Blog

  • David Beckham admits he ‘can’t believe it’ as warts-and-all Netflix series documenting his life and career wins an Emmy after being nominated in FIVE categories

    David Beckham admits he ‘can’t believe it’ as warts-and-all Netflix series documenting his life and career wins an Emmy after being nominated in FIVE categories

    David Beckham has expressed his disbelief at winning an Emmy award for his Netflix docuseries after it was nominated in five separate categories.

    The former footballer, 49, and his wife Victoria, 50, were nominated for the 2023 Netflix documentary Beckham: What Makes David Run.

    At The Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles on Saturday, the docuseries triumphed in the Documentary or Nonfiction Series category.

    And on Tuesday, David took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps, proudly showing off his shiny new award.

    In one photo, he seemed to be on cloud nine as he posed in a white t-shirt and blue chinos, grinning as he held up the golden trophy.

    David Beckham has expressed his disbelief at winning an Emmy award for his Netflix docuseries after it was nominated in five separate categories
    +10

    David Beckham has expressed his disbelief at winning an Emmy award for his Netflix docuseries after it was nominated in five separate categories


    +10

    The former footballer, 49, and his wife Victoria, 50, were nominated for the 2023 Netflix documentary Beckham: What Makes David Run

    The former footballer, 49, and his wife Victoria, 50, were nominated for the 2023 Netflix documentary Beckham: What Makes David Run

    In the caption, he penned: ‘Safely back in Office. Still can’t believe we won an EMMY.’

    Another snap posted to David’s Instagram story showed the star holding up the award again, this time next to a photo cabinet in his office, which featured sweet images of himself and Victoria, alongside their children’s school photos.

    He then proudly penned ‘We did it,’ alongside three heart emojis, as he posted a photo with his Studio 99 co-founders Nicola Howson and David Gardner, who he worked with on the documentary.

    The Emmy award was accepted by producer Fisher Stevens – who was sure to call the footballer during the celebration to let him know of the success.

    In a clip shared on the Emmys Instagram, a group crowded around Fisher as he video-called David to tell him of the win.

    ‘Alright David,’ the actor and producer shouted as he broke the news.

    ‘Unbelievable,’ David replied as the camera panned to show on screen, to which Fisher said: ‘We miss you brother, we miss you.’

    David shared his disappointment at not being present, as he promised he and Fisher would celebrate in a few weeks.

    He then proudly penned 'We did it,' alongside three heart emojis, as he posted a photo with his Studio 99 co-founders Nicola Howson and David Gardner, who he worked with on the documentary
    +10

    He then proudly penned ‘We did it,’ alongside three heart emojis, as he posted a photo with his Studio 99 co-founders Nicola Howson and David Gardner, who he worked with on the documentary

    The series gave an unprecedented look at David's career journey and a glimpse at the start of their romance and marriage
    +10

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

    In a clip shared on the Emmys Instagram, a group crowded around Fisher as he video-called David to tell him of the win
    +10

    'Alright David,' the actor and producer shouted as he broke the news
    +10

    In a clip shared on the Emmys Instagram, a group crowded around Fisher as he video-called David to tell him of the win

    Producers FaceTime David Beckham to celebrate their recent Emmy win

    ‘Love to the family, congrats,’ Fisher added, before the footballer and producer said goodbye.

    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 was revealed last month that Victoria is now preparing to film a tell-all documentary about her fashion brand after landing a huge deal with Netflix.

    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
    +10

    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
    +10

    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

    Posh and Becks dance to iconic Dolly Parton track on Netflix doc

    The Spice Girl will share an insight into her working life after the success of husband David’s docuseries BECKHAM with the streamer.

    The beloved mother will delve deep into her fashion brand in the documentary and follow her journey as she prepares for Paris Fashion Week next year.

    Her new documentary will offer a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at her journey from becoming a Spice Girl to a creative director of her successful fashion and beauty brand.

    The couple married in 1999 and share four children together – Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 13.

    Victoria launched her fashion brand in 2008 and lately launched a collection with the high-street fashion brand Mango.

    After the success of her clothing brand, Victoria released her own beauty and skincare line in 2019.

  • Breaking News: Anne TAKES OVER Camilla’s Royal Duties, Camilla Has…

    Breaking News: Anne TAKES OVER Camilla’s Royal Duties, Camilla Has…

    In a surprising development within the British royal family, Princess Anne has officially taken over the royal duties previously held by Queen Camilla. The shift in responsibilities has sparked widespread speculation and intrigue, particularly regarding the reasons behind Camilla’s step back from her royal obligations. While Buckingham Palace has yet to provide a detailed explanation, insiders suggest that this decision might have been influenced by a combination of personal and health-related factors.

