An explosive new biography of the Beckhams has claimed that Victoria and David had their first sexual encounter “hours after meeting King Charles”.

The revelation was made by biographer Tom Bower in his newly-released House of Beckham, which is full of tantalising claims not only about the couple but the royal family.

Victoria, 50, allegedly made the revelation to the press when questioned about her sex life with the footballer.

“’I’m blissfully satisfied with my man,’ she said about their first sexual experience,” Bower wrote.

“It happened, she chortled, hours after meeting Prince Charles. Thereafter, she said, Beckham was ‘a total animal’ in bed.”

This was followed by the revelation that David liked his pet name “Golden Balls”, which was revealed to the entire world in an interview with Michael Parkinson.

Bower did not hold back in the new biography when discussing the Beckhams’ relationship with the royal family and attempted to provide insight into their now-soured friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

According to the biographer, Meghan “put on airs” around Victoria when they first met as she believed that her status as a “soon-to-be duchess” gave her a higher social standing.

This was a belief that Bower blasted as “deluded”.

He wrote: “In Meghan’s celebrity world, ranking depended on wealth and fame.

“As a seasoned operator, Meghan deluded herself that her status in the Royal family placed her above Victoria in the social pecking order.

“She was irritated to discover that the Beckhams had considerably more wealth than herself. They owned five homes, had constant access to private jets, invitations to sail on yachts and much more money. And she was soon to be a duchess.”

But despite Meghan’s alleged belief about her social standing, Bower claimed, this did not stop her from asking Victoria to gift her clothes and handbags worth thousands.

“Victoria agreed to provide a coat, dress, boots and a handbag worth £6,000 to Meghan for the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day parade in Sandringham,” he claimed.

But while this might have been intended to be a PR move for Victoria’s brand, Bower added that “the financial benefit was nil”.

The Independent has reached out to a representative for the Beckhams and Meghan Markle for comment.

David Beckham has sparked controversy by placing beehives along the boundary of his £12 million country mansion in Oxfordshire, allegedly as a deterrent to curious onlookers.

Locals are concerned about potential risks of swarming bees near a public footpath,

with new hives installed just 500 yards from Beckham’s existing nine hives, which he has maintained since 2021.

The former England football captain, known for his tenure at Manchester United and Real Madrid, developed an interest in beekeeping during lockdown.

Recently, he mentioned exchanging “beekeeping tips” with King Charles during a visit to the monarch’s Highgrove residence, underscoring his enthusiasm for the hobby.

Critics argue that the placement of the hives appears intended to dissuade foot traffic, despite ample space available in adjacent fields.

This isn’t the first time he has clashed with neighbors since moving into the area with his wife Victoria and their four children in 2017.

Previously, the couple faced accusations of attempting to construct a road over a public footpath for a greenhouse and drew scrutiny for plans to create a large lake on their property.

The Beckhams have reportedly been frustrated by the frequent attention from locals, ramblers, and guests from the nearby Soho Farmhouse.

They’ve invested heavily in landscaping and tree planting to obscure views from public paths to their Grade II listed barn conversion, which boasts amenities such as a sauna, safari tent, and football pitch.

Football ace David Beckham has penned a sweet tribute to his stepmother Hilary in honour of her birthday.

Taking to his Instagram Stories on Monday, the father-of-four uploaded a heartwarming throwback image of himself posing alongside Hilary

and dad Ted whilst relaxing at David’s lavish home in the Cotswolds.

To mark her special day, he captioned his post: “Hope you had the most amazing day x Happy Birthday,” followed by a white heart emoji.

In the snapshot, the trio could be seen beaming for the camera as they enjoyed a drink next to the Beckham’s lavish £50,000 safari-style tent which is located near their private lake.

Power couple David and Victoria won approval to create a 4,170 square metres lake with an island in the middle within the grounds of their second home,

on the condition that they planted hedgerows and trees to protect native birds and used special lights to help bats.

Construction for the stunning water feature went ahead in late 2020 and early 2021.

David’s dad Ted wed Hilary back in December 2021. The couple had a small ceremony in Middle Temple, London, before heading out of the country for their honeymoon.

