David Beckham 'hires armed guard to protect family'

David Beckham and his family are under protection from an armed guard, it has been claimed.

The footballer was shadowed by a minder, thought to be an off-duty policeman, as he played with his three sons on Malibu Beach in LA recently, the Daily Star Sunday reports. The guard wore a holstered pistol, without its magazine of bullets.

"I can't comment on any individual case, but the practice of celebrities hiring off-duty officers for private security purposes is common practice here," a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Photographer Mike Kamara was approached by the armed guard while taking photographs of the family on the beach.

He said: "I didn't notice him at first. He kept in the background very discreetly. Within the space of a few frames he spotted me too. I saw him reach into another pocket and pull something out.

"It could have been his pistol magazine. It looked the right size and shape but I couldn't tell. As he walked towards me, I saw his hand hovering over his still-holstered pistol, the way cops do when they are on high alert approaching a potentially dangerous situation.

"He asked who I was and what I was doing. When I told him, he said, 'Mr Beckham would like to spend the rest of the day with just his boys'."

A spokesman for David and Victoria said that armed bodyguards were common in America.

Invitation to Royal Couple from BECKHAMS

David and Victoria Beckham have invited Prince William and Duchess Catherine to meet their new daughter, Harper Seven.

Victoria, 37, who already has three sons with David, 36, has given birth to her first daughter in Los Angeles, on Sunday.

The Beckhams, who attended the royal wedding on April 29, have requested the royal couple to come and meet the new born the next time they are in the UK, reported Contactmusic.

"David and Victoria are so proud of their little daughter. As soon as they are next in Hertfordshire at Beckingham Palace they want the duke and duchess to come and see Harper.

"It'll be a special moment for David and Victoria," said a friend close to the couple.

David and William struck up a close friendship after they worked together on England's failed bid for the 2018 soccer World Cup.

Victoria has also mentioned that she wants her daughter to be like the Duchess Catherine and is reportedly considering of relocating to UK for the same.

David and Victoria Beckham have announced the birth of their daughter

Victoria Beckham and David Beckham welcome first daughter.
The baby girl, who weighed in at 7lbs 10oz, was born this morning at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Simon Oliveira, David Beckham's PR representative, confirmed on Twitter: "David & Victoria Beckham are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter.

"Happy and healthy she arrived at 7.55 am this morning at Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles and weighed 7lbs 10oz. Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz are excited to welcome their new baby sister to the family."

The footballer and former Spice Girl already have three sons together - Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, 8, and 6-year-old Cruz.

The child's name has not yet been revealed, but the 37-year-old fashion designer denied reports in April that the new baby will be called Santa.

Victoria previously said that she didn't take maternity leave prior to the birth of her daughter.

David Beckham ready to help with tsunami relief

Legendary soccer player David Beckham, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, is ready to raise funds to help the victims of the tsunami tragedy that hit Japan overnight.

"I will lend my support in any way possible," said Beckham, who was named to that position in 2005 and helped raise funds for the relief effort the last time a tsunami hit that area of the world. "This devastation has hit so many families. Unfortunately, these international tragedies are happening all the time. My heart goes out to those people."

As a non-profit humanitarian agency funded entirely by voluntary contributions, UNICEF provides as much support as possible to children who are victims of natural disasters.

And that's something close to Beckham's heart.
Beckham, who has three boys and a girl on the way with wife Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham in July, wanted to spend some time Friday to talk about how sports can help at a time like this.

"Obviously, they right now are dealing with the loss of their homes and belongings, but then I think it's time to raise the hopes and morale of people who are dealing with this tragedy," said Beckham, who plays for the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy, which opens the 2011 season next week. "I've always said the game of soccer and watching other sports takes your mind off certain things. That's the power of sports."

Credit : ESPN.com

Beckham 'counter-sued by prostitute'

David Beckham will reportedly face a lawsuit from the prostitute at the centre of accusations about his private life.

Earlier this week, Beckham's attempt to sue In Touch Weekly and escort Irma Nici for £15.5 million in damages was dismissed in court.

Following the judge's ruling that the publication's printing of allegations that Beckham had hired Nici for sex sessions did not amount to libel, Nici is now preparing to file documents claiming that the footballer's actions have amounted to harassment.

The Mirror reports that it has seen documents which state that Beckham must be subjected to "examination before an officer authorised to administer oaths" on February 24.

Nici's lawyer Paul Jensen commented: "When Mr Beckham sued my client he did so in an outrageous and terrifying way."

He added: "He may try to delay, reschedule or postpone [the deposition] - but he can’t avoid it."

David Beckham plans Valentine's surprise

David Beckham is apparently planning to surprise his wife Victoria for Valentine’s Day.

