Brooklyn Beckham, the eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, continues to attract attention as reports surrounding his strained relationship with his family remain a topic of public discussion. Now based in the United States with his wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Brooklyn has also found an unexpected connection to the British royal circle through social media.
David Beckham has maintained a long-standing relationship with the British royal family, and the Beckhams have previously been seen in royal circles. Because of those connections, the recent family tensions involving Brooklyn have prompted comparisons with Prince Harry and his own well-documented differences with members of the Royal Family.
Both situations have been discussed in relation to tensions surrounding their marriages, although the circumstances involving the Beckham family and the Sussexes are separate. Neither the Royal Family nor Prince Harry has publicly commented on the reported disagreement involving Brooklyn and his parents.
Despite the lack of an official royal response, social media activity has drawn fresh attention to a possible connection between Brooklyn and someone from Prince William’s wider circle.
Alexander Gilkes, a longtime friend of Prince William from their days at Eton College, appears to remain connected with Brooklyn on Instagram. Gilkes was among the people who liked a recent post shared by Brooklyn, which included several photographs, including images featuring Nicola.
The social-media interaction has attracted attention because of Gilkes’s longstanding links to the royal family. He is engaged to former professional tennis player Maria Sharapova, with the couple becoming engaged in 2020. They also have a son, Theodore.
Gilkes has been described as a well-connected British figure in New York and has links to several people within the wider royal social circle. His former wife, Misha Nonoo, is known to be a friend of Meghan Markle.
His connection with the Windsors goes back many years. Gilkes and Prince William reportedly became friends while attending Eton College, one of Britain’s most prestigious schools. He is also understood to have known Prince Harry through their shared school background.
Gilkes was among the guests at William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding, further highlighting his longstanding association with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Eton connection could become relevant to the royal family once again as Prince George, William and Kate’s eldest son, is expected to follow his father’s educational path. The 13-year-old is due to attend Eton College later this year.
The prestigious school is situated near Windsor Castle, the Berkshire residence closely associated with King Charles and the wider Royal Family. Its historic reputation and close proximity to Windsor have made it an important part of the educational history of several members of the British establishment.
For now, Gilkes’s Instagram activity should not be interpreted as an official statement about Brooklyn Beckham’s family situation. A social-media like is a relatively small gesture, but it has nevertheless generated interest because of Gilkes’s personal connection to Prince William and the wider royal network.
The renewed attention also demonstrates why connections between the Beckham and royal families continue to attract public interest, particularly whenever family disputes involving either circle become the subject of widespread discussion.
Key Takeaways
- Brooklyn Beckham remains in the spotlight amid reported tensions with his family.
- Prince William’s longtime Eton friend Alexander Gilkes appears to continue following Brooklyn on Instagram.
- Gilkes recently liked a Brooklyn Beckham post that included photographs of Nicola Peltz Beckham.
- Gilkes has longstanding connections with Prince William and was a guest at William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.
- His former wife, Misha Nonoo, is a friend of Meghan Markle.
- Brooklyn’s family situation has prompted comparisons online with Prince Harry, although the two situations are separate.
- Prince George is expected to attend Eton College, continuing his father’s educational tradition.
