Anniversary verdict on 10 years of pouts, tattoos and cheating by David and Victoria Beckham

THRONE INTO MARRIAGE IN 1999: Before wedding

MODEL WIFE in 2000: On catwalk

PARTY PARENTS IN 2001: Son Brooklyn¿s 2nd birthday

FRESH HAIR in 2002: Out partying with Elton John

ON LOOS IN 2003: Becks & lover Rebecca caught together in Madrid (c) BIGPICTURESPHOTO.COM

UNITED FRONT IN 2004: Forget scandal, smile!

IN SHADE in 2006: Dropped by England but Becks stays cool

HOLLYWOOD WIVES IN 2007: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes welcome Beckhams to LA

EYES ON THE GAME, PAL in 2008! Distracted by basketball cheerleader

BRAND BECKHAM IN 2009: Nice earner advertising Armani undies

Becks together again

David & Victoria Beckham pose in steamy new underwear campaign for 10th anniversary.

Read |

Photos

05/07/2009

YOU either hate them or you love them!

When it comes to the Beckhams there's no fence-sitting.

David, 34, and Victoria, 35, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary yesterday, and in that decade since they perched on a pair of thrones for the ceremony in Ireland's Luttrellstown Castle they have become THE most famous celebrity couple in the world.

His flings, her outfits, the babies, the mansions and the ever-changing hairstyles have won them millions of fans - and millions more critics.

Public know a fake when they see it - that's Victoria

By Carole Malone, News of the World columnist

I DON'T like Posh. I don't like her from her fake boobs right down to her fake insistence that her marriage is fabulous, her life is fabulous and her career is fabulous.

I hate that for years she lied about never having had surgery on those fake beach ball boobs. And about the fact she's effortlessly a Size Zero (the hell she is). And worst of all I hate it when she claims to just be an ordinary mum who likes nothing better than to stay at home with her husband and kids. WHO'S SHE KIDDING?

Posh's whole life is geared to glitz, to parties, to razzmatazz. In short to what SHE wants. And make no mistake this is a woman prepared to do anything to get what she wants - even turning a blind eye to her husband's infidelities.

Ask most couples what the secret of a good marriage is and they'll say trust, friendship, laughter.

PHOTO SPECIAL: Ten years of Posh's yo-yo boobs

In Posh's case it appears to be a razor sharp focus on making millions out of her meagre talents, coupled with the unerring ability not just to turn a blind eye to her husband's (understandable) philandering but to completely and utterly convince herself that The Truth isn't actually the truth. To keep on telling herself - and us - that something isn't true so that in the end she actually believes it.

Oblivion

It's why, at the height of the furore over Rebecca Loos, Posh was able to appear in public smiling, pouting, and hanging onto her husband's arm whilst gazing adoringly into his eyes. What she said and did to him in private, who knows? But to the outside world - the only one that's ever mattered to Posh - she insisted on a united front. Because it wasn't just her marriage at stake here, it was her public image. And for Posh that is EVERYTHING.

Because from the moment the Spice Girls split, Victoria realised that, with no real talent, the only way she could live in the spotlight, where she believes she belongs, was to hang on to a man who possessed the magic she didn't.

And Posh has always known that without him she'd sink into oblivion. What's driven her is a dogged determination to be a vital half of one of the world's most famous and feted couples. But does that make her a 21st century role model? Does a blind lust for fame and celebrity make her a modern woman? Are people like Posh and Becks - seemingly obsessed with money, fame, diamonds and mansions - people to be envied? I don't think so.

Posh's slavish (faux) public devotion to a husband who let her down, isn't the way a modern woman should behave. She should have dumped him after that affair - even if only for a while.

Instead she blindly refused to believe it was true which made her look silly, weak and determined not just to hang onto her man but to his lifestyle, which seemed to be more important. Posh stood by her man for all the wrong reasons.

The public know a fake when they see one and nothing about Victoria Beckham seems real.

