connections to the royal family as her career reaches new heights of success.

As she cements her place as the nation’s sweetheart, so her association with the royal family has grown.

From hosting the Earthshot Prize alongside Prince William to entertaining both King Charles and Kate , Hannah appears to be the royals’ new favourite celebrity.

Here, FEMAIL takes a look at all the times the former Game Of Thrones star appeared to be a favourite with the royals, winning them over with her charisma and talent.

Following in the footsteps of royalty as a cruise ship godmother

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Kate (pictured in 2021) became godmother to Princess Cruises’ first royal-class ship, Royal Princess in 2013

It was revealed earlier this week that Waddingham is the latest star to be dubbed the ‘godmother’ of a cruise ship.

Hannah told PEOPLE magazine: ‘I couldn’t believe I have been asked to be a ship Godmother, having grown up around boats all my life and my grandfather was in the Atlantic Convoy in the Navy.

‘To be asked to be a part of this beautiful honour is a “pinch me” moment.

‘I am also honoured to be in the esteemed company with previous Godparents to Princess Ships including Diana, Princess of Wales, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, Audrey Hepburn, Martha Stewart, and many others.’

Princess Diana was esteemed as the godparent of the Royal Princess in 1984.

Meanwhile, Kate became godmother to Princess Cruises’ first royal-class ship, Royal Princess in 2013 – her final public engagement before having Prince George.

She cut a ribbon to release a bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne to smash on the hull.

The late Queen Elizabeth herself was the godmother to a series of cruise ships, three of which were operated by luxurious Cunard liners.

The monarch launched the Queen Elizabeth II ship back in 1967 – and its first passenger was the now King Charles.

In 2019 Queen Camilla was named as the godmother of Saga Cruises’s ship, Spirit of Discovery.

Cruise ship godmothers are said to bring the vessels good luck and protection on  their voyages and is a long-standing tradition.

These ‘godmothers’ show up to a ‘christening’ ceremony and officially name the ship, while the ceremony famously involves breaking a bottle of champagne on the ship’s hull.

Other celebrity cruise ship godparents include Jennifer Hudson, Whoopi Goldberg, Dame Helen Mirren and Oprah Winfrey.

The Sun Princess can carry 4,300 guests and 1,600 crew members. It features a stunning glass-enclosed dome with a stage with theatre shows by starlight.

It even has an arena and so many shops that guests can enjoy a ‘high street’ style retail experience.

‘We’re delighted to welcome the illuminous and elegant Hannah Waddingham to serve as Godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,’ said Princess Cruises president John Padgett in a statement.

‘Just like Sun Princess, she exudes sophistication, beauty and wonderment through her inspiring work as a talented and award-winning actress and performer.

‘We’re truly honoured Hannah will officially name our most impressive, luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created, and join an esteemed group of Princess Godparents including members of the Royal family.’

Hosting Prince William’s The Earthshot Prize ceremony

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Hannah was right by the side of Prince William for hosting the Earthshot Prize last November

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The Prince of Wales with (left to right) Lana Condor, Hannah Waddingham, and Sterling K Brown during the 2023 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony

Hannah has made it no secret that she is a huge fan of Prince William, calling him ‘quite the extraordinary man’.

The actress solidified her bond with the Prince of Wales after she hosted the Earthshot Prize Award Ceremony in Singapore in November last year – a moment that made her ‘very proud’.

William donned a sharp velour suit and dickie bow, while the Ted Lasso star wore a dazzling black ballgown with an emerald sash, arguably stealing the show from her royal counterpart.

The pair looked perfectly coordinated – in a move symbolic of how close Hannah’s ties with the royals have become.

Talking to Parade magazine, Hannah referred to William as a ‘glorious gentleman’ and revealed the sweet exchange where she and co-host Sterling K. Brown told the prince so.

‘We were hosting together, and he and I said to Prince William: “Sir, I hope you realise that you are a cut above the rest because you are”,’ she recalled.

And Hannah didn’t stop there. ‘That man is passionate about the environment, and I was very proud to be there and be the figure heard for his organisation.’ She concluded: ‘He’s quite an extraordinary man.’

Meeting Prince William and Kate at the Royal Variety Performance

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Waddingham appeared to delight the royal couple at the Royal Variety Performance in December

Prince William and Kate appeared completely won over by Waddingham at the Royal Variety Performance last December.

