Royal photo op fuels speculation amid deepening rift between father and son
King Charles appeared to deliver a pointed message to Prince Harry this week through a carefully timed reunion with David Beckham—just days after reports surfaced that the Duke of Sussex had grown close to the football legend's son, Brooklyn, and his wife, Nicola Peltz.
Attending the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday alongside Queen Camilla, the King was seen warmly greeting David Beckham, who serves as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation. The cheerful public encounter quickly sparked speculation, given its close timing to Harry and Meghan’s reported dinner party in Montecito, attended by Brooklyn and Nicola.
According to The Telegraph, the Sussexes were praised by the young couple for being “kind, caring and generous” during the gathering, hosted by Paramount executive and Montecito neighbor Brian Robbins. The evening reportedly marked a budding friendship between the couples, both of whom share strained relationships with their respective families.
Royal insiders believe the King’s high-profile photo op with David Beckham—once a close friend of Harry—was no coincidence. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward noted the family's long-standing use of public appearances as a subtle form of messaging, describing the moment as a "well-timed dig" amid the ongoing estrangement.
Tensions between Harry and the Beckhams were widely reported following accusations that Victoria Beckham had leaked stories to the press—a claim that reportedly led to a fallout between the two households. David and Victoria denied the allegations and have kept their distance from the Sussexes ever since.
The optics become even more complex given recent reports that Brooklyn and Nicola were noticeably absent from David Beckham’s star-studded 50th birthday bash earlier this month, despite receiving invitations. Their absence has reignited talk of internal friction within the Beckham family—further aligning them, at least symbolically, with the Sussexes' own experiences of familial strain.
As the rift between Harry and his father continues—particularly following his failed UK security case and revelations that the King is not currently in contact with him—the carefully choreographed royal appearance seems to underscore a widening divide. With both sides forming new alliances, the once-private family discord continues to play out in very public ways.