You wonder if Becks ever yearns for a simpler woman who understands REAL happiness is about family and the people you love, not the latest Hermes bag or Louboutin shoes. Or is he the same? Is he now so starstruck, so under her thumb, so committed to Brand Beckham he just goes along with whatever she wants?

If that IS the case he's as shallow and vacuous as she is.

But is he happy? Is she happy? How can they be when they live in different countries most of the time? And how can Victoria be happy knowing that if she relaxes her grip on Becks for a second he'll be snapped up - maybe by someone who doesn't need him to be a superstar?

Interesting thought - in the event of a split how many men would go after Posh I wonder? Because for all her couture clothes, her diamonds and her designer bags she still comes across as cold and calculating - an empty husk of a woman who'll never be satisfied with what she has.

She'll always want the big glittering prize which is an A list career of her own. And that's never going to happen!

They embrace celebrity and are great UK ambassadors

By Mark Frith, author of 'The Celeb Diaries'

THE thing about David and Victoria is they just loved being famous from the outset.

They were a real breath of fresh air, different from the sulky Hollywood film stars who moaned that they were only in it for their art.

They were people who had suddenly become famous through their hard work, they had fun with it and they enjoyed it. Being famous is a fun thing and there are very few downsides, despite what some celebrities say. David and Victoria knew that.

And we knew, from the day they got engaged and stood outside a hotel in matching roll-neck jumpers, that we were dealing with a celebrity-minded couple - but in a nice and refreshing way. From the first day we snapped them together coming out of their home they always looked immaculate for the cameras. Unlike Kerry Katona, you'd never get Victoria nipping off for a pint of milk in her dressing gown and slippers looking like a sack of spuds.

She always wanted to look her best, and the magazines and papers loved her for it.

The brilliant thing about Posh and Becks - to this day, despite all their troubles-is they can't believe their luck.

They have worked hard to achieve so much. Nothing has been given to them and they are an example of what you can achieve through hard work.

I'm sure they sometimes get fed up with all the photographers but they wouldn't change it for anything. They've embraced being a celebrity like the normal people they are, and they think every day is fun.

Yes, he did have the affair with his assistant Rebecca Loos when he'd left Manchester United for Real Madrid, and that was obviously an incredibly low point for their relationship.

But it has ultimately made them stronger as a couple. Victoria could have dumped him and walked away but that didn't happen. They talked it through and realised that her living in Hertfordshire and not in Madrid had taken its toll on their marriage. It made them realise that family and being together are the most important things - and that what they had was worth battling for. It clearly wasn't easy, but they've got through it. And what makes it all the more admirable is they did that in the glare of the public eye.

They've been well brought up and know that family, and the concept of family, is really important. This is a strong message which they have sent out to the country and people will relate to that.

They knew they must keep the family unit together at all costs. This is what they've done and although they wouldn't have wanted the Loos incident to have happened, they both learnt important lessons from it. Since then they have altered their behaviour and schedules and always try to be together in the same country.

We also forget how vilified he was for being sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. He came through that, eventually becoming captain of his country. It's been quite a journey for him. They've been through so much, and all of it in the public gaze. It's been difficult. But because they are BOTH so famous they can relate to the pressure they each face and help each other through problems. They've been great for each other.

Challenge

They've also realised over the years that they can have a quieter life if they shun all the nightclubs and glitzy dos. This has placed the kids and the family at the centre of their lives.

Another important aspect is David's rejuvenation as a great footballer. He was heavily criticised for going to Los Angeles to play for what was viewed as an inferior team. He was seen as coasting, wanting to see out his days in the Hollywood environment. But then he took on possibly the biggest challenge of his career, moving to AC Milan on loan, and made it a huge success.

He reinvented himself yet again, proved his critics wrong and got himself back in the England team. Quite an achievement. It's clear that he has the kind of single-minded attitude to make him a manager one day and I'm sure that is what will happen.

Victoria is more and more happy to take a back seat in their relationship and look after the children. I think she'll be the power behind the throne for him to take on the next chapter in his life as successful football club manager.