According to The Mirror, the footballer is to take a four-day break from training with Spurs to fly out to New York, where pregnant Victoria is launching her latest fashion collection.

"He has booked a candlelit restaurant in Manhattan for Monday and is planning on whisking her off to Brooklyn Bridge - the inspiration for their eldest son's name," said a source.

The Beckhams have been married for 11 years, but have reportedly not been together on Valentine's Day for the last seven.

Pregnant Posh Posing Nude For Vogue?

Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has reportedly spoken to Vogue about baring her baby bump in a photoshoot for the fashion magazine.

The singer-turned-fashion designer has been in conversation with editor-in-chief Anna Wintour about stripping off to display her fourth pregnancy, reported Star magazine.

"It's not a very Vogue thing to do, but the team can make it work and make it 'fashion'. Anna's apparently really keen on it. Everyone's expecting it to fly off the shelves. Victoria's a huge style icon," said a source.

"Although nothing's been officially signed yet, Victoria would want to be sure she's the sexiest pregnant woman to ever grace a magazine cover. It will be a huge boost to her career from a fashion point of view."

Hollywood star Demi Moore famously stripped off for an Annie Leibovitz-shot Vanity Fair cover in 1991 while seven months pregnant. The image has since been much-imitated by celebrities including Myleene Klass.

Beckhams expecting their fourth child

Victoria and David Beckham will become parents for the fourth time later this year.

A spokesperson has confirmed that Victoria is expecting another baby and revealed that the family is "naturally delighted" by the news, according to the BBC.

Despite confirming the news, the spokesperson declined to elaborate on how long Beckham has been pregnant or when the expected due date is.

The fashion designer recently admitted to the press that she is still open to the idea of having another child.

The couple have been married since 1999 and are already parents to 11 year-old Brooklyn, 8-year-old Romeo and 5 year-old Cruz, who are said to be very excited about the arrival of a new sibling.

Beckham sues mag over prostitute claim

David Beckham has announced that he plans to take legal action against the US tabloid In Touch, after it claimed that he paid alleged prostitute Irma Nici for sex.

TMZ reports that the 35-year-old LA Galaxy player is suing Nici and the magazine's publishers for $25m (£16m).

In his declaration, Beckham said that he has "never met Nici, let alone committed adultery with Nici or paid her for sex".

He added: "Irma Nici's statements have caused me and my family great anguish and emotional distress, and have adversely affected both my personal and professional life."

The original story, printed in early October, also accused the star of having a threesome and unprotected sex.

Beckham's rep told Us Weekly that the rumours were "totally ridiculous", adding: "Sadly we live in a world where a magazine can print lies and believe they can get away with it."

Beckham will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award

David Beckham will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards tomorrow.

The broadcaster revealed that the award will recognise Beckham's "huge contribution to football" over the 18 years he has played since making his first-team debut for Manchester United at 17 in 1992.

Beckham has won 115 international caps - an all-time record for an English outfield player - and amassed over 450 appearances in his senior career. He also remains the only English player to score in three consecutive World Cup finals.

Having twice been a runner-up in the Fifa World Player of the Year award, the father-of-three was previously named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2001.

Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award include last year's recipient Seve Ballesteros, Sir Bobby Charlton in 2008 and Beckham's former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2001.

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards will be broadcast on Sunday at 7pm.

Cruise, Beckham form motorcycle club

Tom Cruise and David Beckham have reportedly set up a motorcycle club together in Los Angeles.

The two have apparently invited a host of other A-list celebrities to join them in the club for late night rides across the Hollywood Hills.

"The boys love to ride - they're out as often as they can," a source told the Daily Mirror. "At midnight they can get away with cruising around in a group and seeing the sights of LA without a zillion paparazzi chasing them around.

"They are trying to get other Hollywood actors like Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt to join the group," the report continues. "It's a case of the more the merrier."

Both Beckham and Cruise are known to be avid motorbike enthusiasts and each owns a F131 Hellcat Combat bike.

Martina Navratilova 'released from hospital'


Martina Navratilova has been released from hospital following a serious illness she experienced during a charity climb of Mt Kilimanjaro.


The tennis pro was rushed to a Kenyan hospital last week after developing high altitude pulmonary oedema on the ascent.

"I am feeling much better and really pleased to be going home. I'd like to thank all the staff at Nairobi Hospital, who were wonderful, and really took care of me. The care I received during my three days in hospital was excellent," she said, according to the Daily Star.

"I have also been very touched by all the messages of support I have received over the past few days, and want to thank Laureus Academy Chairman Edwin Moses in particular, for making a very early morning call from Atlanta today to wish me well. It was great to chat to him, although I did joke that perhaps I have gone above and beyond the call of duty for Laureus on this occasion!"

Beckham filmed confronting affair heckler

David Beckham has been filmed launching into a tirade against a heckler who made fun of recent allegations about his private life.