On their big day, football ace David was his dad’s best man. Following their nuptials, he took to Instagram to share a plethora of behind-the-scenes photos, including a snapshot of David fixing his dad’s tie ahead of the ceremony.

Heaping praise on the newlyweds, he also shared: “Beautiful day celebrating my dad and Hillary’s wedding. Amazing to be together with all the family.

“So proud to be there for my dad like he’s always been there for me. Love you dad.”

Ted divorced David’s mum, Sandra, back in 2002 after 32 years of marriage. He announced his engagement to Hilary in March 2020.

David’s tranquil family life

David and his designer wife Victoria are doting parents to four children: sons Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz, and daughter Harper. They primarily split their time between their main residence in West London and their sprawling £12 million home in the Cotswolds.

David Beckham has sent Ollie Watkins a message after his Euro 2024 heroics for England.

Aston Villa’s star striker was the Three Lions’ super sub as he fired them into the Euro 2024 final

with a dramatic injury time winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday night. They will now face Spain in the final on Sunday.

And Beckham joined the likes of Watkins’ England team-mates Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, as well as Prince William, Gary Lineker,

Steven Gerrard and Alan Shearer in celebrating his sensational goal that sparked euphoric celebrations across the nation.

“That’s why they call it a TEAM,” Beckham said on Instagram Stories. “What a moment. Well done Ollie.”

Speaking on ITV, Watkins described the moment he scored the winning goal as “unbelievable”, adding: “I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks.

It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am now. I’m grateful I got the opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands, I’m delighted.

“I swear on my life, on my kids’ lives, I said to Cole Palmer, ‘We’re coming on and you’re going to set me up’ and that’s why I was so happy with Coley, I knew as soon as he got the ball he was going to play me.

“You’ve got to be greedy, touch and shoot, and when I see it going into the bottom corner it’s the best feeling ever.

“There’s been a lot of criticism but at the end of the day we’re in the final and that’s all that matters. Forget all the outside noise, we’re in the final.

“We’ve got that kind of bounce-back factor, going a goal behind seems to kick us into gear. We never give up. We’ve won on penalties and come from behind. There’s one more game now – we’re ready.”

Like Beckham, Bellingham hailed the team effort to reach the final – and Watkins. “Ollie came on and won it,” Bellingham said on ITV. “I’m so happy for him. He came on and took his opportunity. I couldn’t be prouder. The whole team are buzzing for him. He’s the hero and he saved us.”

Aston Villa striker Watkins, 28, produced a moment of magic to send Gareth Southgate’s men into a final against Spain in Berlin with a 90th-minute strike.

After the game, ex-England captain Beckham posted on his Instagram story: “That’s why they call it a TEAM.

“What a moment ❤️. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Well done Ollie @england.”

Watkins, who appeared on Lions’ Den, was grateful for the shout-out but also joked about Beckham not tagging him.

He said: “Any chance of a tag? Send him my [Instagram handle].”

But after a playful comment, he then went on to sincerely thank the former Manchester United man.

He added: “I had his boots [as a kid], I had his preds [predators].

“It’s nice that he can do that [send me a message]. Obviously he scored a memorable goal [the free-kick against Greece], so now I’ve done something similar – [but] I think his was better.”

Watkins had played just 20 minutes at the Euros before he came off the bench against the Dutch.

But he scored within nine minutes of being brought on to send England to Berlin.

Watkins’ mum Delsi-May called on Southgate to play her son after their quarter-final win over Switzerland.

And following his special goal, the Villa forward revealed he had predicted his winning moment.

Watkins, who was assisted by Cole Palmer, said: “The ball came into me, hold up is not the strongest side of my game but the goal was my bread and butter.

“I said to Cole Palmer we were both going to go on the pitch and he would set me up and it happened.

“You don’t get that opportunity very often and I had to be greedy and take the shot. I don’t think I have hit the ball so sweet like that before.”

There’s no denying the Beckham brothers have followed in their dad David Beckham’s footsteps

when it comes to tattoos and last week, Cruz Beckham, 19, debuted his latest inking.