    Princess Anne, known for her unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic, is widely regarded as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family. Her assumption of Camilla’s duties signals a significant shift in the distribution of responsibilities within the monarchy. Anne has always been a steadfast figure in the royal family, often taking on demanding roles with a no-nonsense approach. Her willingness to step in during this crucial time reflects her deep commitment to the monarchy and her readiness to support King Charles in maintaining the stability and continuity of royal functions.

    As for Queen Camilla, the decision to step back has led to much speculation. Some reports suggest that Camilla may be facing health challenges that have made it difficult for her to fulfill the rigorous demands of her royal duties. Others believe that she might be seeking a quieter life, away from the public eye, especially as she advances in age. Regardless of the reasons, Camilla’s reduced role marks a notable change in the royal family’s dynamics, particularly as she has been a prominent figure since her marriage to King Charles.

    The public’s reaction to this change has been mixed. Many have expressed admiration for Princess Anne’s willingness to take on additional responsibilities, viewing her as a reliable and capable royal who has always put duty first. On the other hand, there is concern and empathy for Queen Camilla, with many hoping that her decision to step back will allow her to focus on her well-being.

    This transition in royal duties also raises questions about the future of the monarchy and how roles will continue to evolve under King Charles’s reign. With Princess Anne now taking on a more prominent position, it is clear that the royal family is adapting to new circumstances, ensuring that the demands of royal duties are met even as members of the family age or face personal challenges.

    As the public and the media continue to speculate on the reasons behind this significant change, one thing remains certain: Princess Anne’s dedication and reliability will ensure that the monarchy remains steady during this period of transition. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Queen Camilla as she navigates this new chapter in her life, with the hope that she finds peace and contentment in her decision to step back.

  • Meghan Markle CRITICIZED BY Megyn Kelly for always claiming to be a ‘victim’, many fans agree: ‘Finally, someone said what we all thought!’

    Meghan Markle CRITICIZED BY Megyn Kelly for always claiming to be a ‘victim’, many fans agree: ‘Finally, someone said what we all thought!’

    “We get it, you bagged the gorilla. Congratulations, you got the big bear [and] you want us all to know,” the talk show host said.

    The comments came one day after Meghan offered a glimpse at her home life with Harry. “It does, it feels like a whirlwind,” the Suits alum, who shares 3-year-old son Archie and daughter Lili, 16 months, with the Duke of Sussex, explained during the Tuesday, November 1, episode of her “Archetypes” podcast. “I make breakfast for all three of them. It’s very important to me. I love doing it. To me, it just feels like the greatest way to start the morning.”

    Meghan admitted she was expecting her morning routing to “only get more chaotic” as her kids get older. “But for me, it’s, you know, both monitors on for the kids to hear them, always up with Lili, get her downstairs, then a half hour later, Archie’s up,” she continued. “I start doing his lunchbox right before he’s up while I have her, getting her a little nibble. My husband’s helping me get him downstairs.”

    The Bench author, who married Harry in 2018, gushed about how her view on life has changed since expanding her family. “I first just had Archie, now I’m a mom of a daughter,” she said. “And whether I thought it was going to happen or not, it did. I see the world differently through how [Lili] is going to see the world and how she is going to look at certain women as role models.”

  • Loose Women star Andrea McLean gave boyfriend ultimatum after devastating diagnosis

    Loose Women star Andrea McLean gave boyfriend ultimatum after devastating diagnosis

    Loose Women star Andrea McLean has opened up about her health battle which forced her into giving her then-boyfriend an ultimatum, admitting the diagnosis felt like a “tsunami”

    Andrea McLean is a regular on the Loose Women panel (
    Image: ITV)

    Loose Women panellist Andrea McLean admitted a devastating health diagnosis led her to give her then-boyfriend an ultimatum.

    Andrea, 54, opened up to Giovanna Fletcher about her battle with endometriosis and how it changed her outlook on life.

    The condition sees cells similar to those in the lining of the uterus grow in other parts of the body. Among the symptoms are difficulties in getting pregnant.

    Recalling how a doctor told her “it would be a miracle if you have a baby” when she was diagnosed, Andrea told the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast: “[I felt] like I’d been punched. And I remember leaving the room in the hospital and for the first time noticing mother care. And for the first time noticing mums with rams and toddlers. And it was like this tsunami of need.”

    At the time, Andrea was in an 11-year relationship with boyfriend Nick Green. She recalled returning home and waiting for him to arrive to deliver the news.