They are great ambassadors for our country because they're a pair of kids from normal backgrounds who have risen to the top of their professions and done it with a smile on their faces.

Sure, they've had problems but they've overcome them and come out a stronger, more loving couple. That has to be admired.

Watch spoof Beckhams video

See our hilarious Beckhams spoof home video

Your comments

This article has 45 comments

What gives another mortal the right to hate, judge or dislike another and still have the gall to state publicly, I'm of the opinion that those thoughts should be kept private and not pollute to others with.

As for the golden couple, they are just living their lives the best way they know how, and if that way of life doesn't fit many peoples idea of how to conduct one's life then tough!

However the absolute basic thing many of us are missing is that the Beckhams and others like them in the spotlight are LIVING their lives, are we?

Ten years down the line what have you done with your life? They've done tons!

Power to them!

By Kholofelo Mokolo, johannsburg, South Africa.. Posted August 4 2009 at 12:06 PM.

David and Victoria, I love you.... Here's to 10 more years of a fabulous life and marriage together! The people on the other side of the pond need to get a life, they hate everything and everybody! Your boys are as beautiful as the 2 of you and hopefully they will pick up where their fine daddy leaves off and hopefully they will be as lucky in the wife department as well.... God Bless you ....

By suits.. Posted July 26 2009 at 4:46 PM.

Hate them or love them but may be yo jealousy coz u will never achieve what they have achieved. Keep it shut n try to work hard just like them.They are absolutely a nice couple.Or may be u have got other interests go on posh.

By Ann.. Posted July 9 2009 at 12:06 PM.

I couldn't agree more with Malone. Though I like a lot of Posh 's clothes she always seems to be trussed like the Thanksgiving turkey. The piece in some publication (I forget which) where they were both talking about their perfume was hysterical. I think he's as vacuous as she. Great video.

By thalassa.. Posted July 7 2009 at 11:19 AM.

I just think after ten years together and to have gone through what they have done it's amazing regardless of what anyone thinks of them...

They are famous for a reason...People who are constantly slating Posh still read about her.... I love them and I think it's great they have been married for this long...

Congratlualtions to the both of you and just keep on keepin on...

Hani Kuiper Manchester...

By hani kuiper.. Posted July 6 2009 at 1:41 AM.

they just prove money cant buy happiness,i have yet to see a pic that does not look posed,they look to me as if they dont even like each other, never mind love,and all the money in the world is no good if you are not happy

By lor.. Posted July 6 2009 at 12:36 AM.

I dont give care what people say, David and Victoria Beckham are awesome, Becks is one of the best footballers ever, I think they deserve every praise they get and shame on the people who run them down!!!

By AC.. Posted July 5 2009 at 10:03 PM.

Carole's impression on that woman and that couple is absolutely reasonable and accurate in the same time. Reading about them, their despicable lifestyle and being forced to see that bag of bones just about everywhere abhors me...!!! it simply shows how stultified this nation is...
and btw, I'm a gorgeous size 8, in a happy marriage with a splendid baby...no, i'm not jealous...

By olivia.. Posted July 5 2009 at 9:48 PM.

Its difficult to know if she is a great mum because there are always an army of nannies and her mother, but whatever it is they do, they clearly do well and that should be congratulated. They are good role models, but only to an extent because on occassion, their lives seem so greedy and full of all things empty. Nonetheless, Jordan, take note!

By Donna.. Posted July 5 2009 at 8:01 PM.

I love them. I think she was right to turn a blind eye. They are a loving couple with three lovely children. They have enough money to live well and never work again. They are not lazy people like some of the people that have written about them. God bless them

By Ann.. Posted July 5 2009 at 7:17 PM.

Who is to say that if Beckhams career hadnt of taken off as it did - or something happened to him after a football injury - that they would have split or stayed together. At the end of the day who are they really harming? And are we just a little jealous? Put yourself in their shoes - wouldnt you be lapping it all up?

By RosiePosie.. Posted July 5 2009 at 6:32 PM.

methinks thou writer protests too much...