The show is held every year to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity – of which King Charles is patron – and is one of the few televised entertainment events to be attended by senior members of the British royal family.

Waddingham appeared to delight the royal couple in one of their final appearances together before Kate’s absence from the public eye and news of her cancer diagnosis this year.

Kate and William were both beaming as they spoke with Waddingham, and they even exchanged hugs.

Near the end of the show, Waddingham took to the Royal Albert Hall stage to sing the Christmas Carol O Holy Night, accompanied by the English National Opera.

The Princess of Wales was seemingly left spellbound by the performance, clapping loudly to show her appreciation.

She was seen turning to the person to her left to tell them: ‘Amazing, that was fantastic.’

Chatting to King Charles and Queen Camilla while hosting the Eurovision Song Contest

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Hannah Waddingham was right in the centre while meeting Queen Camilla and King Charles at the Eurovision Song Contest

As The Eurovision Song Contest was hosted by the UK for the first time in 25 years, Hannah was chosen to represent the country as its host.

King Charles and Queen Camilla headed to Liverpool to see how preparations were coming along for the contest – and met with presenters Scott Mills, Julia Sanina, Rylan Clark and Waddingham.

It was Hannah who significantly stood right between the royal couple, and was seen sharing a laugh with the King as they posed for photos.

Her touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

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At the Emmys in September 2022, the actress gave a very touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Waddingham said the news was ‘like a grandmother dying’.

At the Emmy Awards on September 12, she told Variety she was ‘upset at how deeply upset I was’ at the news of her passing.

She said: ‘It makes me emotional to think about it. I sat with my dad on the sofa and I watched it all night until I couldn’t keep my eyes open because I couldn’t believe it.  It is like a grandmother dying.’

She expressed a very empathetic reaction towards the now King Charles, explaining: ‘It hit me far worse than I thought it would and the enormous pressure that our king has on his shoulders now.’

The King has said he and the Queen were “utterly shocked and horrified” by the “senseless attack” in Sydney.

Charles, the monarch of Australia, added that the royal couple’s “hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed”.

In a personal social media post, the Prince and Princess of Wales said they were “shocked and saddened” by the stabbings, adding that their thoughts are with those affected and the “heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others”.

It has been reported that Charles plans to tour Australia later this year, in the autumn, accompanied by Camilla.

The King’s most recent visit to the country was to open the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.

His first official visit to Australia was as his mother’s representative at the memorial service of prime minister Harold Holt in 1967

Charles has made a total of 16 visits to Australia, on 15 of which he either accompanied or represented his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

As monarch of Australia, Charles is represented at the federal level by the governor-general of the country, which is currently David Hurley.

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(PA Graphics)

In a statement, the King said: “My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.

“While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.”

In a personal social media post, William and Kate wrote: “We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others. W & C”

The Royal Family has a long association with Australia and has forged close links with its people and institutions during many trips to the country.

Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales toured the country in 1983 and were pictured with their son William, then just an infant.

Eleven years later when Charles visited Sydney, he witnessed dramatic scenes when a student was wrestled to the ground after firing a starting pistol as the royal stood to make a speech.

Between 1954 and 2011, Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia 16 times, including a 1973 trip in which she opened the world famous Sydney Opera House.

Romeo Beckham showed off yet more tattoos on Instagram on Monday as he continued to follow in his famous father’s footsteps.

The 21-year-old son of David, 49, and Victoria Beckham, 50, shared an image of a lion’s face on his arm above the words: ‘Do it afraid’.

He also had an image of a bird carrying a rose in its mouth with the words: ‘Everything passes’ on his other arm.

The inkings were done by a tattoo artist who goes by the name Certified Letter Boy, who shared the pictures on social media.

In the gallery of images, Romeo and the artist posed with their arm around one another along with another image of Romeo being tattooed.

Earlier this year, Romeo took inspiration from David yet again by sporting a satin patterned bandana during a night out at Chiltern Firehouse in London,

25 years after the former England footballer rocked it.

His tattoos come after his brother Cruz debuted a Three Lions tattoo as he showed his support for England ahead of Euros 2024 final while his brother Romeo also got even more ink.

During a visit to the same tattoo artist at The London Social last week, the brothers each had some new artwork.