Sharing a sweet sibling photo alongside his 13-year-old sister Harper and 21-year-old brother Romeo, the musician proudly showed off his three lions tattoo on his right arm.

In the sweet photo, Harper stood between her brothers who both folded their arms and smiled.

The Beckham trio were soaking up the sunshine in the mystery holiday snap, with Cruz opting to go shirtless whilst Romeo opted for an open-shirt and shorts combo

and Harper rocked denim shorts and a classic white T-shirt.

It wasn’t just Cruz who went under the needle, Romeo too added to his ever-growing tatt collection, getting the word “romance” tattooed on his hand.

On the official Instagram page of their tattooist, Pablo – known as Certified Letter Boy – shared a video of the process. He penned: “It’s coming home [England flag emoji].”

Whilst in the chair in Pablo’s Soho shop, Romeo donned a football shirt and headband, just like his dad used to wear on the field.

Cruz and Romeo as well as their eldest brother Brooklyn, have been going to Pablo for a long time and often go in together for their appointments.

Back in October, the trio headed in to get matching tattoos that spelt out “brotherhood”. Brooklyn and Romeo opted to have the word on their legs whereas, Cruz chose to have the family stamp across his hand.

Romeo is also known to take inspiration from his football star dad when it comes to his array of tattoos. Pablo previously shared a photo of the Inter Miami footballer having the same life-affirming paragraph inked on his leg as his David.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn has been known to look to his wife, Nicola Peltz, for inspiration having 70 inkings dedicated to the actress.

Brooklyn’s tattoos include a sketch of Nicola on his deltoid, song lyrics that Nicola walked down the aisle to at their wedding, the word ‘married’ on his outer left hand, his entire wedding vows on his bicep, Nicola’s eyes on his neck accompanied by a letter she wrote to him when they were engaged,  the word ‘lover’ on his left index finger, an ‘N’ with a love heart on his ring finger and the words ‘Nicola Anne Peltz’ and ‘baby’ on his hand.

Surprise Announcement: Meghan Markle Set to ‘Undoubtedly’ Surpass Princess Catherine in Popularity, Experts Predict

Meghan Markle will ‘no doubt’ overtake Kate Middleton in popularity

Rumours have been circulating that Meghan Markle is set to make a big return to Instagram, with one expert suggesting she could overtake Kate Middleton in terms of popularity

Meghan Markle has faced a tough few months recently, but things could be about to change for the Duchess of Sussex.

Speculation has been mounting that Meghan is set to return to Instagram and relaunch her popular blog The Tig, with one PR expert suggesting she could overtake her sister-in-law Kate Middleton when it comes to popularity. A recent survey showed Kate and her husband Prince William way out in front in terms of popularity among the public.

However, PR to the stars Mayah Riaz believes this will soon change. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, she said: “It’s no doubt when Meghan re-joins Instagram she will overtake Kate in terms of popularity.

Kate Middleton seems to have a carefully curated Instagram ( Image: Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

Meghan Markle could rival her sister-in-law with a social media return (Image: Getty Images)

Mayah pointed out how it’s likely Kate has staff posting to social media on her behalf. The PR expert added: “Therefore, it paints a picture perfect life which the Royal Family are keen to portray.”

Meghan stepped down from the Royal Family three years ago, before moving to America with her husband Prince Harry. Mayah said this will allow Meghan to “post what she wishes”.

“She wont have to run it by anyone for approval before posting it,” Mayah explained. Speaking about what we could expect from Meghan’s Instagram, she added: “We can see all aspects of Meghan and her family life.”

Meghan could share content that Kate can’t ( Image:PA)

Mayah said Meghan is likely to grab widespread media attention with her Instagram account. She told us: “We don’t often see Kate’s Instagram posts making headlines. However, Meghan’s life on Instagram will lead to headlines. We can also expect to hear news of projects announced first on her Instagram.”

Meghan and Harry were recently spotted dancing the night away at Beyoncé’s concert in California. Mayah said: “We have seen footage of Meghan dancing at Beyoncé’s concert as well as public display of affection with Harry. We would never see Kate and William like this.