    She explained: “I said, ‘if I’m going to have children, I need to start thinking about it soon because once I get into my 30s [she was 28/29 at the time] it will get harder the longer I leave it. And we’ve been together 11 years now so I think maybe we should start thinking about this.


    Angela McLean with ex-husband Nick Green 
    Image:
    GETTY)


    Andrea has been married to Nick Feeney since 2017 
    Image:
    GETTY)
    “And he’s like, ‘well I don’t even know if I want to marry you’. So I did what I wouldn’t necessarily recommend my own kids do and gave him an ultimatum. I said, ‘you’ve got six months to make your mind up.

    “‘And I’m not going to push anybody into anything. But you’ve got six months. And if you really think this isn’t for me, then we go our separate ways. But if not, brilliant, we join hands and we do this thing’.”

    The ultimatum worked with Andrea and Nick married in Kenya in 2000 before welcoming their son, Finlay, the following year. But it wasn’t easy.

    “It [the marriage] started a whole rollercoaster of trying naturally for 18 months, two years, and then IVF and then eventually had my son.”

    Andrea and Nick divorced in 2005, after she admitted having an affair with fellow Our House presenter Steve Toms. She had a daughter, Amy, with Steve in 2006 before the pair married in 2009. They divorced three years later.

    She married her current husband Nick Feeney in 2017, having met on a blind date set up by a Loose Women make-up artist.

  • David Beckham shares fun throwback snap with close pal Guy Ritchie as he wishes the director a happy 56th birthday

    David Beckham shares fun throwback snap with close pal Guy Ritchie as he wishes the director a happy 56th birthday

    David Beckham wished his close pal Guy Ritchie a happy 56th birthday via social media on Tuesday.

    The former footballer, 49, and the director looked giddy in a fun throwback snap shared by David to Instagram to mark the special occasion.

    David bundled up in a patterned shirt, grey trousers and boots, while Guy wore a green coat during the outdoor getaway.

    Guy and David have been friends for years and are co-owers of The Walmer Castle pub in Notting Hill which they purchased in a £3million deal.

    They also previously went on a lads’ trip to Iceland together and David made an appearance in Guy’s 2017 film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.

    David Beckham wished his close pal Guy Ritchie a happy 56th birthday via social media on Tuesday
    +9

    David Beckham wished his close pal Guy Ritchie a happy 56th birthday via social media on Tuesday

    Guy and David have been friends for years and are co-owers of The Walmer Castle pub in Notting Hill which they purchased in a £3million deal
    +9

    Guy and David have been friends for years and are co-owers of The Walmer Castle pub in Notting Hill which they purchased in a £3million deal

    Earlier this year, David and his wife Victoria spent the night in one of Guy’s £50,000 BBQ tents in what he called an ‘unbelievable’ experience.

    Speaking about his friendship with David on The Graham Norton Show, Guy said: ‘We are sort of mates – our children go to the same school, we drink in the same pub and we go to the same gym and one thing led to another.

    He added: ‘I love him, he’s on the same frequency as me and it made sense for him to be in the film [King Arthur: Legend of the Sword].’

    It comes after David accepted an Emmy award for his Netflix docuseries over video call as producers rang him from the ceremony in LA.

    David and his wife Victoria, 50, were nominated in a whopping five categories for the 2023 Netflix documentary Beckham: What Makes David Run.

    At The Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles on Saturday, the docuseries triumphed in the Documentary or Nonfiction Series category.

    The award was accepted by producer Fisher Stevens – who was sure to call the footballer during the celebration to let him know of the success.

    David and Guy previously went on a lads' trip to Iceland together and David made an appearance in Guy's 2017 film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
    +9

    David and Guy previously went on a lads’ trip to Iceland together and David made an appearance in Guy’s 2017 film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

    It comes after David accepted an Emmy award for his Netflix docuseries over the phone
    +9

    Producers rang him from the ceremony in LA on Tuesday
    +9

    It comes after David accepted an Emmy award for his Netflix docuseries over the phone as producers rang him from the ceremony in LA on Tuesday

    At The Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles on Saturday, the docuseries (pictured) triumphed in the Documentary or Nonfiction Series category
    +9

    At The Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles on Saturday, the docuseries (pictured) triumphed in the Documentary or Nonfiction Series category

    Posh and Becks dance to iconic Dolly Parton track on Netflix doc

    In a clip shared on the Emmys Instagram, a group crowded around Fisher as he video-called David to tell him of the win.

    ‘Alright David,’ the actor and producer shouted as he broke the news.

