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  • Meghan Markle was cruelly snubbed by Sophie Trudeau in her latest interview

    Meghan Markle was cruelly snubbed by Sophie Trudeau in her latest interview

    Meghan Markle brutally snubbed by Sophie Trudeau in 10-word swipe

    Sophie Trudeau, who was previously married to the Canadian Prime Minister has given Meghan Markle the cold shoulder.

    Sophie Trudeau on World Eating Disorder action day

    Sophie Trudeau issued a brutal snub towards Meghan Markle (Image: Getty)

    Sophie Trudeau who was previously married to the Canadian Prime Minister gave Meghan Markle the cold shoulder and refused to confirm an existing friendship between the two women.

    In a brutal 10-worded snub earlier this year, Sophie told The Times: “I know her… but we haven’t spent much time together.”

    Justin Trudeau’s ex-wife was featured on Meghan Markle’s failed podcast, Archetypes in November 2022, when Meghan described a day of laughter and fun that the pair spent at her Montecito mansion, where their children played in the swimming pool on pizza-shaped floats.

    Meghan admitted described how Sophie used to send her “little meditations” during her pregnancy and voice notes “of encouragement” to the Duchess. She also described how they drank wine on her terrace and were “giddy like absolute schoolgirls.”

    However, in the interview, Sophie turned the conversation over to Meghan’s sister-in-law instead and revealed her “heart just sunk” when she heard about Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis.

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    Meghan Markle looking stern

    Meghan described her “day of fun” with Sophie on Archetypes (Image: Getty)

    According to the book, Finding Freedom, Meghan became friendly with Sophie in 2016 after meeting her husband Justin, who has been Canada’s prime minister since 2015, at the One Young World summit in Ottawa that year.

    Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand claim: “The pair became fast email friends, Meghan was interested to hear how Sophie had successfully made the move from an entertainment news correspondent to much-beloved First Lady, all while skillfully dodging controversy.”

    In November 2022, Meghan invited Ms Trudeau on to her Spotify podcast Archetypes, where the pair spoke about the challenges of parenting and being a partner to Justin and Harry.

    Meghan introduced Ms Trudeau as a “humanitarian mother” she met in Toronto, where Meghan was living while filming a hit TV show, Suits.

    It is unclear why Sophie did not confirm an existing friendship with Meghan, but the Duchess has also been criticised for her “strategic friendship” with former best friend Jessica Mulroney.

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    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry observing crowds

    According to Finding Freedom, Meghan became friendly with Sophie in 2016 (Image: Getty)

    Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths has accused the Duchess of Sussex of being quick to discard friendships, particularly in light of her apparent distancing from Mulroney in recent years.

    Griffiths referred to the term “Markled”, a slang term from the Urban Dictionary which describes someone who cuts ties with a friend after they’ve made a significant contribution to their life.

    Speaking on Palace Confidential, Griffiths said: “I think she’s a bit strategic with her friends and once she’s finished with them, she casts them aside and forgets all about them, deletes their number and blocks their number in some cases.”

    Jessica and Meghan have not been seen together publicly recently and Jessica did not feature in the couple’s Netflix series, in which other friends of Harry and Meghan were interviewed.

  • Duchess Sophie sparks fan frenzy with ‘absolutely regal’ look

    Duchess Sophie sparks fan frenzy with ‘absolutely regal’ look

    Duchess Sophie sparks fan frenzy with ‘absolutely regal’ look

    Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh joined her husband Prince Edward and the King at the State Banquet in honour of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

    Prince William and Duchess Sophie with Emperor and Empress of Japan.

    The Duchess of Edinburgh looked stunning in her emerald green gown and tiara. (Image: Getty)

    Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh sparked a royal frenzy with her “absolutely regal” appearance at a glamorous banquet on Tuesday.

    Sophie donned a stunning emerald green evening gown paired up with the Lotus Flower Tiara – a loan from her sister-in-law Queen Camilla.

    The headpiece, which was created especially for Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in 1923 by the House Garrard, was last used in 2022 by Kate, the Princess of Wales.

    The Duchess of Edinburgh had never worn the tiara before, favouring instead either her wedding tiara or the custom-made Wessex Aquamarine tiara – but royal fans welcomed the change and praised her “perfect” look.

    One social media user wrote on X, the site formerly known as Twitter: “Sophie looks so major.