“This is why there will be day and night difference between Meghan and Kate’s Instagram. Let’s not forget, people who love to hate Meghan will bizarrely still follow Meghan’s Instagram.”

However, she warned Meghan could be targeted by online trolls. “We are more likely to believe that Meghan herself will be posting on her Instagram. This will lead to an explosion of followers very quickly when it’s confirmed that @meghan is her account.

“Along with the explosion of following, I fear that a lot of it will be trolling. We have seen the amount of hate directed her way on Twitter (X) and sadly, I think that will follow on Instagram too.”

One baker quits, another faints and a third hurls themselves to the floor – has the Channel 4 show ever seen so much drama in one epsiode?

The Great British Bake Off has one of the most dramatic episodes in its 15-year history tonight – with three bakers crumbling under the pressure of biscuit week. In extraordinary scenes one baker quits, another faints and a third crashes to the floor.

As the last of the trio lurches sideways in a dramatic tumble, during judging of the showstoppers, judge Paul Hollywood can barely contain himself, declaring: “What the hell is going on?” His sidekick Prue Leith shows more sympathy, asking the latest casualty: “Are you all right?”

The rest of the bakers, who have just spent four hours making an edible puppet theatre, are shaken but also collapse in giggles, with Andy saying: “They’re dropping like bloody flies!”

Baker Illiyin suffers a fainting fit in tonight’s episode of The Great British Bake Off
The baker who faints is 31-year-old midwife Illyin, who last week received a coveted Hollywood handshake just 20 minutes into cake week for her cinnamon roll loaf. This week, as she starts to swoon, another baker is heard to shout: “Got a medic?”

One is duly rushed into the tent and Illyin is put into the recovery position on the floor, from where she can be heard to say: “I just feel dizzy.” Her fainting episode comes after the fares less well in this week’s signature challenge, which earned her the handshake in last week’s series debut. Tonight she describes the critique of her Viennese sandwiches as “gutting” and admits: “I knew biscuits were a problem.”

Last week’s star baker John reacts with shock as another baker tumbles to the floor
Because Illiyin still feels “woozy”, she leaves the tent for further medical attention and is not present to for the judging of her showstopper, with Noel Fielding stepping in. He laughs that the experience is hugely stressful, joking: “I’ve had nightmares about this.”

Bake Off’s Noel Fielding chats to Illiyin in last week’s episode ( 
Image:
Channel 4)The two tumbles follow the decision by one baker to quit the tent for good during the technical challenge, stating simply: “I’ve had enough. I’m done.”

Viewers can see all the action from biscuit week when the show kicks off tonight on Channel 4 at 8pm.

Brenda Edwards appeared in her first TV interview with Coleen Nolan today following the death of son Jamal Edwards in February

Brenda Edwards was in tears as she recalled being with her late son Jamal when he died.

The musical theatre star and Loose Women panelist, 48, appeared in her first TV interview today since her son Jamal’s death in February.

Speaking to Coleen Nolan, she was asked how she was doing and she replied: “I’m doing OK… I’m taking each day as it comes.”

Recalling the day he died, Brenda said: “The one thing that I do want to say is I was with him and his sister was with us, we were all at home. It was sudden and it was unexpected and he went into cardiac arrest. Then he passed with me holding his hand, so I get a little bit of comfort from knowing I was with him.”

“As much as that is comfort, at the same time, it’s a vision that I’m never going to forget.”

Brenda speaks to Coleen in her first TV appearance since ( 
Image:
ITV)
Brenda revealed that she has a bedtime routine dedicated to her son that “keeps her going”.

“When I wake up every morning – all of his photos are still obviously in the house – and I look at him and say, ‘Good morning, baby’ and ‘Good night, baby’.

“And I think doing that is what’s keeping me going. He always had this lovely, bright smile, just used to light up. He had this funny laugh. I feel his presence constantly and I know I’ve always been somebody who has faith and who believes in that and that has been a massive comfort to me.”

Brenda with late son Jamal
Brenda said that she had felt “overwhelmed” over the sheer volume of support they had received in the wake of Jamal’s death and that they were “so grateful”.

