Victoria Beckham paid an emotional tribute to her husband and children after being named a Chevalière de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in Paris on on Monday, 26 January, an honor bestowed by France’s Ministry of Culture. While most of her family attended the ceremony, the absence of her eldest son once again drew attention amid reports of deepening family tensions.
The 51-year-old designer was joined by her husband David Beckham, sons Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 20, daughter Harper, 14, and close friends. Romeo and Cruz were accompanied by their respective partners, Kim Turnbull and Jackie Apostel.
However, Brooklyn Beckham, 26, did not attend. His absence follows a recent statement in which he publicly distanced himself from his family and said he was building a new life in the United States with his wife, Nicola Peltz. Brooklyn has also missed several major family moments in recent years, including David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations, the UK launch of Victoria’s Netflix documentary, and David’s knighthood ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Despite the ongoing strain, the Beckham family appeared united at the Paris event, determined not to let private matters overshadow Victoria’s professional milestone.
Victoria received the award from French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, who praised her influence on fashion and culture.
“You offered millions of young girls a new representation of themselves. For many you were a true role model, inspiring for each and every one of us a taste of freedom and boldness.”
In her acceptance speech, Victoria thanked the French Ministry of Culture and spoke about her deep admiration for France’s approach to fashion.
“I am so proud to be British, but France is one of the few places where fashion is treated with the seriousness it deserves as a form of art.”
She also emphasized the collaborative nature of her success, crediting her team, business partners, and family.
“This is not the achievement of just one person… it is a collaborative effort, and this distinction isn't mine alone.”
Turning to her family, she added:
“Thank you to my parents and to my children who are always believing in my vision.”
David Beckham was seen watching proudly, with Cruz resting a hand on his shoulder as Victoria thanked her husband “for seeing my passion for this business and my determination to build something that we could both be really proud of.”
As the medal was pinned to her dress, the audience applauded while her family cheered from the front row.
The ceremony drew prominent figures from the fashion world, including Anna Wintour, Edward Enninful, and French model Cindy Bruna. Danish supermodel Helena Christensen was also spotted leaving the venue in a silk gown beneath a Victoria Beckham wool coat.
Following the ceremony, Victoria shared photos on Instagram, writing:
“I’m so honoured to be named a Chevalière de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture… So to be recognised here and embraced in this way, is a profound privilege.”
She also paid tribute to David, calling him “my everything.”
David reposted the images, writing:
“We are so proud of you and all that you have achieved @victoriabeckham ❤️ Being named a Chevalière de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture… nobody deserves it more than you x We love you”
Romeo commented, “Proud of you mum,” while Jackie Apostel praised Victoria’s “drive, creativity, resilience” and “kindness and respect towards anyone around you.”
Victoria’s fashion label endured significant financial strain after launching in 2008, accumulating losses exceeding £66 million before finally turning a profit in 2023. David Beckham supported the company for years through loans and cash injections reportedly totaling more than £23 million.
In her Netflix documentary, Victoria admitted:
“The losses were so, so big. David was investing… a lot… I felt embarrassed... I was in a hole, it felt like I was in quicksand.”
David added:
“It made me panic… We always agreed that we would support each other no matter what, but it worried me. This isn’t sustainable.”
The Paris ceremony marked the family’s first public appearance since Brooklyn’s recent statement, in which he claimed he had been “controlled by a family that values public promotion above all else” and said his relationship with Nicola brought him “peace and relief.”
Among his allegations were claims that Victoria withdrew from designing Nicola’s wedding dress and disrupted the couple’s first dance at their 2022 wedding. Victoria is said to feel “betrayed” by these accusations after years of shielding her son from negative publicity.
Wedding DJ Fat Tony later addressed the first-dance controversy, describing the situation as “really awkward” and attributing it to singer Marc Anthony, who allegedly invited Victoria onto the dance floor during the moment meant for the newlyweds.
“If he feels that it was inappropriate and awkward, it was inappropriate and awkward.”
Claims surrounding Nicola’s wedding dress choice have also been questioned, with Vogue reporting that her Valentino gown had been in development for a year. Nicola later said that after Victoria’s atelier could not complete the dress in time, she proceeded with Valentino.
Despite the public fallout, sources say David and Victoria would welcome Brooklyn back “in a minute” and remain deeply distressed by recent events. For now, the family continues to present a united front publicly, even as private tensions remain unresolved.