    ‘Unbelievable,’ David replied as the camera panned to show on screen, to which Fisher said: ‘We miss you brother, we miss you.’

    David shared his disappointment at not being present, as he promised he and Fisher would celebrate in a few weeks.

    ‘Love to the family, congrats,’ Fisher added, before the footballer and producer said goodbye.

    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.

    The series gave an unprecedented look at David's career journey and a glimpse at the start of their romance and marriage
    +9

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

    David points out Victoria’s father used to drive her in Rolls-Royce

    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.’

  • ‘Irritable’ Prince Philip refused to watch Helen Mirren’s The Queen due to the ‘inaccurate portrayal’ of Elizabeth II who ‘NEVER cried’, Gyles Brandreth claims

    ‘Irritable’ Prince Philip refused to watch Helen Mirren’s The Queen due to the ‘inaccurate portrayal’ of Elizabeth II who ‘NEVER cried’, Gyles Brandreth claims

    He has brushed shoulders with numbers of royalty over the years.

    And Gyles Brandreth, 76 – who shared a close relationship with the late Prince Philip – has recalled the tense conversation he had with Philip about Helen Mirren‘s drama, The Queen. 

    This Morning star Gyles revealed the late Duke of Edinburgh told him he refused to watch the 2006 series due to the ‘inaccurate portrayal’ of his wife.

    Philip avoided the documentary because he heard it showed Mirren, who played Queen Elizabeth II, crying – which Philip insisted was false as ‘the Queen never cried’.

    Royal biographer Gyles, who knew both royals, also shared why Elizabeth stopped crying over the years.

    Gyles Brandreth, 76 - who shared a close relationship with the late Prince Philip - has recalled the tense conversation he had with Philip about Helen Mirren's drama, The Queen (pictured shaking hands in 2017)
    +5
    View gallery

    Gyles Brandreth, 76 – who shared a close relationship with the late Prince Philip – has recalled the tense conversation he had with Philip about Helen Mirren’s drama, The Queen (pictured shaking hands in 2017)

    Helen Mirren (pictured in the series) won widespread critical and popular acclaim for her portrayal of the monarch in the movie, which also starred Michael Sheen as Tony Blair
    +5
    View gallery

    Helen Mirren (pictured in the series) won widespread critical and popular acclaim for her portrayal of the monarch in the movie, which also starred Michael Sheen as Tony Blair

    Philip avoided the documentary because he heard it showed Mirren, who played Queen Elizabeth II, crying - which Philip insisted was false as 'the Queen never cried' (pictured in 2007)
    +5
    View gallery

    Philip avoided the documentary because he heard it showed Mirren, who played Queen Elizabeth II, crying – which Philip insisted was false as ‘the Queen never cried’ (pictured in 2007)

    He was also told by people who were with Elizabeth when she came back from Kenya after her father George VI died, how “calm and contained she was and how she didn’t shed tears”.

    Gyles also shared how Philip underlined the strong side of his wife’s character when he admitted that Elizabeth never wept.

    He said: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh, I remember saying to me, when I asked him if he’d seen the film of the Queen with Helen Mirren, he [Philip] said “Why would I want to see that?”

    ‘And he [Philip] got irritated.

    ‘He [Philip] said “Apparently they have the Queen crying in the film. The Queen doesn’t cry”.

    ‘He [Philip] said “An actress would cry, would assume the Queen would cry, but she didn’t cry”.’

    Gyles added on his Rosebud podcast: ‘He wasn’t saying it was a virtue not to cry.’

    The 2006 film The Queen was a historical drama directed by Stephen Frears and written by Peter Morgan.

    Peter also created the controversial The Crown series ten years later.

    The film depicted the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.

    Helen Mirren won widespread critical and popular acclaim for her portrayal of the monarch in the movie, which also starred Michael Sheen as Tony Blair.

    Gyles has brushed shoulders with numbers of royalty over the years (pictured with Queen Camilla in 2022)
    +5
    View gallery

    Gyles has brushed shoulders with numbers of royalty over the years (pictured with Queen Camilla in 2022)

    Gyles is pictured with King Charles in 2022
    +5
    View gallery

    Gyles is pictured with King Charles in 2022

  • Prince William and Kate Middleton are hiring at Kensington Palace – but the candidate needs to be tech savvy!

    Prince William and Kate Middleton are hiring at Kensington Palace – but the candidate needs to be tech savvy!

    The Prince and Princess of Wales ramping up their PR operations at Kensington Palace – in a sign that Kate may be getting ready to take on more royal duties soon.