Cruz, 19, the youngest son of former football player David, showed off the team’s logo on his upper arm in a clip shared to Instagram.

Rolling up the arm on his England shirt, he held his thumbs up for the camera after his tattoo was finished.

In another photo uploaded by the tattooist, Romeo had ‘Romance’ in a cursive font down his index finger.

Earlier this year, Cruz got a new tattoo to match one of his dad David’s inkings to celebrate his 19th birthday.

The former England footballer’s youngest son’s latest body art, which is on the left side of his waist, is a portrait of Jesus sitting down and David, 48, has exactly the same tattoo on his right side.

The Man of Sorrows inking was also done by London-based fine line artist Pablo, who is known as @certifiedletterboy on social media.

Cruz got his first tattoo aged just 16 while on holiday in Miami. He debuted the inking, a butterfly on his thigh, in an Instagram post which saw him sitting on the edge of a boat and looking out across the sea.

In the UK, it is against the law for minors to get a tattoo, even with parental consent, but the U.S. state of Florida permits a person under the age of 18 to receive a tattoo with permission of a parent or guardian.

The Beckhams are known for their huge tattoo collection, with David and Brooklyn, 24, wracking up 200 between them.

Since going under the needle first in 2017, self professed tattoo addict Brooklyn has over amassed 70 tributes to his heiress wife Nicola Peltz alone.

David, who debuted his first tattoo in 1999, has also paid tribute to mother of his children Victoria, 49, with his own intricately decorated physique.

The family appear dedicated to paying tribute to one another through inkings, with the three brothers each having the word ‘Brotherhood’ inked on different parts of their body in October.

The eldest of the three, Brooklyn, opted to have his new tattoo on his leg above his dancing lady body art, while Romeo also had his on his leg above his eagle inking, while Cruz chose to have his on his hand.

Brooklyn’s tributes to wife Nicola are extensive, with her portrait on his upper arm and her eyes tattooed on the back of his neck as well as her name.

Far from just using her image, Brooklyn also has their wedding vows tattooed on his arm, with the romantic prose reading: ‘Nicola when you walked down the aisle you took my breath away you look so beautiful tonight and always.

‘Let me start by saying that words cannot even describe my love for you just looking at you I see my future and it feels like a dream.

‘You are my world and I continue to fall more in love with you every single day.’

The celebrity offspring pays tribute to his family in numerous inkings as well as his billionaire in-laws.

As well as cherubs for his siblings Romeo, Cruz and Harper, he also sports a heart tribute to his fashion designer mother.

Brooklyn also sports the name ‘Buster’, his father’s nickname for him, as well as an anchor to honour England legend David.

David’s tributes to the family are less obvious, after first going under the needle in 1999 following the birth of Brooklyn.

In 2015 the former footballer got the number ’99’ tattooed on his little finger to mark the year – in which he also married Victoria.

Debuting it on Instagram he wrote, ’99 was a good year for me.’

As well as a large rose and the words ‘I Love you’ on his neck rumoured to be in honour of his other half.

David pledged his devotion to his wife with a tattoo of her name in Hindi script however experts later pointed out the tribute, unfortunately, actually said ‘Vihctoria’.

Romeo also boasts a variety of tattoos, including a ‘free spirit’ and a large dove on his wrist along with the words: ‘Lead with love.’

There is also a stone angel statue, which covers the length of his forearm alongside a ‘freedom to dream’ torso inking.

He also has the word ‘love’ on his fingers, with a letter on each finger and a replica David’s famous winged cross on his neck.

We love seeing the Beckham family on holiday – particularly David and Victoria’s lovely children having fun.

On Victoria’s Instagram, the former Spice Girl shared some happy snaps of her gorgeous family and in one,

her only daughter Harper is seen cuddling up to her big brother, Romeo, and her hair looks so different!

The 13-year-old, who celebrated her birthday earlier this month, can be seen dressed in white, wearing her long honey-toned locks in a cute half-up, half-down style.

The look is majorly popular right now on TikTok, but is also a hairdo that her fashion and beauty icon mum has never sported – trust us, we’ve sifted through the archives!

We love Harper’s new style; it shows off her silky tresses and is relaxed enough for a sun-soaked holiday too.

We are impressed she doesn’t seem to have any flyaways at the crown – something many suffer from when it comes to visible baby hair!