By tlen.. Posted July 5 2009 at 5:42 PM.

i realy love u guys for what u are .just keep it up

By patrick mhule.. Posted July 5 2009 at 4:47 PM.

Is it true Posh and Becks take it in turn to have the Brain & EGO cells?

By robertguy.. Posted July 5 2009 at 4:17 PM.

I don't like Mr and Mrs Beckham because they have refused to grow up. Look at David's hand all rubbishe with tattoo. That's childish. 4 his wife, she is a total nonentity. Nothing special about them except their wealth. They are too fake for my liking.

By John Smith.. Posted July 5 2009 at 4:15 PM.

You can't say 'don't read about them if you don't like it'. They ARE IN PAPERS A LOT. However, We cannot knock her for trying to make money out of 'no talent' and becoming successful. i don't think she's to blame, each to their own. They actually succeed in making me feel better about not being rich and famous. Who would want the burden of trying to look unhealthily skinny all the time but thinking you look good. Who would want the burden of not being happy unless you are pictured in the papers everyday with a need to feel wanted and loved. we should all applaud them and Thank God it ain't us who need this in our lives. David is an extremely likeable bloke and Posh loves him to bits.

By ricky broomfield.. Posted July 5 2009 at 4:14 PM.

Okay, so it is *impossible* to ever recover from infidelity? The relationship is automatically a sham forever? You people are making a lot of assumptions here.

It's funny to see you talk about them as if you know all of this for a fact, when all you really know of them is their public persona.

By susan.. Posted July 5 2009 at 4:11 PM.

I hate it when people have children as accessories. OK, they may be good parents when they can be bothered to spend time with them but how much time does Victoria in particular actually spend with her boys. She constantly jets around the world, looking ridiculous at various airports. Instead of leading such empty, vacuous, superficial lives, they should wake up to what is really important. Everything superficial that they consider important could be gone in a heartbeat, as could everything really precious and important. I honestly don't believe they are as happy as the media would like us to believe. They couldn't possibly divorce because sorting it all out would be a complete nightmare. Beckham would survive, not sure Victoria would.

By Denise.. Posted July 5 2009 at 11:32 AM.

I am definitely not a fan of the fame and money obsessed Beckhams, particularly the false pouting, posing and skinny Victoria BUT compared to the obnoxious, common Jordan, they are way, way up the ladder of respectability.

By Pam Ellis.. Posted July 5 2009 at 2:20 PM.

What a load of jealous rubbish by some of the commenters here. I don't like the Spice Girls' music but I've always adored Beckham as a footballer, but I don't know them personally so I can't comment on their marriage. Life's too short to waste it on jealousy and judging other people, just enjoy your own and let the Beckhams live theirs.

By RedLee58.. Posted July 5 2009 at 11:40 AM.

I wonder how is the life of Carol Malone because the is a positive side to the life of Posh and you did not explore-1.She has been married for a long time and she kept her marriage vows.
-2. She stayed with David after your story about Rebecca .I think she is more of a woman than you and you are angry because your story(News of the World) was not sucsessfull in breaking this couple.Maybe is time you try and find the positive about this couple.

By Linda.. Posted July 5 2009 at 2:10 PM.

I agree with carole,had posh not taken the name BECKHAM she would never have been heard of after The Spice Girls split.

By A... Posted July 5 2009 at 12:14 PM.

I think the Beckhams are great... Victoria has a cracking sense of humour v v witty and has a great line in put downs.. Each to their own and at the end of the day they have earned their money and are enjoying the rewards.. The kids seem well mannered and down to earth..i doubt v v much they will have troubled lives like some other celeb kids have... and to be honest how often are they in the papers these days ??? not a lot as opposed to a few years ago... So give them a break... they dont harm anyone do loads for charity and have the usual ups and downs like any other family.. Go Team Beckham !!!!

By Debbie.. Posted July 5 2009 at 12:33 PM.

I think anyone who slags them off are just sad and jealous they are a couple who have been married 10 years and gone thru problems that most couples go thru and come out fine.
They have 3 gorgeous kids who they dote on - i can see no problem here, when you have chavvy, f****d up couples like kerry and mark & jordan and peter posh and becks are the perfect couple and i hope they stay together forever.