     

    “Is it okay for me to say it was high time she was loaned big tiaras and gems? She looks absolutely regal.

    “Her papa must be so proud of her. She’s beautiful and all those sparklies suit her perfectly.”

    Another user said: “Love the necklace and earrings. So regal and perfect for her and for the occasion!”

    The Royal News Network account commented: “Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, in the Lotus Flower Tiara for the first time!!!

    “I’m so excited that she has a tiara that she can perhaps wear from time to time!! She deserves it!”

     

    sophie duchess of edinburgh wears her wedding tiara

    The Duchess would normally favour either her wedding tiara (pictured) or the Wessex Aquamarine Tiara. (Image: Getty

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    Some users noted the tiara choice was particularly suited as the Duchess of Edinburgh was the second most senior royal woman in attendance right after Camilla.

    One user said: “She is wearing the Lotus Flower. After all, she is the second most senior female royal at this event, just after the Queen. Can’t have her in a lesser tiara.”

    Sophie completed her outfit with another favourite piece, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Pear-Shaped Diamond Drop demi-parure.

    The Duchess has turned to the necklace-earring combination on multiple occasions, most notably during the state banquet in honour of Donald Trump during his visit to the UK in 2019.

  • Thomas Markle opens up on major fear about Meghan Markle and her children

    Thomas Markle opens up on major fear about Meghan Markle and her children

    Thomas Markle opens up on major fear about Meghan Markle and her children

    Meghan Markle’s dad, Thomas Markle, turns 80 soon, and one wish he has is to “meet his grandchildren”.

    Meghan Markle (young) and Thomas Markle

    Meghan Markle (young) and Thomas Markle (Image: Netflix)

    Meghan Markle’s dad, Thomas Markle, turns 80 in just a few weeks’ time, and he has mixed emotions about hitting an important milestone in his life, feeling that everything has been “overshadowed” by what has happened in the last six years.

    Growing up, Meghan had a close relationship with her father, but the two have been estranged for the past six years, making a reconciliation in the future unlikely – they have not seen each other since before her wedding to Prince Harry.

    Mr Markle was unable to walk her down the aisle after he also suffered heart attacks on the eve of their wedding – and the couple have not spoken since. To this day, Mr Markle has also never met his grandchildren Prince Archie, five, Princess Lilibet, three.

    Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “I’ve never been one for birthdays, but I know the one person I most want to hear from, Meghan, won’t be in touch. I would love to meet my grandchildren, but I would be happy with a photograph at this stage.”

    READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children may be key to ending royal row

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    Thomas Markle

    Thomas has appeared on many TV interviews claiming he wants to see his daughter (Image: SKY)

    The father of the Duchess of Sussex remains confused as to why he has never met his son-in-law. He said: “When I reflect back on my life, as you do when you are approaching 80, that’s one of the questions I cannot find an answer for.”

    He added: “Why didn’t Harry ever come to meet me? He has the resources to fly around the world – and does – but why didn’t he come to see me…” He further questioned: “What man gets married without meeting his wife’s father?”

    The Daily Mail explains throughout the interview, Mr Markle “struggled to find words” or “stumbled over sentences” because of the effects of a serious stroke he suffered two years ago.

    It is reported he feels “deep empathy” for King Charles, who is “in the same boat” as to not have spent time with his grandchildren.

    He further questioned: “I have so many questions I’d like to ask Meghan and Harry. The main one being, why have they treated not only me but the Royal Family and the King so badly.”

  • Elton John’s cheeky nickname for David and Victoria Beckham revealed after yacht antics

    Elton John’s cheeky nickname for David and Victoria Beckham revealed after yacht antics

    Tom Bower’s new book, The House of Beckham, explores David and Victoria’s marriage, the former footballer’s alleged affair with Rebecca Loos and the couple’s relationship with the Royal family.

    Elton John reportedly coined a biting moniker for David and Victoria Beckham after getting wind of their supposed antics aboard his yacht.

    In the explosive new book by Tom Bower, The House of Beckham, the spotlight is thrown on the couple’s union and David’s rumoured infidelity, as well as bombshell revelations about the Beckhams’ fraying ties with the Royal Family, particularly their cooling relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

    Rebecca Loos, who sensationally alleged an affair with the soccer star in 2004, is said to be keen to tell all about the supposed liaison after being appalled by David’s treatment of a waitress.

