Caught in the Middle: Harper Beckham’s Bond with Brother Brooklyn Amid the Family Rift

In the glittering yet often turbulent world of the Beckham family, few relationships have remained as genuinely touching as the one between Harper Seven Beckham and her eldest brother, Brooklyn. Now 14, Harper has grown up with Brooklyn—12 years her senior—as a protective, playful big brother figure, a dynamic that has endured even as a high-profile family feud has cast a shadow over the Beckhams in recent years.

From the earliest days, Brooklyn doted on his little sister. When Harper was born in 2011, he was already a teenager, stepping into the role of the “big brother” with enthusiasm. Throwback photos shared by David and Victoria over the years show Brooklyn giving Harper piggyback rides, spinning her around at family parties, and proudly posing with her at events. Harper, in turn, has always looked up to him—cheering at his early photography exhibitions, joining him for sibling outings, and even adopting him as her personal hype man during her budding interest in fashion.

Their closeness was evident in sweeter times: Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz attending Victoria’s Paris Fashion Week shows with Harper in tow, the trio often photographed laughing together backstage. Nicola once referred to Harper as her “dream little sister,” and for a while, it seemed Harper had gained not just a brother-in-law figure but a glamorous addition to her world of brothers.

Yet, as tensions between Brooklyn, Nicola, and the rest of the Beckham family escalated through 2025, Harper—still a teenager navigating her own world—found herself in an unintentionally poignant position. Reports throughout the year described the rift as deeply painful for the family, with Brooklyn and Nicola absent from major milestones like David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations in May and, most recently, his knighthood ceremony in November. Sources close to the family have repeatedly noted that Harper has been “particularly affected,” having always shared an especially “lovely bond” with Brooklyn, who was old enough to help care for her when she was little.

Insiders have shared that Harper misses her brother dearly, with the distance hitting her hardest during family gatherings where his absence is felt. Her 14th birthday in July became a flashpoint: Brooklyn posted a heartfelt public tribute—a photo of the three of them with the caption “Happy birthday Harper we love u x”—but he and Nicola did not attend the celebrations in person, opting instead for time with the Peltz side. Reports suggested this left Harper “heartbroken,” as Brooklyn had never missed one before. Family friends emphasized, however, that despite the broader drama, Harper and Brooklyn maintain private contact, and she remains unequivocally loyal to him.

Harper has never spoken publicly about the situation—a testament to the protective bubble her parents have always kept around her. Instead, she’s been seen leaning more on her other brothers, Romeo and Cruz, for sibling fun: yacht trips, outings to Winter Wonderland, and front-row support at family events. Cruz, in particular, has stepped up, treating Harper to rainy-night adventures and quality time that underscore the Beckhams’ effort to keep her world as normal and joyful as possible.

At its core, Harper’s stance appears uncomplicated and deeply sibling: unwavering affection for Brooklyn, no matter the adult complexities swirling around them. While the feud between Brooklyn, Nicola, and David and Victoria shows no immediate signs of resolution—marked by skipped events, social media silences, and reported demands for apologies—Harper’s relationship with her big brother seems to exist in a protected space. Sources consistently affirm that she “remains close” to him, cherishing the bond that predates the headlines.

In a family where public scrutiny is constant, Harper’s quiet loyalty to Brooklyn serves as a reminder of the genuine connections that persist beneath the drama. As she grows into her teenage years—poised, stylish, and undeniably a daddy’s girl—she continues to navigate the challenges with grace, holding onto the brother who once carried her on his shoulders and, in many ways, still does from afar.