I for 1 hope the have the baby girl they really want.

By Kelly McGowan .. Posted July 5 2009 at 1:00 PM.

I totally agree with Carole Malone and think she has hit the nail on the head when it comes to the relationship and the fakery which has been on show from Victoria. I dont understand how couples who are in the spotlight all the time are so eager to sue for slander when it happens yet the "Loos Inident" was dismissed without an legal implications. If there was ever a woman who you just look at and think you poor souless individual its Victoria. After all this time they still make money from the public, I just dont get it, David was the darling of English football and Victoria was a member of the Spice Girls, both have left those roles yet still get the adoration. At least David can play football and has talent which he has proven and can call on, what of Victoria, nope nothing springs to mind as talent unless fooling the public is a talent.

By Johnny A.. Posted July 5 2009 at 12:58 PM.

God!! Aome people can be real JEALOUS.
I wonder how they will come up if they were the one. To each his own. I am not a fan of the couple but I believe that we are each entitled to live as we wish. U cant really please everybody.
Hope u guys(David & Victoria) stick together if thats what u really want. Many more years ahead

By Chy.. Posted July 5 2009 at 11:48 AM.

I have never been an ardent fan of any other celebrity as I am of Victoria and David Beckham. They are both incredible. What they point out together a family unit is so unbeleivable in today's showbiz world - where marriages are a sham and love only most abused 4 letter.

This article, well, is something else. So much spite and so much jealousy. Yes you've got nothing to be jealous of miss Carole - but you are. So much so that you dont even want to give them credit for what they do so remarkably well - living and being a family plus being special icons in the public glare. Your article is rubbish, baseless and coming straight out of a woman who seems to have hate runnign through her veins.

Open your eyes, let the hate swim away and see the Beckham for who they are. They are the next best thing to perfect - better than anything Britain's ever offered anyway.

Cheers David, Victoria and co...may you live together forever, and not let rubbish sad writes bring you down. You are both beautiful - cant wait for atleast 3 more baby Beckhams to run around! :)

By Annie.. Posted July 5 2009 at 11:25 AM.

They are both very materialistic. However, so are millions of ordinary people who are not famous. Some people on council estates go out and spend all their money on designer labelled clothing (sometimes fake, sometimes real). However, no-one condems them for it.

The truth is, Posh and Becks have got the MONEY. Love them or hate them, they have made their money "legally", without having to rob, steal or cheat. A lot of the people who type the hate-filled comments, are deeply disatisfied with their own lives. Live and let live

By Warren.. Posted July 5 2009 at 11:25 AM.

I never gave them a lot of thought -(being an 'older' person neither interested in football or pop music) -
but obviously I noticed them and would have agreed with everything Carol Malone said -EXCEPT -

A few years back I saw a documentary about them - and it included reference to all the unsung charity work they did as a couple.
It wasn't just fund-raising either.
There was a lovely little girl about 4 years old who was getting all thrilled at meeting her 'friends' again.
They kept in touch with this little girl who obviously adored them.
The little girl wasn't being influenced by the media - just accepting them for what they were.
A nice couple who were trying to help.
The Beckhams themselves don't publicise their charity work.

I think it must be very difficult for them as - no matter what they do in their private lives - someone in the media will be there trying to 'trash-talk' them down.

I hope everything works out for them.

By Aggie.. Posted July 5 2009 at 10:49 AM.

this article is full of jealousy,envy and pride at its peak?who are u Carole to judge?im not beckham"s fan but common,this is more of you wishing their lives are yours

By Susan.. Posted July 5 2009 at 10:26 AM.

From the outset shes faked it ..right from the very instance she opened her gob to mime the first song with the spice girls .
Her cheesy fake smile ...

She is what FAKE is all about ..

By DAN.. Posted July 5 2009 at 9:40 AM.

Well now! that's one razor sharp character assault. And from what I see and read of them, it's written spot on.

