David and Victoria Beckham join Queen Camilla at glittering banquet despite royal’s illness

David and Victoria Beckham dazzled at the opulent state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 3 December, mingling with royalty as King Charles and Queen Camilla played hosts. The power couple was warmly received following David’s influential role as World Cup ambassador for Qatar. The Emir of Qatar, in the UK on a two-day visit, was set to join King Charles in addressing the assembly of notable figures within the palace’s majestic ballroom.

Last year, David Beckham had candidly addressed his controversial £125 million agreement amidst concerns about Qatar’s human rights reputation, telling the Daily Telegraph: “I do a lot of research into partners that I’m going into business with. And I wanted to be involved in another World Cup.” He continued, “I knew there’d be questions, I knew there was going to be criticism, but I’ve always been a believer that football is such a powerful tool. I spent a month out there […] I was around the LGBTQ community, I spoke to people on the ground. So I was happy with my decision.”

As they entered the grand ballroom at Buckingham Palace, David and Victoria were picture-perfect with David looking sharp in his traditional white tie and tails and Victoria in her flawless designer attire, exchanging whispers and glances as they proceeded through the East Gallery with other distinguished guests, reports the Mirror.

Victoria wore a chic, dark floor-length gown with long sleeves, her hair styled into a sleek ponytail. She shared a light-hearted moment, chuckling as they made their way to the ballroom, and affectionately held David’s hand upon noticing a photographer.

David Beckham’s rapport with the Royal family has grown over time, recently earning him the role of celebrity ambassador for The King’s Foundation, Charles’s charity. Sir Rod Stewart even quipped that David’s knighthood must be “coming soon”. The football legend had previously met with Charles at Highgrove and celebrated hitting a £15 million fundraising goal for new air ambulance helicopters in London. He was honoured with an OBE at the Palace back in 2003.