In a glittering ceremony held in the French capital on Monday evening, former Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham was bestowed with one of France's highest cultural honours. The 51-year-old was named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, a prestigious accolade recognising significant contributions to the arts, during an emotional event attended by her immediate family and several titans of the fashion world.
A Family Affair with Notable Absences
The celebration, however, unfolded against the backdrop of a very public family rift. The Beckhams' eldest son, Brooklyn, 26, was conspicuously absent from the momentous occasion. This follows his shocking statement released last week, in which he levelled serious allegations of control, manipulation, and public image management against his parents, David and Victoria. The family has maintained a resounding silence in response to Brooklyn's claims, choosing instead to present a united and defiant front in Paris.
An Emotional Ceremony
The honour was presented by French model and politician Rachida Dati at the historic Salon Jerome and Salon des Marechaux. During her acceptance speech, Victoria paid heartfelt tribute to her husband, former football star David Beckham, 50, and their children. Observers noted that David became visibly emotional during his wife's words, leading to a tender moment where their youngest son, Cruz, 20, comforted his father with a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Victoria was joined by sons Romeo, 23, and Cruz, along with daughter Harper, 14. Also in attendance were Romeo's girlfriend, Kim Turnbull, 24, and Cruz's girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, 30. Their wholehearted support stood in stark contrast to the narrative presented by Brooklyn regarding his wife, Nicola Peltz, and her alleged treatment by the Beckham family.
Fashion's Finest Turn Out
Proving her esteemed status within the industry, the ceremony drew a veritable who's who of fashion royalty. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her editorial contemporary Edward Enninful were both in attendance, offering their support. Legendary model Helena Christensen also graced the event, alongside other notable figures such as models Farida Khelfa and Cindy Bruna, and French photographer JR.
Following the formal proceedings, the group moved into a champagne-soaked reception. Victoria was seen proudly pointing to her new medal, while guests mingled and celebrated. Anna Wintour, rarely photographed smiling, was seen in animated conversation, and Edward Enninful posed alongside the sunglasses-wearing David Beckham.
Public Displays of Support Contrast with Private Strife
In the wake of Brooklyn's allegations, the supportive presence of Cruz's girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, was particularly noted. Seemingly keen to remain in Victoria's good graces, Apostel took to Instagram after the event to share a gushing tribute. Alongside a family photo, she penned: 'Congratulations, Victoria Beckham...Your drive, creativity, resilience but most importantly kindness and respect towards anyone around you are some of the many reasons why you deserve this and more...You lift us up constantly.' Many interpreted the message as a pointed rebuttal to Brooklyn's claims of a 'performative and controlling' family dynamic.
The evening presented a complex picture of the Beckham clan: publicly celebrated and supported by global fashion icons, yet privately navigating significant familial discord. The Paris ceremony served as a powerful display of Victoria Beckham's professional achievements and her family's current solidarity, even as the shadow of a very public and painful estrangement lingers.
