Prince Harry once shared a close bond with David Beckham, even inviting him and his wife, Victoria, to his wedding to Meghan Markle.
However, the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the football legend has since deteriorated. Rumors suggest a rift developed over leaked stories, free clothes, and Beckham's friendship with Harry's estranged brother, Prince William, dating back to 2018.
The latest twist in this saga emerged last week, with reports of Harry being furious over Beckham's new cozy friendship with his father, King Charles III. A series of photos released to the press showed King Charles and David Beckham laughing together as they exchanged beekeeping tips and announced Beckham's new role as an ambassador of the King’s Foundation. Beckham expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the foundation’s education programs and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature." While King Charles seemed delighted with this new alliance, Harry was reportedly far from impressed.
"Harry’s head has been spinning since he saw those photos. He can't help but feel jealous and betrayed," a palace insider revealed to Woman’s Day. "David was his friend not so long ago, so it’s a double blow to see him being friendly with his dad and taking an ambassadorship role that Harry feels should have been his." The source continued, "Clearly, there's genuine affection between Charles and David, but this will deeply upset Harry, who's still smarting over his father's snub when he was in London just weeks ago. It’s almost cruel that Charles has time to hang out with David and play beekeepers but can't meet up with his own son for 15 minutes."
This sentiment echoes the frustration Harry felt during his recent visit to the UK for the Invictus Games event in May, where his father, King Charles, didn't make time to meet with him. Harry has never felt more out of the loop and alone. The insider added, "To see David so chummy with his dad feels like a double betrayal to Harry. He considered David a very close friend. He misses him."
The once-strong bond between Harry and Beckham began to deteriorate around 2018, coinciding with growing tensions within the Royal Family. The Duke of Sussex’s decision to step back from royal duties and his subsequent move to the United States with Meghan Markle further strained relationships. As Harry navigates his new life away from the royal fold, he finds himself increasingly isolated from former friends and family members.
David Beckham's friendship with Prince William also played a significant role in the rift. As Beckham’s ties with William strengthened, Harry reportedly felt sidelined. The latest photos of Beckham and King Charles only exacerbate these feelings of exclusion and loss for Harry.
King Charles and David Beckham’s recent beekeeping session, while seemingly innocent and jovial, has struck a painful chord for Harry. It symbolizes not just a growing friendship between his father and a former close friend but also highlights the distance and discord in Harry’s own familial relationships. As King Charles and Beckham forge ahead with their collaborative efforts through the King’s Foundation, Harry is left grappling with feelings of betrayal and loneliness.
The once-close friendship with Beckham now serves as a stark reminder of the strained ties and lost connections that have marked Harry’s journey away from the royal family. In the end, the evolving dynamics between these high-profile figures reflect the broader complexities and emotional toll of Harry’s separation from the royal institution. As he continues to carve out a new path, the shadows of past relationships and the longing for reconciliation remain ever-present.