    Sir Elton is also reported to have cracked jokes about David and Victoria following their behaviour towards his yacht crew.

    Allegedly, the legendary musician dubbed the pair “Takeums” after they neglected to leave a gratuity for his staff during a stay on his luxury vessel.

    Elton John’s cheeky nickname for the Beckhams stems from private yacht antics (Image: GETTY)

    Last month, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated the Beckhams’ fortune at a staggering £455 million.

    Elton has enjoyed a close-knit friendship with Posh Spice for over thirty years and even made a brief appearance in the 1997 hit film Spice World.

    Victoria once disclosed that it was Elton who inspired her to bid farewell to the Spice Girls, penning an emotional letter to her older self where she confessed that watching him perform made her realise that her true calling lay beyond singing and dancing.

    In a heartfelt note she said: “Remember years ago, watching your dear friend Elton John on stage in Las Vegas? He performed Tiny Dancer, as if it were the first time, and you realised this was like oxygen for him.

    “It was a life-changing moment – while singing and dancing was fun for you, it wasn’t your passion. That day, you started your quest to uncover your own dreams. It was time to step away from being a Spice Girl.”

    David Furnish, David Beckham and Elton John

    The Beckhams have been close friends with Elton for years (Image: GETTY)

     
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    The bond between the Beckhams and Elton John is indeed strong, with the legendary musician often vacationing with the Beckham clan.

    The Beckham offspring affectionately call him Uncle Elton, and David has playfully cautioned “Watch out uncle” alongside a clip of their son Cruz showcasing his piano talent.

    Bower’s explosive new book throws light on what he claims was a pivotal moment in the Beckhams’ marriage, which has spanned nearly a quarter of a century.

    According to the author, Rebecca Loos’ frustration with David’s attitude towards a waitress sparked a major marital challenge.

    Elton John and Victoria Beckham

    Elton reportedly calls the Beckhams ‘Takeums’ after they refused to tip his yacht staff (Image: GETTY)

    Bower asserts: “The turning point for Loos was realising Beckham’s double standards. After a meal for SFX employees at Madrid’s Hard Rock Cafe, Beckham did not leave a tip.”

    The next day, the waitress gave Loos a note for Beckham, expressing her shock at how someone so renowned and affluent could be so stingy. She explained that she relied on tips to get by.

    Bowers notes that David was surprised after reading the note and handed over a substantial amount of euros, stating, “‘Give her this”.

    He further adds: “Reflecting in February about how Beckham had manipulated her and lied to her, Loos was furious.”

  • Prince William’s brutal reason for cutting ties as Harry hurt him ‘more than he’d admit’

    Prince William’s brutal reason for cutting ties as Harry hurt him ‘more than he’d admit’

    Prince William’s brutal reason for cutting ties as Harry hurt him ‘more than he’d admit’

    Prince William and Prince Harry were once incredibly close but the brothers’ bond has been shattered and there are clear reasons the future King cut ties

    Harry and William side by side looking serious

    Prince Harry and Prince William are now all but estranged (Image: PA)

    Prince William is “sensitive” and was hurt by his rift with Prince Harry “more than he’d care to admit” – but there was one key reason he found it “easier” to cut ties with his younger brother, a Royal expert has claimed.

    Once upon a time, William and Harry were inseparable but it is believed the chasm between them has widened so much in recent years that a reconciliation seems unlikely. Since his departure from the Royal family, Harry, along with his wife Meghan Markle, have been vocal critics of the monarchy; their criticisms have been aired in their notorious Oprah interview, their Netflix series, various interviews, and in his memoir, Spare.

    Their constant revelations have strained William’s relationship with Harry – and one Royal expert suggests there’s a personal reason why the future King decided to “cut ties” with his younger sibling.

    Ingrid Seward highlighted the significance of stability in William’s life as she told the Mirror: “William is sensitive, he likes structure and has perseverance. He does not give up easily. His relationship with brother Harry upset him more than he would care to admit. But he found it easier to cut ties rather than allow himself to be continually annoyed.”

    harry and william on the balcony

    The brothers no longer speak (Image: Getty)

    Reflecting on the tumultuous period for William, Ingrid Seward told the Mirror: “His father got cancer and Kate had a serious abdominal operation. Later to announce she too had to have cancer treatment. William played both mother and father to the children while he carried on with his royal duties supporting the Queen in his father’s absence. The traumas of the past year have made him a stronger person. He has become the kind of man Diana always hoped he would be. Kind considerate and able to take on whatever life throws at him.”