Jamal left instructions for his mum in the tragic event that he would die on how to take over his charities and businesses – and even had instructions for his funeral.

“I was glad to get that instruction from him,” Brenda explained. “He wanted Luton to be involved, he wanted Chelsea to be involved… he had a blue and white theme.

“It was beautiful.”

Opening up about the day of his funeral, Brenda said: “When we laid him to rest, it was really beautiful. We looked up into the sky and there was a J – the clouds had formed a J. A friend took a picture of it.”

Speaking of Jamal’s legacy, she said: “He said, ‘We all die, the goal is not to live forever but to create something that will.’ And I believe he has created something that will and I’m determined to make sure that it will. That’s my goal.”

Brenda recalled the day her son died
Jamal was the founder of the online urban music platform SB.TV and his work in the music industry led him to become friends with several celebs – including Ed Sheeran, Will.i.am, Professor Green and Rio Ferdinand.

Following his death, Brenda penned a statement and shared it with Good Morning Britain, which was read out live on air by Susanna Reid.

“It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanish and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world,” she shared.

She continued: “As we come to terms with his passing, we ask for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support.

Jamal tragically died in February ( 
Image:
Getty)

“Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PHD.”

A string of Brenda’s Loose Women stars paid tribute to Jamal and vowed to support her, with Denise Welch writing: “My heart aches for my friend Brenda. I can’t bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother [sad face emojis].”

Charlene White shared: “Your light shone so brightly that it touched so many of us, impacted the lives of many more, and changed the game forever. And, you are my Brenda’s son. There are no words to describe her heartbreak, our heartbreak, now that your light has gone. Sometimes life is terribly unfair.”

“I have just heard the heartbreaking news that @jamaledwards has died,” Saira Khan penned, “I am devastated for @brendaedwardsglobal and send her and her whole family my prayers and deepest sympathies. I met @jamaledwards whilst filming a children’s show and was struck by his humility and passion to help kids to believe in their talents.”

Loose Women were discussing the fact that Kris Jenner recently said Kim Kardashian is her favourite child when panelist Nadia Sawalha decided to have her say on the subject

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha did not look overly impressed on Thursday’s show as the panel discussed the Kardashian family.

Leading the panel was Charlene White, who mentioned the fact that Kris Jenner has revealed that Kim Kardashian is her “favourite” child.

Turning to mother-of-two Nadia, Charlene said: “Nadia, you are our resident Kardashian expert…”

“Correspondent with a K!” Nadia giggled, before adding: :Can I just correct you there? Because actually it oscillates between Kim and Kylie, the favouritism… so Kris will say. ‘oh you’re my favourite today’.”

Fellow panelist Jane Moore then tried to join in on the conversation and said of Kris’ tweet: “That to me, looks like it’s been written by Kim…”

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha did not look overly impressed on Thursday’s show as the panel discussed the Kardashian family
But Nadia, 57, was having none of it and piped up: “No I mean… don’t try and correct me on the Kardashians!”

Charlene, 41, was then heard joking: “Know your place Jane!” as a shocked Sunetra Sarker commented: “Oh my word!”

“No for Kylie is what a very long time, Kylie was the favourite. When she first became a billionaire, it went crazy, the favouritism was off the scale,” Nadia claimed.

Nadia told fellow panelist Jane Moore to not try and correct her on her Kardashian knowledge ( 
Image:
ITV)
Moving the conversation on, Nadia went on to admit that she also has a favourite child when it comes to her two daughters.

“I do have a favourite child and I tell my daughters on a regular basis, and it goes like this: Whoever is being nicest to me is my favourite!

“And they’re like, ‘do you mean that mum?’ and I went, ‘yeah if you’re really nice to me that day then you’re gonna be my favourite person, if you’re being a moody teenager then the other one’s gonna be my favourite person’,” she laughed.

Kris Jenner has recently admitted that Kim Kardashian is her favourite child ( 
Image:
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)But Sunetra didn’t look impressed with Nadia’s comments and said: “It’s so divisive.”

“No I love them the same, but whoever’s nicest to me is my favourite,” Nadia clarified.