Prince Harry appeared to be simmering with frustration as he watched David Beckham, a long-time friend of the British Royal Family, team up with Prince William in support of the London Air Ambulance Charity's multi-million-pound appeal.
The camaraderie between William and Beckham was evident, as they chatted, shared jokes, and posed for photos. Meanwhile, the estranged Harry looked on from a distance, likely feeling the sting of being left out. William and Beckham shared warm greetings and a few laughs, celebrating the remarkable achievement of raising an impressive £6 million for the charity, which went towards funding two new helicopters. Their close friendship has grown over the years, as seen in their appearances together at high-profile events like the BAFTA Awards and football matches.
This wasn’t Beckham's first time showing allegiance to the royal family. Just last month, he appeared in a video congratulating Team GB on their success at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Two years ago, he joined William and Catherine at the Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston. Beckham's commitment to royal causes has even earned him a role as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, further cementing his loyalty to the monarchy. Notably, Beckham once stood in line for 13 hours to pay his respects to the late Queen, a gesture that surpassed many of his celebrity peers, who opted for a quicker route to show their condolences.
However, Beckham's relationship with Harry seems to have soured in recent years. The timing of this collaboration with William is seen by some as a subtle jab at Harry. While Harry was attending the WellChild Awards, marking his fourth visit to the UK this year, he remained largely out of touch with his family. Less than 12 hours after his glamorous appearance at the awards, he was left to reflect as his brother posed for warm photos with a friend Harry once considered an ally. Beckham had previously expressed support for Harry and Meghan during their royal exit, saying, "We love him, and he's an amazing person." But things appear to have changed dramatically since then.
Rumors suggest that Harry and Meghan’s public criticisms of the royal family, along with accusations of press leaks, led to a falling out between the Sussexes and the Beckhams. Now, Beckham has firmly aligned himself with Prince William and King Charles III, signaling his stance in the ongoing feud between the Sussexes and the royal family. This recent charity event is yet another demonstration of Beckham’s loyalty to the monarchy, showcasing his ability to use his influence for charitable causes without the perceived theatrics often associated with Harry and Meghan.
While the Sussexes claim through their Archewell Foundation to focus on making a positive impact, their actions have been criticized as self-serving by some. In contrast, William and Beckham have actively raised millions for charities, delivering tangible results. Beckham’s continued adherence to royal protocol, seen in his respectful greeting to William, stands in stark contrast to Harry's more casual and distanced approach. The contrast between how the two brothers treat the same figure, Beckham, is stark. William and Beckham have emerged as leaders in charity work, while Harry appears to be sidelined, missing opportunities to solidify his standing in the public eye.
Beckham’s recent actions have cemented his reputation as a loyal supporter of the royal family, often stepping in where Harry has faltered. With each new photo of William and Beckham smiling side by side, it becomes more evident that Beckham has taken on a brotherly role in the royal circle, leaving Harry on the outside, nursing his wounded pride. As this public divide deepens, one must wonder if Harry will ever recover from the growing rift and public embarrassment.