    The rift between Prince William and Prince Harry appears to have deepened, with reports suggesting that the Prince of Wales has cut off contact with his brother. During a candid interview on ’60 Minutes’ in January 2023, Harry was quizzed about whether he communicates with William, to which he replied: “Currently, no. But I look forward to… I look forward to us being able to find peace.”

    When questioned about the last time they spoke, Harry conceded it had been “a while.”

    He also revealed a similar distance with his father, King Charles, stating: “We haven’t spoken for quite a while. No, not recently.”

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    However, Harry remains hopeful for a future reconciliation, saying: “But at the heart of it, there is a family, without question. And I really look forward to having that family element back. I look forward to having a relationship with my brother. look forward to having a relationship with my father and other members of my family. My brother and I love each other. I love him deeply. There has been a lot of pain between the two of us, especially the last six years.”

    Prince Harry’s last appearance in the UK was at the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in May, during which he did not meet his father. This despite Charles’s offer of Royal accommodation to Harry, which was turned down, leading some to question the cited reason of a ‘full schedule’.

    Harry and Charles shared their most recent encounter in February, a brief meeting of 45 minutes in London amidst Charles’ cancer battle.

  • The Spiciest Bombshells From New Tell-All About the Beckhams

    The Spiciest Bombshells From New Tell-All About the Beckhams

    Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty

    Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty

    Ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham gripped her phone in horror as she watched her husband, star English footballer David Beckham, tell an Australian TV program their marriage was “hard work.”

    “It was like a nuclear bomb had gone off,” writes British investigative journalist Tom Bower in his new tell-all The House of Beckham, of the 2018 interview. “Her husband’s disloyalty baffled her. His truthfulness had destroyed her efforts to conjure up an image of happy families. Why, she sobbed, would David embarrass her.”

    Afterward, Posh Spice was reportedly so distraught she took a time out at a German wellness spa, says the book, slated for release next Tuesday, June 25.

    Throughout this scathing bio, Bower suggests the Beckhams’ happy-family image—which scored a somewhat more upbeat portrayal in Netflix’s Beckham—is nothing more than a house of cards, or in the author’s words, a “distant business relationship,” despite Victoria striving to maintain the illusion of a solid 25-year union.

    The chapters preview the couple’s secret world, with titles like “Wreckage,” “Shame,” “Agony,” “Phony,” and “Downfall.” One British reviewer called it “339 pages of slaughter,” adding, “This is a portrait that makes the marriage between Donald and Melania Trump look happy, carefree and loved-up.”

    Here are a few of the spiciest claims about the pair Bower calls “consummate actors.”

    Victoria sent a search party for David at Glastonbury

    Before his wife arrived at the famous music festival in 2017, “Golden Balls” was partying until the wee hours with pals including sports agent Dave Gardner and socialite Lady Mary Charteris, along with a “glamorous Australian bikini model.”

    David was having so much fun that a stranger snapped a photo of him near an unnamed woman; the soccer star marched over to demand the spy delete it.

    Then Victoria arrived from New York. Bower writes that one member of the entourage said, “There was no hassle and a great mood until she landed.” The fashion mogul plowed through the VIP area, irate that her hubby had screened her calls.

    “Eventually, David appeared,” Bower writes. “Within seconds, they were embroiled in a ferocious argument.” A witness added, “They looked quite miserable, but they managed to pose for the cameras.”

    News of David’s affairs led to Victoria clocking him

    The couple’s relationship has long been plagued by rumors of infidelity. Bower writes that Victoria punched David in the face after he told her he’d been accused of kissing another woman while she was on tour—and pregnant with their son, Brooklyn, in 1998.

    “I hadn’t planned it,” the Spice Girl noted in her own memoir. “I hadn’t punched anybody before. Just instinct. I just felt angry and hurt.” Still, she married David the following year. The girl-power icon once told Glamour she’d “die of a broken heart” if her spouse was unfaithful.

    David’s extramarital frolicking reportedly led to him keeping a “stash” of blank NDA forms that he “should get the woman to sign” if necessary.

