David and Victoria Beckham once seemed close to Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle. But in recent years, it’s clear that their friendship has dramatically cooled

There was a time when the Beckhams seemed to be forging a close friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. But in recent years, cracks have started to appear – with Meghan said to have instigated an initial cooling-off period between the foursome.

Tellingly, David has also maintained a relationship with both Prince William and King Charles – something that is also said to have irked the couple. We take a look back at their former friendship – and subsequent falling out.

As the former England captain, David first crossed paths with Prince Harry many years ago. And at the start of Harry’s relationship with Meghan, David and Victoria were said to have reached out to support the former actress when she first moved to London.

David and Harry have known each other for a number of years ( 
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At the time it was reported that Victoria had lent Meghan her all-important little black book of her favourite hairdressers and stylist in the capital. Further details of their friendship were then shared in the press – and it was this that led to the first fallout between the couples.

Meghan reportedly suspected Victoria had ‘leaked’ the stories – promoting a ‘mortifying’ phone conversation between their husbands.

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

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

David and Victoria were invited to the Sussexes’ wedding in 2018 ( 
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AFP/Getty Images)
David and Victoria were on the guest list for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, however. The couple joined the pair’s friends, family, and fellow A-listers at St George’s Chapel on 19 May 2018. But, according to reports, they were only invited to the ceremony – and not the reception afterwards, which is said to have irked the Beckhams.

In October that same year, the Sussexes headed off on a tour of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, which coincided with the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney. Harry had asked David to be an ambassador for the Invictus Games and the former footballer travelled Down Under to show his support for the event.

But things reportedly turned sour when the Prince inexplicably refused to see David in Sydney. It was claimed that the reason Harry was keeping his friend at arms’ length was Meghan – who still feared Victoria was leaking stories about her to the press.

Meghan reportedly suspected Victoria had been leaking stories about their friendship ( 
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Getty Images)
Despite that, David initially said he was ‘proud’ of Harry following the announcement in 2020 that he and Meghan were stepping down from the royal family.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, David described Harry as an “amazing” person. “We love him,” he said, speaking on behalf of his wife, Victoria. “But I’m proud to see him growing up as an individual and being that person that every father wants to be.”

However, following their exit, Harry and Meghan made numerous public attacks on the royal family – and the monarchy, something likely to have upset David, an ardent royalist who famously queued for 12 hours to pay his respects to the Queen as she lay in state.

Since then, the couples have kept their distance. In 2022 when David and Victoria’s eldest son Brooklyn married actress Nicola Peltz in a lavish wedding in Florida, Harry and Meghan were nowhere to be seen.

Harry and Meghan did not attend Brookyn and Nicola’s wedding ( 
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Victoria Beckham/Instagram)DON’T MISS
And last summer when David welcomed football superstar Lionel Messi to his Inter Miami team, a star-studded crowd were in attendance for his debut. But again the Sussexes weren’t there.

One issue between the Sussexes and the Beckhams could be David’s close connection to Prince William and King Charles.

Like Harry, William has known David and Victoria for many years and the Beckhams were in Westminster Abbey when he married Kate Middleton back in 2011. In fact, Kate has worn a Victoria Beckham dress and sunglasses on outings in the past.

And in 2022, David joined both William and Kate when they travelled to Boston for the Prince of Waleses’ second annual Earthshot Prize awards, where he presented one of the prizes at one of William’s main projects.

David still maintains a good relationship with Prince William ( 
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Getty Images)
David was also recently named a King’s Foundation ambassador. In photographs released to mark the announcement, the sportstar was pictured with the King on the doorstep of Highgrove, Charles’s Gloucestershire retreat, and shown trying out his carpentry skills with foundation students taking part in woodworking courses at the Snowdon School of Furniture.

The pair also swapped beekeeping tips, with David saying: “Having developed a love for the countryside I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the foundation’s work. It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of His Majesty’s foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens – and compare beekeeping tips!”

Earlier this week, the two men caught up again at the inaugural King’s Foundation awards at Buckingham Palace – and were on very friendly terms as they chatted about football and discussed England’s chances in the Euro 2024 championships.

Prince Harry’s ‘regrets’ have been revealed by an expert as he and Meghan are set to miss out on Trooping the Colour once again today as the King celebrates his official birthday

Prince Harry ‘s “regrets” have been revealed after leaving the Royal Family as he and Meghan Markle are set to miss out on Trooping the Colour today.