Victoria and Harper’s hair journey

Many fans have remarked how similar VB and her daughter look. We think you can definitely tell they are related and what’s more, Harper has a keen interest in fashion which undoubtedly comes from her mother; after all, Victoria is one of the famously best-dressed celebrity women out there.

Hair wise though, Harper has taken a leaf out of her mother’s book when she was younger, famously sporting a sleek ‘bob’, very like her mum’s Spice Girl days, and of course, more recently, luscious long hair.

Victoria’s hair is either super short, or long and flowing, made thicker using hair extensions. There’s no in between!

Harper’s birthday

Harper’s landmark birthday finally arrived on July 10 – she’s now officially a teenager.

David and Victoria celebrated the milestone by sharing a heartwarming video of some of her most precious moments growing up, including one fabulous still of their then toddler daughter, wearing a very stylish red dress, trying to walk in her mother’s white high heels! Iconic.

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time,

recently sent a heartfelt message to Inter Miami, the club owned by former football superstar David Beckham.

This touching gesture came after the club celebrated Messi’s remarkable achievement of winning 45 titles throughout his illustrious career.

The tribute, which was both epic and well-deserved, showcased Messi’s unparalleled contributions to the sport and the deep respect he commands within the football community.

The tribute by Inter Miami was a grand celebration of Messi’s incredible journey and the numerous accolades he has accumulated over the years.

It featured highlights from his career, including his time at FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Argentine national team.

The club went all out to honor Messi, showcasing a montage of his iconic moments on and off the field, interspersed with messages from fellow players, coaches, and fans who have been inspired by his talent and dedication. The tribute not only celebrated Messi’s titles but also acknowledged his influence on the game and his role as a global ambassador for football.

In response to this moving tribute, Messi sent a warm and appreciative message to Inter Miami. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition and the heartfelt manner in which the club honored his achievements. Messi, known for his humility and grace, was genuinely touched by the gesture. He acknowledged the effort put in by the club to celebrate his career and conveyed his appreciation for the love and respect he received from the Inter Miami community. His message was not just a simple thank you; it was a reflection of his character and the deep connection he shares with fans worldwide.

Messi’s message also highlighted the mutual respect and camaraderie that exists between him and David Beckham. Both legends of the game, Messi and Beckham have always admired each other’s contributions to football. Beckham, who has successfully transitioned from a player to a club owner, has often spoken highly of Messi’s skills and professionalism. In turn, Messi has expressed admiration for Beckham’s journey and his efforts in promoting football in the United States. The tribute and Messi’s response further solidified the bond between the two icons, showcasing their mutual respect and shared passion for the game.

The celebration of Messi’s 45 titles is not just a testament to his talent but also a reflection of his relentless pursuit of excellence. Throughout his career, Messi has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft. From his early days at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy to his record-breaking performances in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Messi has set new standards in football. His success on the international stage, particularly leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup, has further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever to grace the sport.

Inter Miami’s tribute also served as an inspiration to the club’s players and fans. Messi’s journey is a reminder that greatness is achieved through hard work, dedication, and an unyielding passion for the game. The club’s celebration of his achievements was not just a nod to his past accomplishments but also an acknowledgment of the impact he continues to have on the sport. For Inter Miami, a relatively new club in Major League Soccer, honoring a player of Messi’s stature is a way to inspire its players to strive for greatness and to build a winning culture within the team.

The tribute also reflects the growing influence of Major League Soccer and Inter Miami in the global football landscape. By celebrating Messi, the club aligns itself with the rich history and tradition of football, bridging the gap between American soccer and the global game. It demonstrates the club’s ambition to be a part of the broader football narrative and its commitment to honoring the legends who have shaped the sport.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s heartfelt message to Inter Miami, following the club’s epic tribute to his 45 titles, is a beautiful moment that transcends mere recognition. It highlights the deep respect and admiration that exists between Messi and the global football community. The tribute serves as a reminder of Messi’s extraordinary achievements and his enduring influence on the sport. As Messi continues to add to his legacy, moments like these celebrate his unparalleled contributions to football and inspire the next generation of players and fans. The bond between Messi and Inter Miami, and by extension, David Beckham, exemplifies the universal language of football and the shared love for the beautiful game.

Victoria and David Beckham enjoyed a romantic meal together at a stunning Vineyard in France on Tuesday.

