David Beckham had to persuade son Brooklyn to attend mum Victoria’s Paris fashion show to help protect the family “brand” from rumours of a rift.
The former footballer and his fashion designer wife put on a united front on Friday, posing alongside three of their four children – Brooklyn, Cruz and Harper – as well as Brooklyn’s American wife Nicola.
But a source told how Brooklyn, who turned 24 yesterday, had initially turned down his mum’s invite to Paris Fashion Week because Nicola, 28 – who he married in April – was due to be filming movie Lola James in the US.
It was only when David, 47, warned Brooklyn that him not attending could impact the whole family that he reversed his decision.
The source said: “Brooklyn wasn’t initially planning to come. But David felt that decision could see questions being asked. He pointed out that he risked damaging the Beckham brand by fuelling rumours of a feud between Victoria and Nicola.
“Eventually, he agreed to fly over with Nicola and Nicola even agreed to wear a Victoria Beckham dress for the show. There were tears when Victoria saw them both.”
Victoria, 48, who was praised for her “eccentric yet timeless” collection, later posted a video montage of Brooklyn, adding: “So happy to be celebrating your birthday with you today.”
A source close to the Beckhams insisted it was “always” the plan for Brooklyn to attend.