    The royal couple, both 42, are currently hiring a new senior communications officer, who will help them work in the UK, along with overseas tours.

    Although the job is based at the Palace in central London, Kate and William are ‘open to discussing flexible working at interview stage’, according to the job advertisement, which has received more than 100 applicants, on LinkedIn.

    It’s unclear from the job advertisement whether the hire will be filling a new role created on the communications team; or replacing a previous senior communications officer who has resigned.

    The successful candidate will also be required to work from and travel to other royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle.

    William and Kate are currently hiring a new senior communications officer, who will help them with overseas tours
    +6

    William and Kate are currently hiring a new senior communications officer, who will help them with overseas tours

    The position is full-time, Monday to Friday, but the applicant will be required to participate in the out-of-hours rota, handling enquiries from the media

    The position is full-time, Monday to Friday, but the applicant will be required to participate in the out-of-hours rota, handling enquiries from the media

    Prince William shares clip of his visit to homelessness exhibition

    However, the candidate will also be expected to have good knowledge of creating social media content and be able to write press releases for the media.

    The job description states that the Palace is looking for someone who can plan and deliver ‘creative’ and ‘integrated’ communications activity that ‘connects the work of The Prince and Princess to a wide external audience’.

    It read: ‘This role will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working together to communicate the work of The Prince and Princess.

    ‘The successful candidate will lead on communications plans for Their Royal Highnesses’ engagements and support on the delivery of communications strategies to promote their key projects.

    ‘The role will also involve responding to media enquiries on matters related to The Prince and Princess and their family.’

    Some of the essential criteria includes ‘handling sensitive information with tact and discretion at all times’ and being able to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

    The position is full-time, Monday to Friday, but the applicant will be required to participate in the out-of-hours rota, handling enquiries from the media.

    The job was posted on LinkedIn two days ago and already has more than 100 applicants. However, they are no longer accepting CVs.

    It comes after a difficult year for the Wales family as mother-of-three Kate has been undergoing cancer treatment after cancer cells were detected in an abdominal operation she underwent in January. Her diagnosis came just as King Charles announced he was also undergoing cancer treatment.

    Since she announced her diagnosis to the world in an emotional video in March, the Princess has been undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy and has stepped back from royal duties.

    However, the job advertisement for a new communications officer may be a sign that the royal couple is hoping to return to normal soon – in what will be welcome news for fans and the family.

    Prince William and Kate Middleton inherited the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales following the late Queen’s death in September 2022 – having previously been the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

    The couple also used to live in a separate, private wing of Kensington Palace until they moved to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, in the autumn of 2022
    +6

    The couple also used to live in a separate, private wing of Kensington Palace until they moved to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, in the autumn of 2022

    The elected person will also be required to work from and travel to other royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle
    +6

    The elected person will also be required to work from and travel to other royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle

    The couple now live in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, around 25 miles out of London
    +6

    The couple now live in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, around 25 miles out of London

    Hair to the throne! Wills rocks beard outside Saatchi Gallery

    While Buckingham Palace deals with communications for King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Waleses have their own separate office based in Kensington Palace.

    The couple also used to live in a separate, private wing of Kensington Palace until they moved to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, in the autumn of 2022.

    It is around 25 miles out of London and was originally made for Queen Adelaide.

    Royal fans can even go on tours around parts of Kensington Palace and view the statue of Princess Diana in the gardens that was unveiled by Prince Harry and Prince William in 2021.

    In July, the couple were hiring for a new private secretary to organise the royals’ UK engagements.

    However they noted that the successful candidate would need to possess a rare skill.

    The job specification highlighted that the royal couple were looking for an assistant private secretary who can ideally speak fluent Welsh.

    It concluded: ‘Conversational Welsh is essential, and fluent Welsh, both written and spoken, is desirable.’

    The job description at the time stressed that there will be a ‘particular focus on Wales’ to ‘maximise’ the couple’s impact.

  • Late Queen will `never be forgotten´, PM pledges ahead of anniversary of death

    Late Queen will `never be forgotten´, PM pledges ahead of anniversary of death

    Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the late Queen’s “enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country” ahead of the second anniversary of her death, saying she will “never be forgotten”.

    The nation’s longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8 2022 at the age of 96.

    Elizabeth II, whose reign spanned 70 years, dedicated her life to her royal duty.

    The anniversary of her death, and of the King’s accession to the throne, falls on Sunday.

