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| David Beckham (centre) with princes William (L) and Harry (R) (Image: Marie Claire) |
You may find what I'm about to write here a little weird: the so-called 'Beckham saga' is vital for society. I feel we need it, to digest it, to understand it, to heal from it and to progress together, as a unit. Told you, weird, right? But I'm being serious.
For those out in the loop, Sir David Beckham and his wife, now Lady Victoria Beckham, have been married for 27 years. In 1999, their nuptials was a cultural moment in Britain - the biggest English football star at the time and Posh Spice, in holy matrimony. I was eight years old at the time - into my football and pop music - this couple certainly had an impression on me, despite never supporting Manchester United. They were the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton of the 1990s and beyond.
"Posh and Becks," as they've affectionately been known since, have four children, the eldest of which, Brooklyn. His birth was the subject of countless stories, as though he was a royal baby. He was born a celebrity, he had no choice. And fast forward to his adulthood, you could sense his heightened yearning to be his own man - hold a career or a life without being accused of nepotism. He tried photography, which his wildlife publication attracted awkward reviews. He is into cookery, however, faces constant mockery. He then met his now-wife (yes, I felt old too, upon discovering he was about to get married) Nicole Peltz. Peltz is a big surname in the United States, with her father being a reported billionaire entrepreneur, perhaps like Lord Alan Sugar in the UK but minus The Apprentice.
When their big day came in 2022, it felt that Brooklyn, now double-barrelled with Peltz added to his name, had it all going for him. But 2025 has seen the idealistic image we had of him and his family thrown in the bin. For at least a year, he has not been in contact with his mum, dad or siblings - no communication at all. In fact, he has blocked them off social media. He has missed David's UK knighthood and 50th birthday bash, his side Inter Miami's domestic success, Victoria's French arts honour and more.
So how did it go from terrific to horrific for the Beckhams? Brooklyn recently published a statement which led to a 'social media meltdown', mirroring that of Wagatha Christie in 2019 (the spectacular fallout of Colleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy). There, he listed a host of reasons why he is keeping his distance from the rest of his family. From dramas on his wedding day to accusations of his family never accepting who he married. He ended by saying there is no chance of reconciliation. At the age of 26, he has supposedly written off his family for the rest of his life.
It isn't the first famous family feud in recent times. Three-time Olympic gold medal winning swimmer, Adam Peaty, married Holly Ramsay, daughter of TV chef Gordon in December 2025. But the countdown to their big day was marred with controversy, resulting in much of Peaty's family not being invited to the wedding - only his sister from his family attended the big ceremony in Bath Abbey. And of course, the most well-known case is Prince Harry with much of his family. It has been six years since he's lived away from the UK and he still has not spoken properly to his brother, and heir to the British throne, Prince William. He has sporadic contact with father, King Charles but have not met since September 2025. However, there are signs of relationships reviving, Harry has certainly opened the door for reconciliation, especially now his legal cases with newspapers and the Home Office are closing.
Estrangement is, sadly, common. If you don't have a case in your family or friendship circle, you're either incredibly fortunate, or are lying. Decisions to cut a loved one off from one's life can be incredibly painful, regardless of whether you're in control of that decision or not. Even if that decision was made because that other person was physically or emotionally abusive, losing contact with flesh and blood when they're alive can never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, with anything psychological, we Brits simply don't talk about it enough, and those who are open about it, make it sound so literal and executive. But we know there are unspoken, emotional truths about losing touch.
When princes Harry and William were first estranged, it felt like there was little connection between the average consumer and their situation - in fact, we focused more on choosing sides rather than appreciating that, no matter their fame and fortune, these are still two brothers at a fragile phase of their relationship. The Beckhams' situation hits differently, somehow.
Posh and Becks were 'one of us' before their mega stardom. There's little coincidence that noticeably, since this whole saga, more people are talking about their estrangements more openly, with added reflection and poignancy. Unlike Harry and William when consumers childishly chose sides, it feels tough to do so here, because David and Victoria remain so popular in the public eye.
There is a lot we can learn from this break up, and how we address relationships with our family. Life is too short, which we only have one chance of living. I certainly don't want to end my life knowing that I have bad blood with loved ones. It's certainly not worth the aggravation, and I sincerely believe that the 'Beckham saga' has provoked people to rethink their relationships - if there is water under the bridge, or if there are unsaid things that need to be said, express them. Nobody wants to see this happen and you'd hope that one day, this mum, dad and son can rebuild and heal wounds.
Brooklyn needs time. So long as he sees through the tabloid drama and that his parents will always be a call away and welcome him back without judgement. Like Prince Harry was initially, he is finding his own path. Whether his wife is influencing his every move or not, is irrelevant. Let he, and he alone, decide that. Let him speak his truth as he sees it at that time. David and Victoria know the score, and would be wise enough to be patient for a true reconciliation, regardless of how long it may take. I hope, like all relatively innocent feuds, are over sooner so celebrity consumers can move on.
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