A new book claims David Beckham was left "astonished" after Prince Harry failed to meet him during a trip to the Invictus Games, as reports suggest their once-close friendship later fell apart.
The revelation comes as Harry and Meghan are reportedly preparing to spend an extended period in the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, bringing renewed attention to the Duke's relationships with some of the friends he once counted on in Britain.
Friendship and Fallout
According to Alison Boshoff's book Brand Beckham, the pair became close during the early years of their friendship, regularly socialising together in London. The Mirror reports that Harry and David enjoyed a pair of late-night visits to the Arts Club in Chelsea around the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012. Boshoff describes the occasions as "heavy drinking sessions that went on until around 3 a.m."
They were also part of a wider social circle that included James Corden, Edward Enninful, Idris Elba, Matthew Freud, Nick Jones and Markus Anderson.
Their connection continued as the Beckhams became increasingly linked to the Cotswolds. David bought a farmhouse close to the Soho House estate in the area, while Harry and Meghan also became regular visitors to Soho Farmhouse, a location that featured prominently in the early part of their relationship.
Astonishment at Invictus Games
David and Victoria appeared to form a close friendship with the Sussexes. The couple attended Harry and Meghan's 2018 wedding, while the two families remained in contact after the Sussexes rented a home in Great Tew, close to the Beckhams' property.
But the relationship was later said to have changed dramatically. Boshoff claims the Beckhams were effectively shut out after Meghan became concerned that somebody within their wider circle was leaking details about her and Harry to the press.
The alleged fallout reached a particularly awkward point later that year, when David and his family travelled to Australia during the Invictus Games. Beckham had reportedly hoped to meet Harry during the trip, but according to Boshoff's account, the expected meeting never happened. She writes that David was "astonished" after Harry failed to make himself available, leaving the former England captain without the meeting he had anticipated.
Current Status
The pair have not completely disappeared from one another's social circles, however. Brand Beckham describes their relationship as "good enough", and they were reunited in 2024 when Harry attended a football match in Miami involving a team owned by Beckham. Despite that encounter, Boshoff suggests the close friendship they once shared has not been restored.
The claims have resurfaced at a potentially significant moment for Harry and Meghan, who are reportedly preparing for a lengthy return to Britain six years after stepping down as working members of the Royal Family and subsequently settling in the US. The Cotswolds has been suggested as one possible base for the family, potentially putting the Sussexes back in the same part of England where their relationship with the Beckhams once flourished.
Harry and Meghan have not publicly confirmed plans for the reported extended stay, while a spokesperson for the couple has declined to comment.