Today marks the annual Trooping the Colour, which takes place to commemorate the official birthday of the monarch, despite Charles’ actual birthday being in November. And as the King prepares to sit in a carriage for the event, senior members of the Royal Family will be in attendance, including Harry’s older brother Prince William and his wife the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.

The Sussexes will be noticeably absent from the celebrations, with Prince Harry set to miss his father’s birthday once again. This comes after he and wife Meghan Markle stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, with them moving across the pond to California. They have since been somewhat estranged from the Royal Family.

Today marks the King’s official birthday ( 
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Speaking exclusively to The Mirror ahead of Trooping the Colour, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “This years Trooping the Colour which commemorates the King’s Birthday will be memorable as King Charles will be in a carriage as he courageously battles cancer.

“Harry and Meghan have not been invited. This is no surprise.”

He added: “You could argue they would not have accepted and also would not have expected an invitation as the royal rift is so deep. It has to be all about them if they accept.”

Mr Fitzwilliams then touched on Harry’s “regret” when he said: “However, Harry served in the forces for ten years and the Invictus Games, for disabled and wounded veterans, are a splendid creation.

“Had matters proceeded as anticipated, Harry and Meghan, as senior working royals, would have been prominent in the ceremony and the coverage is worldwide.

“He would not be human if he did not have some regrets when he sees what he is missing, as he surely must. It is surely time he wore his Coronation Medal too.”

Prince Harry last saw his father, the King, in February following the announcement of Charles’ cancer diagnosis. Harry jetted to the UK from the States as soon as he heard of the news, with the father and son duo having a 30-minute meeting.

Meghan Markle announced the launch of her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard in March, and is gearing up for when her new business venture finally goes live

Meghan Markle is reportedly “in tears” over the “unfair criticism” of her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.

The Duchess of Sussex announced her new business venture in March, and initially teased fans with vague details about her brand. In a cryptic video that was artfully shot at her and Prince Harry ’s mansion in Montecito, the Duchess of Sussex could be seen cooking in the kitchen, as well as walking around the lavish grounds of their family home. Details of what Meghan would be selling soon emerged, and as well as kitchen and homeware, the mother-of-two was planning on launching her own line of oils, nut butters, jams, and preserves, as well as home fragrances and furnishings.

Fuss over the Duchess’ new brand soon died down, and after no more details were given by Meghan about when American Riviera Orchard would eventually go live, she was forced to prepare for a huge PR drive to improve her image before the launch. However, royal expert and author Tom Quinn believes that Meghan would have been devastated following the lacklustre reception to American Riviera Orchard, especially after the criticism she received over her new jam.

Meghan Markle ‘in tears’ over harsh feedback to new company American Riviera Orchard after strawberry jam lampooned | Sky News Australia
Meghan released a collection of jams as the first product from her new brand

 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, were spotted on a romantic date last night at an exclusive restaurant in Los Angeles, celebrating Meghan’s 43rd birthday.

The couple looked radiant and in love as they enjoyed a quiet evening together, away from the spotlight.

According to sources close to the couple, Prince Harry had planned a special evening for his wife’s birthday, which included a private dinner at a luxurious villa overlooking the city. The villa was decorated with candles, flowers, and a personalized birthday cake for the Duchess.

The couple was seen laughing and chatting over a romantic dinner, looking every bit the happy couple they are. Meghan was stunning in a red dress, her hair styled perfectly, while Prince Harry looked dashing in a black tuxedo.

As they left the villa, they were met with cheers and applause from the waiting paparazzi, who shouted “Happy Birthday, Meghan!” and “We love you, Duchess!”

The couple’s date night comes after a busy few weeks for the Sussexes, who have been involved in various philanthropic endeavors and public engagements. Despite their hectic schedule, they always make time for each other and prioritize their love and relationship.

Prince William and Prince Harry, along with Meghan Markle, have had a well-documented strained relationship. While William typically avoids public comment on their activities, a recent report suggests he may have taken exception to the Duchess of Sussex being compared to his late mother, Princess Diana. The recent reaction from Prince William comes after The Duke and Duchess toured Nigeria as part of their Invictus commitment.