    Queen Elizabeth II, just three days before her death, waits in the Drawing Room to hold an audience with outgoing prime minister Liz Truss (Jane Barlow/PA)
    +5

    Queen Elizabeth II, just three days before her death, waits in the Drawing Room to hold an audience with outgoing prime minister Liz Truss (Jane Barlow/PA)

    Sir Keir said a new national memorial in her honour, which will stand in St James’s Park in the heart of London, will provide “everyone with a place to honour the late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish”.

    The site, approved by Charles and the Prime Minister, was chosen because of its closeness to the ceremonial route of The Mall, and Buckingham Palace, and its historical and constitutional significance, but also because of a poignant personal connection to the late Queen – the nearby statues of her beloved parents.

    The bronze tributes to King George VI, who died at the age of 56 in 1952, and the Queen Mother, who died aged 101 in the Golden Jubilee year of 2002, stand just a short distance along The Mall.

    Picture
    +5

    Picture

    Sir Keir said: “Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten.

    “The national memorial will be located in St James’s Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honour the late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish.”

    The Queen travelled up and down The Mall in horse-drawn carriages and state cars watched by huge crowds countless times over the decades, making the journey for jubilees, state visits, on her coronation day, and for birthday celebrations, royal weddings and funerals.

    Her former private secretary Lord Janvrin, who is chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: “The Mall and St James’s Park at the ceremonial heart of our capital provides a location closely identified with so many events of the late Queen’s life.

    The gold state coach carrying Queen Elizabeth II during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in The Mall (Barry Batchelor/PA)
    +5

    The gold state coach carrying Queen Elizabeth II during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in The Mall (Barry Batchelor/PA)

    “It is a fitting site for the national memorial in her honour to remember and celebrate her extraordinary contribution to our lives throughout her long reign.”

    Architects, artists and designers will be invited to submit proposals later this year to fit the brief of providing a memorial, which will serve as a space for contemplation and community and be of appropriate scale and ambition to match the late Queen’s impact.

    The memorial, depending on its form, will be located just a few hundred metres from the Palace, in the area of St James’s Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, and on the east of the pathway which leads down to the lake near the park’s Blue Bridge.

    The path also acts as a small section of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk – a seven-mile route through the capital in memory of the princess.

    The view of Buckingham Palace from across the lake in St James´s Park (Johnny Green/PA)
    +5

    The view of Buckingham Palace from across the lake in St James´s Park (Johnny Green/PA)

    The aftermath of Diana’s death in a car crash in 1997 proved one of the most challenging times for the modern monarchy.

    The Queen was perceived as being out of step with the feelings of mourners, with the public left wondering why the monarch, who was at Balmoral with Princes William and Harry, took so long to speak publicly about the tragedy.

    But on the eve of the funeral, the Queen addressed the nation, saying everyone had been trying to cope in different ways and “What I say to you now, as your Queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart.”

    Baroness Amos, Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee member and former Lord President of the Council, reflected on the Queen’s global leadership over the decades, saying she “knew how to connect to people and bring communities together”.

    The statues of the Queen´s parents King George VI and the Queen Mother on The Mall (Jamie Wiseman/PA)
    +5

    The statues of the Queen´s parents King George VI and the Queen Mother on The Mall (Jamie Wiseman/PA)

    “I admired her resilience and steadfastness, her belief in the people of Britain and the Commonwealth, her quiet diplomacy, her subtle use of power and common sense approach,” she added.

    The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee is the independent body tasked with considering and recommending proposals to the King and the Prime Minister.

    Public funds will be used to pay for the memorial, but the UK Government will also make funding available for memorial projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    The announcement of the final design will coincide with what would have been the Queen’s 100th birthday year in 2026.

  • David Beckham and wife Victoria ‘will take private jet to attend former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral’ in Sweden on Friday

    David Beckham and wife Victoria ‘will take private jet to attend former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral’ in Sweden on Friday

    David Beckham will be joined by his wife Victoria at the funeral of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, with the couple set to land in Sweden by private jet on Thursday, according to a report.

    Eriksson passed away on August 26 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, with countless tributes since paid to the Swede, including football clubs across the world giving their respects.

    The former England manager revealed in January that he had ‘best case a year’ to live following his diagnosis, and he was surrounded by his family as he passed away a little over a two weeks ago.

    Wembley paid tribute to the ex-Three Lions boss when the side faced Finland on Tuesday night.  A tribute video was shown on the big screens as fans in attendance for the Nations League clash took part in a minute’s applause.

    Eriksson, who died at the age of 76, will be buried in Torsby where he grew up on Friday but the ceremony is set to be very different from a traditional funeral in the area.

