Claim to fame: Britain’s ‘alternative royal family’
THE Beckhams — Victoria and David Beckham — marked the end of a turbulent year for them with an absurdly over-the-top event to show the world that they are together and happy. The couple hosted a lavish Christmas party to christen they son, Brooklyn, 5 and Romeo 2, on the grounds of the Beckhams’ Hertfordshire mansion, north of London, which has been dubbed ‘Beckingham Palace’.
As always, the Beckhams spared no expense in turning the christening into the showbiz event of the year, which is reported to have cost them $900,000. A private chapel was built on the mansion grounds especially for the occasion and guests had to walk past fake ruins modelled on the crumbling Irish castle where the couple wed in 1999. The chapel is again expected to be used next year as the couple plan to renew their marriage vows on their fifth anniversary. And another christening is on the cards as the couple is expecting their third child in March 2005.
Among the guests were actor Tom Cruise, model-actress Liz Hurley, tennis player Greg Rusedski and pop star Elton John and his partner David Furnish, who also became godparents to Brooklyn and Romeo. It was a reunion of sorts for the Spice Girls too. Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Melanie C were there as well. However, Mel B was missing, and understandably. She did want to be in the same room with Geri after the two had a row during a dinner in February 1993.
Reports claim that Victoria is also planning a reunion of the Spice Girls as she believes the band still have some more work to do. For Christmas, Beckham gave Brooklyn a children’s car, a mini-Hummer, which is claimed to be $42,000! And the footballer gave his dear wife diamond jewellery worth some one million pounds! And why not — after all he needs to win her over after all the heartache she went through last year due to stories of his numerous flings. The marriage was also reported to be under strain following the star’s move to Real Madrid from Manchester United which made him live in Spain while Victoria stayed back in England with the kids.
Real Madrid paid a massive transfer fee of $41 million for Beckham, who is said to be England’s richest player with an estimated personal fortune of $125 million! One of England’s most influential football players and a tabloid favourite, in the summer of 2003, Beckham was made an OBE in Queen Elizabeth II’s honours list. David Beckham has become known for his talent as well as his temperament that often gets him into trouble on the field. His recent mediocre performances for both England and Real Madrid made 2004 a rather lacklustre one.
Victoria, the former Posh Spice, has a flair for self-promotion and likes to do things in a grand style that never fails to make the cover of the tabloids. Watch out for what more this attention-hungry couple will be up to this year. — Uzma Ejaz
Name: The Beckhams