Meghan Markle compared to Princess Diana

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Nigerian tour was a huge success. The couple, however, faced criticism from royal experts for conducting an “unofficial royal tour,” reflecting the sentiments of the Palace and followers of Britain’s royals. For others, Meghan stood out as a powerful personality with her speech and bold public appearances. She was also spotted wearing a plain gold necklace similar to one Princess Diana wore. Reportedly, William and Harry’s late mother wore the same style of chain during one of her tri

Stop it. She need some Respect Prince williams wrote

George Clooney denied bold claim about Meghan Markle’s wedding: ‘I didn’t!’

GEORGE CLOONEY denied dancing with Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton at the former’s royal wedding, despite reports suggesting he was the last man on the dancefloor.

Meghan Markle is a ‘kind young woman’ says George Clooney

Prince Harry and Meghan are celebrating their three-year wedding anniversary today. In 2018, the pair tied the knot in Windsor, an event attended by George Clooney and his human rights lawyer wife, Amal. Not only were the Clooneys invited to the main event at St George’s Chapel, they were also asked to attend the exclusive evening reception at Frogmore House.

 

George disappointed fans when he denied reports he had danced with “everybody”, insisting he didn’t dance at all.

Attending a ceremony where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Film Institute at the Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, he said: “There were lots of stories, I heard I danced with… everybody.”

Amal added: “Yeah… the bride…”

George quickly clarified; “Yeah, I didn’t dance, I didn’t.

 

George Clooney denied dancing with Meghan at her wedding (Image: GETTY)

George and Amal Clooney at Meghan and Harry’s wedding in 2018 (Image: GETTY)

“There wasn’t beer pong. I heard there was beer pong, no beer pong.”

Tennis star Serena Williams, who also attended the wedding, had already denied that there had been a beer pong contest, despite reports she had won.

Talking to an AP reporter at the French Open in 2018, she said the claim was “not even remotely true”, adding that she doesn’t “even drink beer”.

She was not annoyed about the reports, however, admitting that she and her husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, had a “big laugh” about it.

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Serena Williams and her husband at Meghan and Harry’s wedding (Image: GETTY)At a press conference that day, Serena also spoke about the heartwarming ceremony, and said: “It was really exciting to see so much African-American culture impacted in the wedding.

“I was really happy Meghan wanted to incorporate that into it.

“I think it was just a whole cultural shift and change.

“It was seeing how far African-Americans have come. I thought it was an incredibly inspiring and beautiful and really motivating thing.”

Harry opening the car door for Meghan as they headed to their evening reception (Image: GETTY)

There were also reports that George Clooney coaxed guests to the bar and made people laugh by free-pouring shots of tequila at the reception.

The Hollywood star has created his own brand of the spirit called Casamigos, through which he has another royal connection; Princess Eugenie’s husband Jack Brooksbank is its brand ambassador.

In the book ‘Finding Freedom’, co-authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote: “George Clooney was also on hand to help.

“Coaxing people to the bar, he had partygoers laughing as he started free-pouring shots of Casamigos tequila, the liquor brand the movie star co-founded.

“‘I wanted to make sure everyone had the best time,’ Clooney said.”

While journalist Rachel Jonhson claimed the Clooneys did not know the Sussexes very well at the time of the wedding, they have since seen each other on a handful of occasions.

The Clooneys invited Meghan and Harry to their villa at Lake Como, and to their home in England twice.

Meghan also invited Amal Clooney to her baby shower in New York in 2019, when she revealed to the lawyer that she was having a boy.

Finding Freedom was written by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand and published by HQ in August. It is available here.

LADY COLIN CAMPBELL FEELS PRINCE HARRY & MEGHAN MARKLE PURPOSELY ‘DO THINGS TO GRAB THE PUBLIC’S ATTENTION’

SOURCE: MEGA

Lady Colin Campbell is sick and tired of seeing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the headlines.

The royal expert was on GB News when she gave her two cents about the couple and their public behavior.

“They are in our face three or four times a week. I mean, they’re paying [PR firm] Sunshine Sachs vast sums of money and they’re earning their keep very well,” she stated. “Every few days, it’s no accident that every few days Meghan and Harry are in the news. They do things to grab the public’s attention.

