Former England captain and Manchester legend David Beckham is set to receive his long awaited knighthood today (November 4) after a decade of hoping to be awarded the coveted accolade. The football icon, 50, will be knighted at Windsor Castle for his services to sports and charity after being selected in the King’s Honours List. The Beckhams, who reportedly have fallen out with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, have forged good relations with the other royals.
Express Online takes a behind the scenes look into his once close friendship with Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex, 41, who stepped down from the Royal Family in 2020, has had a fraught relationship with his brother Prince William, 43, in recent years. The duke has since made efforts to reconcile with the royal family, most notably with his father, King Charles.
Reports previously claimed the Beckhams still hold a “major grudge” against Harry and Meghan. Back in the 2010s, the Duke of Sussex and the former England captain were often seen partying together in Mayfair private members’ clubs, as well as attending the Olympics and Invictus Games together.
Sources claimed that a rumoured “feud” had escalated between the Beckhams and the Sussexes after the latter were said to be concerned the A-list couple had been leaking stories about them to the press leaving David upset about the accusations.
We chart the rise and fall of David and Harry’s bromance.
Prince Harry’s bromance with David Beckham blossoms thanks to Prince William
Prince William and David Beckham had struck up a friendship in 2009 when England launched its bid to host the 2018 World Cup. With the Prince of Wales as head of the Football Association (FA) and David already a footballing legend it was the perfect duo. This also led to Prince Harry forming a bond with the ex-Manchester United player.
The Beckhams were also invited to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding in 2011. A few months later, a then 36-year-old David went to see Harry, 27, while the prince was visiting America in November of that year. At the time, David was playing for LA Galaxy while Harry was in his partying heyday. The prince reportedly kept himself entertained riding Harley Davidsons, going to theme parks, as well as dancing in Las Vegas and hanging out with David.
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Harry and David bond over their love of sport
The pair became even closer at the 2012 Olympics with Prince William, Prince Harry and David attending many of the competitions together. The sports star was quizzed on whether he would say he’s friends with the royal brothers. David told Esquire, “Yeah, I think I would. It’s a very normal relationship. With Harry as well. They’re very easy to get along with. They love their sport.”
David went on to speak about William’s “unfortunate” love of Aston Villa, “[…] which obviously I give him a bit of stick about.” Meanwhile Prince Harry is rumoured to have a soft spot for Arsenal, the same team that Beckham’s son Romeo supports.
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Harry and David enjoy nights out on the town
Prince Harry and David Beckham frequented Chelsea and Mayfair together, where they dined and partied together at private members clubs including The Arts Club. This was a regular spot for the likes of Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, and Lord Leighton. These days regulars include Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Cattrall.
A source told the Daily Mail of one of their 2012 nights out: “Harry and Tom [van Straubenzee, Harry’s close friend] had so much fun with Beckham that they agreed to meet up later that night. They were getting along like really old friends. Harry had made plans to see Cirque du Soleil but he and David agreed to hook up later that night at the Arts Club.”
(Image: Getty)