    Bower argues the couple only stayed together for their brand: David’s “status and survival would have been washed away without Victoria’s determination to maintain the illusion of a happy family.”

    One of David’s alleged lovers came forward after he stiffed a waiter

    Multiple women have claimed to have affairs with the Manchester United legend, but one reportedly spoke out in 2004 after he refused to tip a waitress following a meal with employees of the SFX sports agency at Madrid’s Hard Rock Cafe.

    According to Bower, his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos was aghast at Beckham’s “double standards.” The next day, the waitress handed Loos a note for Beckham—then playing for Real Madrid—explaining that she survived on tips.

    “After reading the note, Beckham was alarmed,” Bower writes. “‘Give her this,’ he said, handing over a thick wodge of euros.”

    While David denied the affair with Loos, Victoria’s life in Spain “was lonely and unhappy,” Bower says. “Although she had everything money could buy she was isolated,” he wrote. “With few friends, she was unwilling to learn Spanish. Her diet, rigorous exercise and chain-smoking reflected her anxieties.”

    The Beckhams were reportedly very stingy

    During a photo shoot, Victoria expensed some potato chips. And the couple was once supposedly annoyed at an employee who’d requested $10 (£8) for a taxi. At another point, David wanted to serve warm German Liebfraumilch, which costs about $3.80 (£2.99) a bottle, at a lavish Unicef fundraiser.

    More seriously, Bower also accuses David of tax avoidance schemes: “Beckham gave the impression that playing the tax card had become nearly as important in his life as kicking the ball.” Bower adds that the soccer star “effectively became a non-dom,” the term for a UK resident who lives outside of the country and who does not have to pay taxes for income earned elsewhere, after relocating to Spain.

    David could be “creepy” with women

    The footballer “always looked like he was evaluating each woman” when he visited his agent’s London office, the book alleges. “Some longed for his attention,” Bower writes. “Others would later say he was rather creepy.”

    According to one alleged lover, Aussie model Sarah Marbeck, David referred to himself as “Peter Pan” and Victoria as “Wendy.” His name for Marbeck: “Tinkerbell.” David also reportedly told Marbeck he fantasized about a Pretty Woman scenario, where he’d play Richard Gere to her Julia Roberts call girl.

    The Beckhams feuded with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

    Bower delves into the couple’s celebrity friendships, including with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—the latter of whom he claims “put on airs” around Victoria.

    “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,” Bower writes.

    The scribe adds Markle “was irritated to discover that the Beckhams had considerably more wealth than herself” and “owned five homes, had constant access to private jets, invitations to sail on yachts and much more money.”

    Meghan and Victoria allegedly had a falling out after the Sun reported Posh Spice gave the Suits actress makeup advice. Harry called David over the alleged press leak, and Victoria denied going to the press with that tidbit.

  • Shocking reason why the Duchess is ‘unhappy’ after Taylor Swift’s big move

    Shocking reason why the Duchess is ‘unhappy’ after Taylor Swift’s big move

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle LIVE: Duchess ‘not happy’ after major Taylor Swift move

    Meghan Markle in the past reportedly tried to woo Taylor Swift with a handwritten letter to convince her to appear on her podcast but was rejected.

    meghan markle and taylor swift holding mics

    Meghan’s invitation to Taylor to participate in her podcast was swiftly rejected, it’s been reported. (Image: Getty)

    Meghan Markle will likely be “not happy” to see Taylor Swift “choosing” to support Team Wales after the American popstar took a selfie with Prince William and his two eldest children, two commentators have argued.

    The Prince of Wales last week attended the first concert of Swift’s three-night Eras Tour events at Wembley with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The trio later met with the singer backstage and took selfies with her.

    Sky News Australia host Rita Panahi said: “If there’s one thing Meghan covets above all else is celebrity attention and the former actress probably isn’t going to be happy with Taylor Swift making time for William and his children.”

    Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield echoed her statement, adding: “If you recall, Meghan Markle handwrote a letter to Taylor Swift asking her to appear on her podcast and Taylor had her people reach back out to Meghan and decline that invitation.

    “But Prince William and Taylor have a very good history, there’s a very funny video of them from 2013 rocking it out with Bon Jovi at a charity event. (…) I do think this is Taylor saying, ‘I found a side, I’ve chosen a side’.”

