David and Victoria Beckham lead celebrities attending dazzling royal dinner hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla to promote Anglo-Italian relations
David and Victoria Beckham were the ‘bellissimi’ of the ball tonight at a dazzling royal dinner to promote Anglo-Italian relations.
The former England footballer, who played twice for AC Milan, and his fashionista wife were surprise guests amongst a slew of celebrities at Highgrove, the King’s private home in Gloucestershire, including designer Donatella Versace and actor Stanley Tucci.
Beckham was last year announced as an ambassador of the King’s Foundation, the charity’s which runs Highgrove, and has even had private meetings there with His Majesty, bonding over a shared love of the countryside and, surprisingly, bee-keeping.
Fortunately the 49-year-old didn’t have to travel far for his consultations with King Charles as his own sprawling estate is just a 30 minute drive away in the Cotswolds.
The event has been designed to mark the King and Queen’s forthcoming State Visits to the Holy See and the Republic of Italy in early April, which were announced this week.
It is also celebrating the best of sustainable ‘Slow Food and Slow Fashion’, boating a glorious home-grown menu showcasing the best of British produce, with a touch of Italian flair.
A reception was held from 7pm in a marquee in the gardens with canapés including Rare & Pasture ‘Salumi’, Tuscan style Paté and Coppa, Yorkshire Pecorino cheese Puffs and British vegetables Caponata, washed down with the King’s own Highgrove Sparkling Wine.
Guests arrived dressed to impress, with Victoria Beckam stealing the show in a jaw-dropping satin gown designed by her own fashion brand, while Donatella Versace opted for a striking custom-made number.
The Queen also joined in the fashion parade wearing an elegant Fiona Clare dress.
Camilla chatted to the Beckhams first of all, David telling her how much he loved their Cotswolds estate. ‘It’s beautiful there, so beautiful. We love it. We are very happy there. We’ve got chickens…’
The Queen interjected: ‘I’ve got chickens too!’
He suggested that his wife wasn’t so keen on gardening but added: ‘I love it.’
Camilla turned to Dame Helen Mirren who also spoke enthusiastically about the King’s work with his charitable foundation.
‘The spirit of your husband all his life,’ Dame Helen said.