The incident occurred when a male fan of Beckham's team LA Galaxy twice shouted "Stop with the prostitutes" - referring to claims by vice girl Irma Nici that the footballer paid her for sex in 2007 - as he made his way down the players' tunnel at a recent match.

In the footage published today by the News of the World, Beckham can been seen advancing towards the man and angrily asking: "Do you want to say it again? Do you want to say it again?"

As the man attempts to convince Beckham that he was not behind the verbal attack, the 35-year-old continued: "You got a Galaxy shirt on! You got a Galaxy shirt on! Say it to my face!"

A second fan who filmed the confrontation told the paper: "It was a big shock to see David react in such a way. A real shock to everyone.

"The guy who yelled out was only young - he looked about mid-20s. He was about 6ft 2in, had blonde hair and wore a navy blue Galaxy jersey."

The supporter added: "I was very surprised David Beckham decided to turn around and approach him. He's an international superstar. I expected him to ignore the comment and keep on walking. I know his team lost, but he looked frustrated throughout the game."

Beckham has furiously denied Nici's claims ever since her story appeared in a recent edition of InTouch magazine and is believed to be suing both her and the publication for £5 million.

Posh, Becks deny split rumours

London: David Beckham and wife Victoria have dismissed rumours that their 11-year marriage is on the rocks.


Rumours that the two were splitting spread like wildfire on gossip sites such as Twitter.

According to sources, the pair were ‘absolutely livid’ about the unfounded allegations concerning the state of their marriage.

The couple issued a statement to rubbish split rumours, reports the Daily Star.

One top PR man, Frank PR executive Andrew Bloch, Tweeted: “I am hearing from a number of sources that Victoria and David Beckham are due to announce their separation in a few hours.”

“I have confirmation direct from Team Beckham that the separation rumour is ‘utter nonsense’. Very good news indeed,” he added.

A spokesman for the pair said: “These rumours are just internet nonsense.”

Of course we're not splitting

Victoria Beckham has dismissed any suggestion that she is about to split from her husband David.

Rumours that the couple were poised to break up spread across the internet last month but were denied by their representatives.

Victoria told The Mirror: "Unfortunately, you get used to ridiculous rumours and you just have to ignore them. But the thing is, when you have children, you don't want them to hear hurtful stories.

"That is why it's upsetting. Of course we are not splitting up; we are as in love, if not more in love, than ever. We are best friends. We never put pressure on each other."

She added: "It was our 11th wedding anniversary at the weekend and we celebrated it in style.

David Beckham Visits Troops In Afghanistan

British soccer ace David Beckham has risked his own safety by jetting into Afghanistan to raise the morale of troops fighting in the war-torn country.

The sports superstar left U.K. RAF airbase Brize Norton in Oxford, England on Friday and arrived in the war zone under the cover of darkness.

He will make the rounds of the British army's base in the nation's Helmand Province, and hopes to boost the soldiers' spirits with his surprise visit.

Before flying out of England, he told reporters, "I have nothing but admiration for these young men and women and it makes me very proud to be British. I've wanted to visit Afghanistan for a long time and I hope that in some way it helps remind everyone at home what an amazing job they are doing out here (sic) in very difficult conditions. I feel very humble."

Top-Earning Pinkberry Papa

Spending time with family as he recovers from injury, David Beckham was spotted with his three boys in Beverly Hills on Friday (April 23).

Joined also by wife Victoria, the English soccer stud hobbled around as the gang made their way to the Pinkberry frozen yogurt store for a chilly treat.

The sighting comes just as it was announced that Beckham, who is suffering from a ruptured Achilles' tendon, was named as soccer's "highest earner" by Forbes.

The Forbes report tells that Becks raked in "$138 million since signing with the Galaxy in January 2007, $102 million of that from endorsements."

Some of David's biggest endorsement deals are with companies including Adidas, Motorola, Giorgio Armani and Sharpie.

Beckham named third son after Tom Cruise

Soccer star David Beckham has revealed that he named his third son Cruz after his superstar friend Tom Cruise.

The soccer ace who is married to former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham became close friends with the "Top Gun" actor in 2003 and got inspired by him so much so that he named his third kid, born in 2005, Cruz, reports thesun.co.uk.

Beckham who has two other sons, Brooklyn, 10, and six-year-old Romeo told writer Grant Wahl for his book "The Beckham Experiment": "I must admit, when Victoria and I met Tom, I remember turning around to Victoria and saying, 'Cruise is a great name, but we could spell it different.' And also, living in Spain, Cruz is spelled the way it is in Spanish. So that's why we got it."

Not only this the actor has been influential in many of Beckhams's other decisions too, including signing with the Los Angeles Galaxy and hiring the same PR firm as him.