While Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip went up to Scotland, unbeknownst to them, David and Victoria Beckham had a princess party for their daughter’s sixth birthday, at Buckingham Palace — all done behind Elizabeth’s back!
Although Victoria and David Beckham, who according to The Sun , have surpassed the Queen’s wealth and boast a fortune worth over $650 million, could certainly afford to rent out an Disney castle to celebrate their only daughter Harper’s birthday, they held it at Buckingham Palace. The very location that British taxpayers will be shelling out $475 million for upgrades and refurbishments.
Instead of a Disney fairy tale princess holding a glittery cardboard wand, there was a real live “blood princess” there to honor the birthday girl. Princess Eugenie, youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson was there to add more magic to the special tea party.
The party was held a few days before Harper’s actual birth date of July 10, in a small drawing room at the palace. Besides Princess Eugenie, it was attended by friends of the birthday girl, her parents, and her grandmother, per the Instagram postings by both David and Victoria Beckham .
When Harper Seven Beckham arrived to the castle, she wore a gorgeous Chloe dress with butterfly appliqués, priced at about $400. Then, she went inside and changed into her own royal attire. Later, she changed into a blue Cinderella-style princess gown.
The exclusive event was reportedly all arranged by Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, better known as Fergie, and Princess Eugenie. It did not take long for this charming tea party to become a fiasco.
First, David Beckham posted on social media insisting that “this wasn’t the palace opening the gates for Harper’s birthday party.” The Daily Mail reported that a spokesperson for the Beckham family made it clear that this was a private party, and the invitation was from longtime friend, Fergie.
“Let me be very clear this was a private tea party last week that the Duchess of York organized.”
Then, Sarah Ferguson made it “clear” that her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, was footing the bill for this event. Her spokesman reported that this was a “private family event,” just a “small family tea.”
“The Duke of York and the York family hosted a private event at the private apartments of the Duke at Buckingham Palace which was privately catered.”
Apparently, the event, that was held at Prince Andrew’s private suite , created “discontent” among the palace staff. A royal insider pointed out that they were surprised that Fergie would hold a “celebrity party” at Buckingham, and even pointed out that “I can’t remember an occasion when she actually hosted something at Buckingham Palace.”
Although social media went wild with criticism, it could hardly match with what the Queen’s former press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, had to say to The Times about the York’s judgement on this matter.
“What a nonsense. What are they doing there? What is Eugenie having a party there for? What is Sarah York doing, having organised it — allegedly? None of them has got a right to be there. Is it being opened up as a theme park? It devalues what the place is all about.”
He was concerned that this set a “precedent.” Other visitors cannot take photos in the quadrangle, why were the Beckhams allowed to do so?
Events at Buckingham traditionally require permission from Queen Elizabeth. According to the Daily Mail , just two months ago, Prince Harry had to ask for special permission from the Queen, to host a garden party at Bucks Palace. This party was held on May 30 for current and former members of the military, for the annual Not Forgotten Association Garden Party. His event, like most held there, are for charity purposes, or diplomatic purposes.
At this time, Great Britain has been in shock after the horrific Grenfell Tower fire, and terror attacks in London and in Manchester. In addition, the country has been going through extreme austerity, and there is a call out to Prime Minister Theresa May to loosen the purse strings a bit.
What are your thoughts about Harper Beckham celebrating her birthday at Buckingham Palace? Do you think this is appropriate, or do you think that the rich and famous can have these sorts of perks? Share your opinion below!
[Featured Image by Mike Coppola/Getty Images]