Brooklyn Beckham should expect another family charm offensive for one reason, writes Vanessa Feltz in her opinion piece. This can only proceed one way.
The Harper Visit
Was it sheer coincidence that a photographer was lurking outside Brooklyn Beckham's mansion when Harper, 14, popped over – straight from her dad's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony – with a hand-written letter for her brother? Was the episode orchestrated by David and Victoria to show how desperately hurt Harper is at her sibling's disappearance from her young life? Are they so keen to shore up Brand Beckham they'd send their teenage daughter (in their chauffeur-driven limousine) to knock on an unanswered door in a publicity stunt?
Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. Whether the trip was Harper's idea and she wrote the note and commandeered the chauffeur all on her own, or was gently steered by her parents, one thing is clear. The Beckhams are desperate to reconnect with their son.
The Agony of Rejection
Any mum or dad who has endured the agony of being rejected by the child they adore describes sheer unremitting misery. To be cast off by the person you were literally linked to by the umbilical cord is unbearable. A vital part of you is missing. Your family is fractured and knocked off balance.
Every day is damaged and depleted without your beloved child's presence. Knowing your son is alive and well and has deliberately chosen to exclude you from his existence is nothing short of torture. Having the whole story played out publicly as keyboard warriors worldwide weigh in on your suffering must make your private anguish a whole lot worse.
Limited Options for the Beckhams
To heal a searing schism, the rest of us might well resort to begging or bribery. Perhaps we'd offer the juicy carrot of a paid-for family holiday or try to scrape together a chunk of cash to help pay rent or a mortgage. Of course, cash incentives don't work when the kid who has cancelled you is married to a billionaire's daughter. Cruises aboard multi-million pound yachts, private plane flights, jewels, couture outfits, tickets to impossible-to-access concerts are all dreary meat and drink to Nicola Peltz.
Frankly, the Beckhams must be absolutely and utterly frantic. In similar, but obviously less public, situations, friends of mine resort to deploying vicars, rabbis, imams, grandparents and, yes, younger siblings. It makes sense. An unexpected visit from a trusted individual, loving grandma/pa or innocent little sister could be the perfect way to melt hostility.
What's Next?
Deepest sympathy to the broken-hearted Beckhams that Harper's visit backfired. Stand-by for another charm offensive. They have no other option.