Campbell’s words come after a report claimed that the couple want to hire PR consultant Ollie Ayling, who worked for The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger.

“Harry and Meghan are rapidly expanding their business empire and want the best in the business to help,” a source told The Sun. “Ollie Ayling has been key in guiding Nicole’s career, making her money and keeping her relevant, so he was deemed a perfect fit. The Sussexes are already way more famous than the Pussycat Dolls. Now they want a fortune bigger than Nicole’s.”

At the moment, the couple have a multimillion-dollar deal with Netflix to produce original content, and they also work with Spotify to produce their podcast, Archewell Audio.

Their first project with Netflix will focus on the Invictus Games.

“Since the very first Invictus Games back in 2014, we knew that each competitor would contribute in their own exceptional way to a mosaic of resilience, determination, and resolve. This series will give communities around the world a window into the moving and uplifting stories of these competitors on their path to the Netherlands next year,” the father-of-two shared. “As Archewell Productions’ first series with Netflix, in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, I couldn’t be more excited for the journey ahead or prouder of the Invictus community for continuously inspiring global healing, human potential and continued service.”

Meghan Markle accused of stealing Princess Kate’s return to limelight

Meghan Markle and a friend of the Duchess posted photos on Instagram just as Princess Kate was making her return to public life at Trooping the Colour, sparking claims they were trying to steal the limelight.

Meghan Markle has been accused of trying to steal the limelight from Princess Kate’s triumphant return to official royal duties at Trooping the Colour. Kate returned to the public eye on Saturday months after the world learned of her cancer diagnosis.

Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras, who is a friend of Meghan and Prince Harry’s, posted photos of the Duchess of Sussex’s raspberry jam on Instagram just as Kate was set to arrive at the King’s Birthday Parade.

Some media reports claim Meghan and her pal had allegedly tried to steal the limelight from Kate, whose return to the public eye has been widely hailed as a success.

The latest Instagram post came after Meghan’s new venture, American Riviera Orchard (ARO), unveiled a couple of new products only hours before the Princess of Wales made her first public appearance in weeks.

Mr Figueras later posted a photo of Meghan’s new product on his Instagram Stories and hinted ARO would also offer dog treats.

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Meghan Markle has been accused of stealing the limelight from Princess Kate (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle posted pics of raspberry jam as Princess Kate returned to royal duties (Image: Getty)

A second pic showed his dog, Nina Iggy, sat next to a jar filled with treats, with a label which appeared to be written by Meghan.

The jam label read “2 of 2”, suggesting Mr Figueras was one of only two people to receive a jar. Meghan’s previous batch of strawberry jam totalled just 50 and was given to the Duchess’s friends and celebrities.

Meghan announced her new lifestyle brand in March, dropping a 16 second long video on Instagram which showed the Duchess cooking, arranging flowers and strolling around her home in Montecito, California.

Prof Pauline Maclaran, a marketing and consumer research professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, told the BBC Meghan looked as if she was trying to lean into a “more domestic goddess kind of market” with the rebrand.

She suggested Meghan was trying to position herself as the next Nigella Lawson or Martha Stewart.

Meghan Markle: ‘Huge problems looming’ for Duchess of Sussex says Lady Colin

MEGHAN MARKLE is a topic of conversation in Lady Colin Campbell’s new book which sees the royal biographer and TV personality open up on the “huge problems” that are looming for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle’s ‘ambition’ is to run for president claims Lady C

Lady Colin Campbell, 70, spoke on the inspiration behind her latest book Meghan and Harry: The Real Story in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk. The British aristocrat “knew” she wanted to publish a book on the Sussex couple because there are “huge problems looming” and there is a “great story to be told”.

Strictly forbidden for royalty

Lady Colin Campbell

Lady Colin explained: “It is history in the making, and when I started the book last year I knew huge problems were looming with them.

“Through my royal friends and my palace connections. I knew there were huge problems with them.” (sic).

She further alleged that Meghan knew for a long time that she wanted to split her time between the UK and Los Angeles.

The TV personality continued: “Meghan wanted to live between California and Britain and [she] was already setting up commercial enterprises which were strictly forbidden for royalty.

Lady Colin Campbell, 70, spoke on the inspiration behind her latest book (Image: GETTY/WENN)

Lady Colin Campbell “knew” she wanted to publish a book on the Sussex couple (Image: GETTY)

“There were huge concerns that she was introducing politics into her activities which again are strictly forbidden for royals to do.