    David and Victoria Beckham will reportedly fly into Sweden by private jet on Thursday to attend the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson
    +5

    David and Victoria Beckham will reportedly fly into Sweden by private jet on Thursday to attend the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson

    Sven-Goran Eriksson died aged 76 on August 26 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer
    +5

    Sven-Goran Eriksson died aged 76 on August 26 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer

    He led England in three major tournaments with Beckham captaining a star-studded outfit
    +5

    He led England in three major tournaments with Beckham captaining a star-studded outfit

    Swedish outlet Expressen quote Eriksson’s agent Bo Gustavsson as saying that the former Lazio and Sampdoria manager wanted an Italian-style funeral.

    The report claims that Eriksson’s experience at the funeral of Samp president Paolo Mantovani, who died during his time with the club between 1992 and 1997, impressed him.

    ‘New Orleans jazz was playing and there were a lot of people along the streets. He wanted something similar.’ Gustavsson said. ‘And so it will be tomorrow.’

    Some 600 people are expected to be present at the Fryksande church on Friday, with many expected to be famous faces. Secrecy surrounds the identity of most of the attendees, though plenty of Eriksson’s former players and colleagues would be expected to be on the guest list.

    Mourners unable to be in the church will be able to watch the proceedings on large screens outside the church.

    ‘I think there will probably be as many standing outside the church as there will be inside. Sven was so popular.’ Funeral adviser Christopher Jansson told The Mirror.

    Eriksson became the first foreign boss of the England national team in 2001, taking charge of 67 matches until 2006. He directed the talented squad to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and at the 2004 European Championships.

    ‘Svennis’, as he was known in Sweden, led a ‘golden generation’ of players including David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.

    ‘Thank you, Sven’: Beckham’s emotional tribute for ex-England boss

    The football world will wave goodbye to Eriksson, who was 76 when he died, on September 13
    +5

    The football world will wave goodbye to Eriksson, who was 76 when he died, on September 13

    Eriksson’s tenure was remembered almost as much for what happened off the field as on it after romances with Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio, Swedish TV host Ulrika Jonsson and former FA secretary Faria Alam during his time as England coach.

    He also managed Swedish, Portuguese and Italian clubs, winning major trophies in the 1980s and 90s before taking on the England job.

    After leaving England in 2006, he returned to the World Cup with Ivory Coast in 2010 and also had spells in charge of Manchester City and Leicester during a lengthy career.

  • Inside David Beckham’s relationship with Sven Goran-Eriksson as former England captain jets to Sweden for his old manager’s funeral

    Inside David Beckham’s relationship with Sven Goran-Eriksson as former England captain jets to Sweden for his old manager’s funeral

    David Beckham‘s relationship with Sven-Goran Eriksson was one of the most pivotal and enduring partnerships in English football during the early 2000s.

    Marked by mutual respect, loyalty, and defining moments on the pitch, their bond helped shape the England national team during a period of great expectations and near-misses in major tournaments.

    Their relationship continued to flourish off the pitch, with the pair remaining close friends up until Eriksson’s passing aged 76 after becoming terminally ill with pancreatic cancer.

    Eriksson’s family were around the Swedish icon’s bed when he passed away earlier this morning – and the news triggered a flood of tributes from across the footballing world and beyond.

    One of those tributes came from Beckham, who wrote: ‘We laughed, we cried & we knew we were saying goodbye. Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been: passionate, caring, calm & a true gentleman.

    David Beckham 's relationship with Sven-Goran Eriksson was one of the most pivotal and enduring partnerships in English football during the early 2000s
    +10

    David Beckham ‘s relationship with Sven-Goran Eriksson was one of the most pivotal and enduring partnerships in English football during the early 2000s

    Beckham, 49, pictured at Eriksson's funeral in Sweden on Friday morning
    +10

    Beckham, 49, pictured at Eriksson’s funeral in Sweden on Friday morning

    Backham shared the following tribute on social media after Eriksson passed away
    +10

    Backham shared the following tribute on social media after Eriksson passed away

    Play onAppleSpotify

    ‘I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family. Thank you Sven and in your last words to me: ‘It will be ok’.’

    It is not known when the video was filmed – but Eriksson revealed in June that Beckham had visited him after he announced in January that he had been given ‘at best’ a year to live.

    During an interview with Radio Sweden’s P4 Varmland channel two months ago, the 76-year-old said Becks had visited him on his farm outside Sunne.

    ‘He came with six litres of wine from dates that were important to me,’ Eriksson had revealed. ‘He had wine from 1948 – the year I was born, very nice of him. He is genuine, he could have been a big diva, but he is quite the opposite.’