  • David Beckham’s Alleged Affairs Took a Messy Turn Amid His Marital Struggles With Victoria

    David Beckham’s Alleged Affairs Took a Messy Turn Amid His Marital Struggles With Victoria

    David Beckham and Victoria Beckham
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    David Beckham and Victoria BeckhamWWD/Penske Media via Getty Images.

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    David and Victoria Beckham might be the picture of wedded bliss 25 years into their marriage, but it wasn’t always that way. A new book by Tom Bower, The House of Beckham, alleges that the retired soccer player’s affairs were so messy that they often overlapped each other while he was married to the Spice Girl.

    It seems that David’s often-reported fling with his personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, was also around the same time as his alleged affair with supermodel Esther Cañadas. Victoria couldn’t find her husband one night and called Loos to see if she knew where he was. He just so happened to be at Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s villa, according to Bower’s book. At 3 a.m. Loos tracked him down there and said, per a book excerpt via Page Six, “David, I have your wife on the phone.” As David approached Loos, she reportedly saw Cañadas in his bed. “I looked at him, very hurt,” she told a friend. “I thought I was the only one.” 

    Esther Canadas on the catwalk (Photo by WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)

    Esther Cañadas on the catwalk.WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images.

    The Beckhams have done their best to downplay the allegations in his 2023 Netflix documentary, Beckham. They alluded to the fact that something happened in their marriage without confirming any of the rumors. “It was the hardest period for us because it felt like the world was against us. And here’s the thing, we were against each other if I’m being completely honest,” she said in the docuseries. David only described it as a “difficult” time for them and added, “Victoria is everything to me.”

    Fans won’t likely get a straight answer from the superstars, which is their prerogative, but a Page Six source pointed out that Bower’s book damages their brand. “There may not be anything we don’t know in this book but having it all in one place is super damning. Victoria and David will have thought they left all of this behind,” they said. “It’s a legacy you don’t want to have. It doesn’t matter how you dress it up, the maggots are out of the woodwork.”

    Loos, who is now married and has a family of her own, told the Daily Mail last fall that she will never back down from her affair claims. “He can say whatever he likes, of course, and I understand he has an image to preserve, but he is portraying himself as the victim and he’s making me look like a liar like I’ve made up these stories…” she said. “He is indirectly suggesting that I’m the one who has made Victoria suffer.”

  • OPINION – Dylan Jones: Attacks on David and Victoria Beckham fail for this simple reason

    OPINION – Dylan Jones: Attacks on David and Victoria Beckham fail for this simple reason

     (Dave Benett)

    (Dave Benett)

    Last week was Beckham week, although I’m not sure it actually was. Not really. Tom Bower’s hatchet job on David and Victoria Beckham had been promised for ages, and I know that many journalists were looking forward to it. After his successfully skewering of the likes of Mohamed Al-Fayed, Conrad Black, Robert Maxwell, Simon Cowell, Jeremy Corbyn and Sir Richard Branson, I’m sure his publishers were expecting something equally salacious from The House of Beckham, but I’m not sure that has come to pass.

    You can tell when a book is about to blow up when you start to see ads for the newspaper serialisations, although the first I saw of Bower’s book was a couple of copies plonked on the desk of our Literary Editor Robbie Smith last week. I had been asked by Bower to contribute to the book last year (I declined), so I flicked through the index to see if I was mentioned.

    When I edited GQ I dealt a lot with the Beckhams and always found them relatively cooperative, which is why Bower had wanted to talk to me. At GQ we went out of our way to celebrate David Beckham whenever we could, and during my tenure he had more covers than anyone else (seven — even more than Kylie). It was good for him, and it was good for us. However, according to Bower, I was always too sycophantic towards him — “coming to the rescue”, apparently — whenever he needed some positive PR. Maybe I was, but it worked. For both of us.

    I don’t think I come out of the book particularly badly, although I’m sure I would have been treated differently if I had spoken to Bower. I had no intention of helping him, as I have no desire to dump on the Beckhams. As it is, my relationship with David is painted as somewhat co-dependent.

    I had no intention of helping Tom Bower as I have no desire to dump on the Beckhams

    I haven’t read the book, and probably never will (I think we ran most of the good bits in the Standard last week), but I think the crux of this story is all about public appetite. I’m not naïve enough not to know that the Beckhams are surrounded by a big, fat phalanx of extremely sharp-elbowed legal representatives, and yes of course there will also be many people who won’t speak to journalists like Bower because it might compromise their ongoing relationships with the Golden Couple. And yet regardless of what anyone might think about the Beckham brand, their marriage or the profile of their children, enough people seem to like them.

