FOR advice on how NOT to handle a disastrous family fallout, Brooklyn Beckham should look no further than Prince Harry.
The estranged royal, 40, and his wife Meghan Markle, 43, have created the blueprint for steps to take if you wish to deepen a rift rather than resolve it.
6
6
Whether it’s high profile interviews trashing your relations, unsubstantiated allegations of racism or ill-conceived self-glorifying Netflix specials, the couple have excelled in further alienating themselves from the Institution.
Like Harry before him, Brooklyn, 26, has set up a life in Los Angeles with a glamorous American wife in actress Nicola Peltz, 30.
His absence from David’s 50th birthday celebrations brought to mind Harry’s no show at his close pal, the Duke of Westminster’s, wedding last year.
Hugh Grosvenor is said to have called Harry ahead of his big day and the two came to a “civilised agreement” that it was best he stay away so that the focus didn’t shift to Harry and brother William’s frosty relationship.
READ MORE ON BROOKLYN BECKHAM
Brooklyn steered clear of David’s intimate Cotswolds dinner and his more lavish party at three Michelin starred Core in Kensington after his ex, and brother Romeo’s girlfriend, Kim Turnbull was invited.
He allegedly reached out to David to set up a private meeting ahead of the bash, but it was rebuffed.
While his absence meant there were no awkward rows in front of A-listers like Tom Cruise or Eva Longoria, it has been the talk of the showbiz world ever since.
Now Lynn Carratt, from Pressbox PR, has outlined four crucial ways Brooklyn can avoid the fallout escalating into a full blown feud of royal proportions, just like Harry’s.
It follows an interview the Duke of Sussex gave last week in which he said his father, King Charles III, won’t speak to him amid his battle with cancer.
Lynn says: “Brooklyn would be wise to avoid publicly criticising David or his family. While he hasn’t done so yet, maintaining a positive public image is crucial for his own brand, which is inherently linked to the Beckham name.”
The scales of public opinion appear to have tipped in the royals’ favour due to Harry’s public and repeated criticism of his family.
In their interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan accused an unnamed royal of commenting about their unborn baby’s skin colour.
Then in a sit down chat with ITV‘s Tom Bradby, Harry blamed his family for creating an attitude of resentment towards Meghan and said he “no longer recognised” his father and brother.
The airing of dirty laundry, a royal load at that, hasn’t sat well with fans of the monarchy, who feel the attacks undermine and cheapen the Institution.
Lynn continues: “Secondly, he should steer clear of presenting himself as a victim. While he was born into privilege and the ‘nepo baby’ label comes with certain perceptions and perhaps some setbacks, he is actively trying to build his own ventures, such as his Cloud 23 sauce, inspired by his father’s iconic jersey number.
“While his surname undoubtedly contributes to his visibility, his efforts should be acknowledged.”
6
6
She continues: “Thirdly, while many TV shows might be interested in capitalising on any family tensions, venturing into reality TV, beyond perhaps something like ‘Strictly which worked well for his friend Tilly Ramsay, could be risky and potentially cause embarrassment to the family.”
Harry and Meghan wasted no time signing a huge $100m contract with Netflix following their elopement to the US.
But their output to date – such as Harry & Meghan and Polo – has been savaged with critics, with the latter in particular being branded “dull” and lacking awareness in the face of cost of living crisis back home.
While Polo – a docuseries about the elite U.S. Open polo tournament – wasn’t harmful to the fractured family relationship, it calls into question the couple’s judgment and perception of the world around them.
Lynn concludes: “Finally, while living up to David’s immense reputation and career is undoubtedly challenging, Brooklyn should embrace the opportunities he’s been given rather than viewing them as a burden. He should celebrate his privileged position.”
A reconciliation between father and son will no doubt be the best belated birthday present Becks could wish for.
6
6