    Beckham also brought wine from 1982, when Eriksson won the UEFA Cup with IFK Goteborg, and 2000, the year he won the Serie A title with Lazio.

    Eriksson added: ‘The previous day he had sent a chef who fixed the food, and then he came and was here for a day, we sat chatting, a lot about football. It confirms, in a way, how great he is. He didn’t have to come here. I felt proud that he came.’

    Beckham and Eriksson’s relationship may have stated on the pitch but it blossomed into much more than that.

    Eriksson took over as England’s first foreign manager in 2001, inheriting a squad full of talent but also a nation desperate for success.

    Eriksson oversaw a refinement to England's playing that saw them become a more competitive force on the world stage - including Beckham's 2001 awe-inspiring free kick against Greece
    +10

    Eriksson oversaw a refinement to England’s playing that saw them become a more competitive force on the world stage – including Beckham’s 2001 awe-inspiring free kick against Greece

    Football legend David Beckham attends Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral

    Beckham and Eriksson pictured in 2002 ahead of the World Cup which saw the team reach the quarter finals before being knocked out by Brazil
    +10

    Beckham and Eriksson pictured in 2002 ahead of the World Cup which saw the team reach the quarter finals before being knocked out by Brazil

    At the time, Beckham was already a global superstar, cemented as one of the best players in the world through his performances at Manchester United.

    But on the international stage, he was at a crucial point in his career, having been named England captain by caretaker manager Peter Taylor.

    Eriksson chose to keep Beckham as captain, a decision that would shape their relationship and England’s footballing fortunes in the coming years.

    When speaking about Beckham, Eriksson always said he saw him as not just a star player, but a leader who could inspire the squad.

    Beckham, in turn, flourished under Eriksson’s calm, unflappable leadership style, a contrast to the more volatile managers he had worked with, particularly Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

    The 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign produced one of the most iconic moments in Beckham’s career and solidified his role as England’s leader under Eriksson.

    In a crucial game against Greece in October 2001, England needed a draw to qualify for the World Cup in South Korea and Japan. With the team trailing 2-1 in stoppage time, Beckham delivered a sensational free kick from 25 yards to level the score at 2-2, securing England’s place in the tournament.

    Eriksson and Beckham in Portugal in 2004 during the European Championships. Eriksson brought England some much-needed panache but never saw them to a title
    +10

    Eriksson and Beckham in Portugal in 2004 during the European Championships. Eriksson brought England some much-needed panache but never saw them to a title

    Looking back at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s career as England manager

    Eriksson quit the England post after the team was knocked out of the 2006 World Cup by Portugal during the quarter-finals (pictured with a dejected Beckham after the match)
    +10

    Eriksson quit the England post after the team was knocked out of the 2006 World Cup by Portugal during the quarter-finals (pictured with a dejected Beckham after the match)

    That moment became legendary, and Eriksson later described it as one of the most emotional matches he had ever experienced. It highlighted Beckham’s ability to deliver under immense pressure and Eriksson’s trust in him.

    The 2004 European Championship in Portugal was a turning point in Beckham’s and Eriksson’s partnership. England had a talented squad and high hopes, but the tournament ended in heartbreak.

    In the quarter-finals against Portugal, Beckham missed a crucial penalty in the shootout, and England were eliminated. For Beckham, it was a low point, as the miss capped off a difficult tournament for him personally.

    Despite the criticism that followed, Eriksson stood by his captain, publicly defending Beckham’s value to the team. He emphasised Beckham’s leadership and importance to the squad, maintaining that his captain was irreplaceable despite the public questioning his form.

    The 2006 World Cup in Germany was the final chapter of Beckham and Eriksson’s partnership. By then, both men were under considerable pressure to deliver a major trophy for England.

    ‘I know it’s there’: Former England manager shares emotional message

    Beckham’s form was no longer at its peak, and Eriksson’s tactical decisions were being increasingly scrutinised. However, Eriksson remained steadfast in his decision to keep Beckham as captain, relying on his experience and leadership to guide the team.

    England’s tournament ended in another quarter-final exit, again to Portugal on penalties. Beckham, visibly emotional, resigned as captain shortly after the defeat, marking the end of an era for both himself and Eriksson, who also stepped down as manager.

    Beckham and Eriksson continued their relationship off the pitch. Beckham will be one of many stars in attendance at Eriksson’s funeral due to take place in Sweden later today.

    Beckham was pictured touching down in Karlstad airport, Sweden, with wife Victoria. Eriksson will be buried in Torsby where he grew up but the ceremony is set to be very different from a traditional funeral in the area.