Prince Harry’s bromance with David Beckham blossoms thanks to Prince William (Image: Getty)
Former England captain and Manchester United legend, David Beckham, is finally set to receive his long-awaited knighthood today (November 4), after a decade of anticipation for the prestigious honor. The soccer superstar, aged 50, will be knighted at Windsor Castle in recognition of his contributions to sports and charity, having been chosen for the King’s Honors List.
Despite rumored tensions with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Beckhams have maintained strong ties with other members of the Royal family.
Express Online delves into the once close-knit friendship between Beckham and Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex, now 41, who stepped back from his Royal duties in 2020, has had a strained relationship with his older brother, Prince William, 43, in recent years.
In 2023, sources reported the Duke of Sussex and the football icon had ended their friendship after Harry accused David and Victoria of leaking stories. (Image: Getty)
However, the duke has made strides towards mending fences with the Royal family, particularly with his father, King Charles.
Past reports suggested that the Beckhams harbor a “major grudge” against Harry and Meghan. In the 2010s, the Duke of Sussex and the former England captain were frequently spotted partying together at exclusive Mayfair clubs, as well as attending the Olympics and Invictus Games side by side, reports the Express.
Insiders alleged that a supposed “feud” intensified between the Beckhams and the Sussexes after the latter expressed concerns that the celebrity couple had been leaking stories about them to the media, leaving David upset over the allegations.
The ups and downs of David and Harry’s bromance.
Prince Harry’s bond with football icon David Beckham is one that owes much to his older brother, Prince William.
Back in 2009, the Prince of Wales struck up a friendship with Beckham as England launched its bid to host the 2018 World Cup. With William serving as head of the Football Association (FA) and David already a global sporting superstar, the pair made a fitting team. Their partnership also opened the door for Harry to form his own close friendship with the former Manchester United ace.
The Beckhams were among the star-studded guests at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding in 2011. Later that year, when Harry was visiting America, the then 36-year-old Beckham met up with the 27-year-old royal. At the time, David was based in Los Angeles with LA Galaxy, while Harry was enjoying his “party prince” era, reportedly filling his downtime with Harley Davidson rides, trips to theme parks, and lively nights out in Las Vegas alongside Beckham.
The footballing legend supported Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on their 2018 Australian tour for the Invictus Games (Image: Getty)
The two grew even closer during the 2012 London Olympics, where William, Harry and Beckham were often spotted cheering from the stands together.
Asked whether he would call himself 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.”
He also could not resist a playful dig at William’s football allegiance, calling his support for Aston Villa “unfortunate”, adding, “which obviously I give him a bit of stick about.” Meanwhile, Harry is rumoured to have a soft spot for Arsenal, coincidentally the same club Beckham’s son Romeo follows.
Their friendship continued well into Harry’s married life. (Image: Getty)
Harry and Beckham’s friendship was not confined to sporting events. They were also regulars on the London social scene. The pair were spotted out in Chelsea and Mayfair, frequenting exclusive members clubs such as The Arts Club, a favourite haunt once frequented by literary legends like Charles Dickens and Anthony Trollope. Modern day regulars include stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Cattrall.
A source told the Daily Mail about one of their lively 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.”
Harry and David enjoy nights out on the town (Image: Getty)
Their friendship continued well into Harry’s married life. David Beckham publicly supported Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their 2018 Australian tour for the Invictus Games, an event that had become a near annual meeting point for the pair. Beckham has long been an ambassador for the Games, while Harry remains its proud founder.
The two men also shared the stage at the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards, where they both presented honours to exceptional young people. It was another moment that showcased the mutual respect between the prince and the football legend.