“So I knew that huge problems were looming and that there was a great story to be told.”

In order to create her book, Lady Colin met with a variety of sources, including members of the “Markle family”, who she hosted at her Castle Goring estate.

She revealed: “I have spoken to people who have known her all her life. I had members of the Markle family to stay at this castle.”

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The duchess is currently suing Associated Newspapers for publishing a letter she sent to her dad, just before getting married (Image: GETTY)

Lady Colin noted that Meghan is a divisive person for those around her, as have “positive things” to say, but some insiders believe she is “egotistical” (Image: GETTY)

Although Lady Colin does not name who in particular stayed with her, soon Meghan could be facing her father Thomas in court.

After Thomas claimed back in January that he would “testify” in the trial about “things that have been said” about him by Meghan.

The duchess is currently suing Associated Newspapers for publishing a letter she sent to her dad, just before getting married.

According to court documents related to the case, as seen by the BBC, Meghan suffered “tremendous emotional distress” over the publication of her letter.

However, in the preliminary hearing regarding Meghan’s case held back in May, a judge dismissed the claim that Associated Newspapers had deliberately “stirred up” problems for the former royal.

Lady Colin claims Meghan is a divisive person for those around her. And while some have “positive things” to say, other insiders believe she is “egotistical”.

She said: “I’ve spoken to people in Canada, I’ve been friendly with people in Hollywood, I’ve spoken to all sorts of people.

“One of my closest and oldest friends is a close friend of Gigi Perreau who taught Meghan drama at school, and she has very positive things to say about Meghan.

Viewers tuning in to ITV’s Limitless Win on Saturday night were appalled that Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly didn’t know how long fellow ITV show Loose Women had been on air

ITV viewers have accused legendary hosts Ant and Dec of betraying the network – as they failed to know how old Loose Women is.

The presenting duo are back on prime time TV with their tense Saturday night game show Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win. The show sees contestants answering general knowledge questions – with no maximum set for the jackpot prize, meaning contestants could win millions.

Those taking part in the show are also allowed to take advantage of life lines that they acquire during the game. One of the life lines includes ‘Take Two’ which allows the contestants to suggest an answer – and then 48-year-old Ant McPartlin and 48-year-old Declan Donnelly also suggest an answer. The studio computer then takes away one of the answers that is incorrect. On Saturday night, two female contestants named Terry and Jess were confronted with a question about the long-running ITV daytime talk show Loose Women.

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have been panned by fans for failing to know how old Loose Women is ( 
Image:
ITV)The contestants were asked how old the show will be in 2024 – but struggled to think of an answer. Perhaps thinking that Ant and Dec would be aware of the history of fellow ITV shows, the duo played their Take Two lifeline meaning Ant and Dec could provide an answer.

While Terry and Jess suggested the show had been on air for 20 years, Ant and Dec played it safe and suggested the show had been on air for only 15 years. The computer then removed Ant and Dec’s answer, revealing Terry and Jess were closer to the correct answer. After a break, it was revealed that Loose Women would be turning 15 in 2024 – meaning it has been on air since 1999. Viewers were scandalised by the fact Ant and Dec did not know how long the legendary talk show has been on air.

The ITV daytime show turns 25-years-old this year ( 
Image:
ITV)
Flooding X with complaints, one outraged fan wrote: “Ant & Dec work for itv1 and don’t even know Loose women has been on air for 25 years! #LimitlessWin.” Another grumbled: “#LimitlessWin come on @antanddec you should know you all work for @ITV it’s 25 years @loosewomen.”

Many other fans were shocked that the daytime show has been on air for so long. One shocked viewer reacted to the news writing: “Loose Women has been on for a quarter of a century I-” and adding a gif of a shocked face. While another gasped: “Loose Women been on 25yrs.i can’t believe that drivel has been on that long!#LimitlessWin.”

Terry and Jess went on to answer a couple more questions before they were stuck with a question about the classic schoolyard game conkers. They were asked how long the string has to be for a conker to be legal in a game, but they stumbled with an answer. Opting to cash out, the ladies walked away with £20,000 to split – and then learned if they went ahead with the question they would have supplied the wrong answer and been sent home without any money.