    I first met the Beckhams in the summer of 1997, when the publicist Alan Edwards was steering them around London, introducing the new couple to the media. Victoria was already freshly minted as a bright pop star, talkative and sassy and full of life. Her boyfriend was the opposite: shy, tongue-tied and obviously embarrassed at having to explain his new relationship to curious journalists like me.

    Five years later, all hint of bashfulness had evaporated, as I watched him cover himself in body oil in a mocked-up gym in Manchester for a magazine cover story with the photographer David LaChapelle. Beckham was almost naked; his fingernails were painted black, a fake leopardskin shawl was wrapped around his neck and his Dolce & Gabbana trunks were looking decidedly snug.

    By 2007, the narrative arc had sunk into deep suspicion as the media began to bite, criticising his imminent move to LA Galaxy and accusing him of grandstanding. But as I wrote at the time, “It’s all very well saying David and Victoria are overreaching in their attempts to ingratiate themselves with their rapidly expanding consumer base, but heed two things: One, they’re extremely good at it, and whether you think it’s just blatant self-promotion, this has always been part of the celebrity DNA. Two, people like them.”

    Broadly speaking, that remains true. There may indeed come a point in the future when we want to devour the Beckhams like sacrificial lambs or vilify them for having the audacity to grow like poppies — I’ve lost count of the number of editors who have told me they’re sitting on damaging material, patiently waiting until the public mood changes — but that time doesn’t seem to be now.

  • David Beckham, Lauren Graham, Prince and More Stars Selected for Hollywood Walk of Fame

    David Beckham, Lauren Graham, Prince and More Stars Selected for Hollywood Walk of Fame

    David Beckham Lauren Graham Prince and More Stars Selected for Hollywood Walk of Fame 896

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    A new group of entertainment professionals have been selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    In a press conference on Monday, June 24, music producer Jimmy Jam and actors Joe Mantegna and Niecy Nash joined Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Steve Nissen to announce the class of 2025.

    John CarpenterJessica ChastainBill DukeRobert EnglundEmilio EstevezColin FarrellJane FondaNia LongLisa LuGlynn Turman and Toni Vaz will receive stars thanks to their work in movies.

    Duke’s family was able to videotape the moment the actor/director discovered he was getting a star at the age of 81. “I simply can’t believe it,” he said via Instagram with his jaw dropped, “but I’m so honored.”

    Celebrities Who Surprisingly Don’t Have a Walk of Fame Star: Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and More

    As for the category of television, Fran DrescherLauren GrahamBill NyeMolly ShannonSherri ShepherdCourtney B. VanceChris WallaceTrey Parker and Matt Stone will be recognized.

    “I cannot believe it. Oh my God!” Shepherd, 57, shared via Instagram after Nash, 54, confirmed the news on FaceTime. “Thank you to the whole Chamber of Hollywood Walk of Fame. I’m so honored. I’m so blessed and thank you for this — it’s not a nomination — star cause I’m a winner baby.”


    In the category of music, Fantasia, Depeche Mode, Los Bukis, The B-52s, Green Day, The Isley Brothers, Busta RhymesGeorge StraitKeith Urban and War were announced as new honorees alongside the late artist Prince.

    The Grammy winner will be a relatively rare posthumous induction after he died in 2016 at the age of 57. The news came as fans continue celebrating the 40th anniversary of his sixth studio album, Purple Rain.

    Misty Copeland and Alan Cumming will be recognized for live theater and live performance, while Adam Carolla is expected to represent the radio category.

    Finally, world famous soccer player David Beckham and retired MLB pitcher Orel Hershiser will be celebrated for their contributions to the sports world.

    David Beckham’s Sexiest Moments of All Time

    Ceremony dates have yet to be scheduled for the class of 2025. Recipients have two years to finalize the timing of their star ceremonies from the date of selection before they expire.

    Upcoming star ceremonies are usually announced 10 days prior to the dedication on the official website and are open to the public.

    The Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2024 includes Darius RuckerGwen StefaniGal GadotSheryl Lee Ralph, the late Chadwick Boseman and many more.