Royals
Prince Harry Excluded From FIFA World Cup Final Because of David Beckham Falling-Out
When the FIFA World Cup Final kicks off, Prince Harry won’t be in the VIP seats — and insiders say it has everything to do with David Beckham.
The legendary English footballer is expected to be among the most prominent celebrities at the tournament, while Harry hasn’t been invited, Rob Shuter‘s Naughty But Nice Substack reported Monday, June 8. The outlet’s sources say the snub is no accident.
“This isn’t about room on the guest list,” an insider told Shuter. “Football picked its prince years ago, and that prince is David Beckham.”
It’s a stunning turn for Harry, 41, who was once a fixture at the world’s most exclusive gatherings. Beckham, 51 — who was knighted by King Charles III in 2025 — remains one of football’s most influential global ambassadors. Beckham is a co-owner and club executive of Inter Miami, which won its first MLS Cup title in December 2025, adding yet another chapter to an already legendary career.
As In Touch previously reported, the tension between the two camps traces back to a falling-out between the Sussex and Beckham families. Harry and Meghan Markle, 44, were once close with David and Victoria Beckham, 52, but that friendship collapsed after the Sussexes allegedly accused the Beckhams of tipping off the British tabloids.
“David never forgave it,” a source told the outlet. “The accusation destroyed the trust. Once that happened, there was no coming back.”
In the years that followed, the Beckhams aligned themselves squarely with the royal establishment. David has lent public support to Prince William‘s charitable efforts, and Princess Kate, 44, has been photographed wearing Victoria’s designs on multiple occasions.
“The Beckhams chose William, and Harry knew exactly what that meant,” the insider told the outlet. “The relationship has been over for years.”
That shift has now played out on the world stage. “If football has to choose between Beckham and Harry, it’s not even a debate,” the source told Shuter. “Beckham is football royalty. Harry is yesterday’s news.”