The fashion designer, 50, looked incredible in a little black dress, while accessorising with a silver bracelet and her dazzling wedding ring.

Meanwhile, the former footballer, 49, wore a white T-shirt as he sat at a long table while enjoying a glass of red wine with Victoria in front of the picturesque background.

David shared the loved-up snap to Instagram and wrote: ‘We have eaten in many beautiful places but WOW Domaine De Peretti Della Rocca’

Victoria also shared sweet images of their children Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 13, posing on a mega yacht in Sardinia.

It comes after David and Victoria reacted to their Emmy Awards 2024 nominations.

The couple have been nominated in a whopping five categories for the 2023 Netflix documentary BECKHAM.

The series gave an unprecedented look at David’s career journey and a glimpse at the start of their romance and marriage.

The four-part series was nominated for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series at the 2024 Emmy ceremony, going up alongside Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV, STAX: Soulsville U.S.A. Telemarketers and The Jinx – Part Two.

It was also nominated for Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program, Outstanding Directing For A Documentary/Nonfiction Program, Outstanding Picture Editing and Outstanding Music Composition.

In reaction David told HELLO!: ‘It’s a real honor for me and the whole creative team for BECKHAM to be recognized by the TV Academy.

‘Making this series was such a personal journey, a love letter to football and my family. It has been overwhelming for me and Victoria that we have had such a warm and positive response to the series.

‘I’m so grateful to the incredible team led by Fisher Stevens and also to all those people from my life and career who took part and who have played such an important role in my story.’

It comes after the Beckham clan seemed in high spirits as they enjoyed a day at sea earlier this week during a family holiday in Sardinia.

David gathered his family on a mega yacht in Sardinia for daughter Harper’s 13th birthday, with his brood making the most of the warm weather and trying out water sports.

The hunk put his ripped figure on display as he went shirtless in a pair of lemon yellow swimming trunks before slipping on a life jacket to hop on a jet ski.

Jumping on behind him was Victoria who held on tightly to her husband as he rode the waves.

The Beckham matriarch sported a black swim skirt with her life jacket and accessorised with a baseball cap as she enjoyed the ride.

Yet it wasn’t all fun and games for Victoria, who was sure not to let her gruelling workout regime slip on the holiday.

She was pictured pumping iron on the yacht, getting her reps in on the sundeck while casually clad in a plain black T-shirt and denim shorts.

Yet the day was all about the couple’s youngest daughter Harper, who marked officially becoming a teenager.

The family celebrated by putting up pink and silver balloons, with Harper pride of place while she enjoyed breakfast with siblings Romeo, 21, and Cruz, 19.

Harper also headed out on the jet skis on the trip, catching a ride with Cruz.

Sadly, her eldest brother Brooklyn, 25, was seemingly unable to make the trip, staying in Los Angeles with his wife Nicola Peltz, 29.

He did, however, acknowledge his little sister with a sweet Instagram post on her big day, sharing a gallery of snaps captioned: ‘Happy 13th birthday to the best little sister in the whole wide world xx we love you so much xxxxxxxxxxxxx ❤️.’

Victoria and David also celebrated the milestone by sharing sweet social media posts.

Fashion designer Victoria called her only daughter her ‘best friend’ and praised her as a ‘beautiful, talented young lady’ in her Instagram post.

She shared an array of snaps of her as a baby, some previously unseen, as well as a range of images of her growing up and them posing together as a mother-daughter duo.

Inter Miami CF owner David shared the same montage of his ‘beautiful little girl’ and gushed that she was ‘his world’.

Victoria penned in the caption of her post: ‘Happy Birthday to my best friend. You are sweet and kind and your smile warms our hearts every day.

‘You really are our everything Harper Seven and we are so proud of the happy, beautiful, talented young lady you are becoming.

‘We love you so so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Kisses @DavidBeckham @BrooklynPeltzBeckham @RomeoBeckham @CruzBeckham xxx.’

While David said in his post: ‘Happy 13th Birthday to my beautiful little girl. Daddy is so proud of you.

‘You have grown up to be a kind, generous & a beautiful young lady with the most amazing heart & the most amazing smile that we all love so so much.

‘Always be the beautiful person that you are. Harper Seven your my world. #HarperSeven @victoriabeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham.’