Victoria Beckham Honoured with French Knighthood as Family Rift with Brooklyn Continues
Victoria Beckham has expressed profound gratitude after receiving a prestigious French knighthood, an honour that arrived amidst ongoing public tensions with her eldest son, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. The fashion designer and former Spice Girl was named a Chevaliere de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres during a ceremony at the French Ministry of Culture in Paris on Monday evening.
A Prestigious Recognition for Fashion Contributions
The Chevaliere de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres represents one of France's highest cultural honours, recognising significant contributions to the arts and literature. Lady Beckham, 51, who founded her eponymous luxury fashion label in 2008, acknowledged the honour with heartfelt appreciation during her acceptance speech.
"I'm so proud to be British but France is one of the few places fashion is treated with the seriousness it deserves, as a form of art," she stated, highlighting the cultural significance of the recognition.
Following the ceremony, she elaborated on Instagram: "I have always deeply admired the French aesthetic and the seriousness with which it treats fashion: as a form of art. So to be recognised here and embraced in this way is a profound privilege — one that reflects decades of commitment and dedication."
Family Celebration Overshadowed by Absence
The celebratory evening saw Lady Beckham posing for photographs on a candle-lit staircase alongside her husband, former football star Sir David Beckham, and other family members. However, the absence of their eldest son Brooklyn was notably conspicuous, casting a shadow over what should have been a purely celebratory family occasion.
Sir David shared multiple photographs from the event, including images with their sons Cruz and Romeo alongside their partners, and a special moment with Vogue global editorial director Dame Anna Wintour. He captioned his post: "Being named a Chevaliere de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture… nobody deserves it more than you x We love you."
Romeo Beckham echoed his father's sentiments, commenting: "No one deserves this more than you xx love you mum," while Cruz Beckham also joined in the family celebration.
Brooklyn's Public Accusations Create Family Tensions
Brooklyn's absence follows his explosive public statement issued just one week prior, in which he declared he did not wish to "reconcile" with his family. The 26-year-old made serious allegations against his parents, accusing them of prioritising "Brand Beckham" above all else and attempting to control press narratives.
In his social media posts, Brooklyn claimed his parents had been "trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn't stopped," referring to his marriage to actress Nicola Peltz Beckham in 2022. He further alleged that his wife had been "disrespected" by the family, though specific details of these claims remain undisclosed.
The Beckhams have maintained a dignified silence regarding their son's accusations, choosing instead to focus on celebrating Victoria's professional achievement. This approach reflects their established pattern of managing public family matters with discretion while maintaining their public personas.
A Career Spanning Music and Fashion
Lady Beckham's recognition comes after a career that has spanned multiple decades and industries. She first rose to international fame in the 1990s as "Posh Spice" in the phenomenally successful pop group The Spice Girls, responsible for global hits including:
- Wannabe
- 2 Become 1
- Say You'll Be There
Her transition from pop star to respected fashion designer represents one of the most successful career evolutions in British celebrity history. Since launching her label sixteen years ago, she has built Victoria Beckham into a globally recognised luxury brand celebrated for its sophisticated aesthetic and meticulous craftsmanship.
In her acceptance speech and social media posts, Lady Beckham specifically thanked French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati for the honour, along with her business partners and family. She reserved special gratitude for her husband David, whom she described as "my husband, and original investor," acknowledging his unwavering support throughout her career journey.
The contrast between professional triumph and personal family challenges creates a complex narrative around one of Britain's most famous families, highlighting how public achievements can sometimes coincide with private difficulties even for those accustomed to living in the spotlight.