However, if I ever got to meet the Beckhams (not that I ever feel I want to) maybe my opinion would change.

This is all written on what we see and read in the newspapers. Victoria IS a shallow pathetic woman, she says one thing and does another.

By Sharon.. Posted July 5 2009 at 10:08 AM.

Wow Carole Malone,you sound like a wrinkled up jealous old boot, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but yours is so razor sharp and vindictive, it lacks any constructive element of journalism, I'm not the Beckhams greatest fan ,but you simply sound like a jealous has been.

By Sharon.. Posted July 5 2009 at 9:50 AM.

Just le the Beckhams live their lives as they wish - after all it is their life.

By anne.. Posted July 5 2009 at 9:35 AM.

wow so many haters! david and victoria are great examples of what can be achieved with HARD WORK. not many in this country like doing that so they spend their sad little lives slagging off the winners. have a drink for me david and victoria beckham, many more years to come (and insults) enjoy!

By jessica.. Posted July 5 2009 at 9:09 AM.

All the negative comments are due to jealousy. Fair play to them.

By Hugh Garse.. Posted July 5 2009 at 8:44 AM.

Posh is like a stick and has terrible zits.
She is also a nasty piece of work who thinks she is something special

By Dave.. Posted July 5 2009 at 8:09 AM.

I don't think anyone should use their marriage and personal life for financial gain and commercial profit especially after they have lied to the public like they have. This is all about FAME, money, celebrity status and ego.

David still has football left in him. He should go play FOOTBALL for the few years he has left in him and she should do whatever she wants to do on her own and their private life should be kept put of the public eye. It can only be better for their kids who have to grow up with all this.

By v.. Posted July 5 2009 at 7:24 AM.

Posh is brilliant she always looks amazing and becks is the best footballer ever. i really think some small minded people dont like to see others have a successful life.
keep it up posh and becks

By lea .. Posted July 5 2009 at 6:51 AM.

Well said Carole

By Eddy.. Posted July 5 2009 at 5:37 AM.

I loved what carol malone has written. She's taken the words out of my mouth

By franky.. Posted July 5 2009 at 4:37 AM.

I have not once found anyone in those ten years who has had something positive or pleasant to say about Posh, she has very clearly always been desperate to be envied.

Ironically, she has achieved the opposite because she is mostly pitied. Not too far away is the day when her oh! too regular photos land on favoured editor's desks and they all slide into the offcuts bin because most people are sick of the siight of her plastic personality and lifestyle.

Let them have as many cars and castles as they like
but wait and see how happy that makes them when the cameras stop clicking.

Middle age will be a real testing time for two people wanting every inch of every mirror on every wall.

What's the betting, a miraculous little girl arrives for the next planned phase? God help us.

By Ken.H.. Posted July 5 2009 at 3:38 AM.

Posh and Becks: Hollywood's answer to Ken and Barbie:

Beckham: a fine footballer whose career was truncated by the shallow, vacuous idiot hanging on his arm.

Posh: talentless warbler who has chiselled out a career in pursuit of 'celebrity'

By Brian P Farrell.. Posted July 5 2009 at 12:41 AM.

v - I can see the green glint in your eyes from here! What they choose to do is their business. If you dont like it, dont buy anything they promote - dont read articles about them - but also, dont spout poison about a couple that you actually dont know. You just sound jealous and spiteful.

David & Victoria - congrats on 10 years of marriage. I wish you many more years together

By Kelly.. Posted July 4 2009 at 11:55 PM.

Yes, Posh is distasteful and DESPERATE. That she chooses to pose ( whether Armani ads, fragrance etc) with an adulterer for MORE FAME, MONEY and the spotlight makes her just PATHETIC......ANYTHING to keep her fame and celebrity.

It is just extremely IMMORAL and WRONG that they are 'allowed' to continue to profit fianancially from what is a terribly tarnished marriage - full of lies and deceit. It is sad that people continue to buy into it. They should have withdrawn as a couple from the public eye out of decency and not continue to use their marriage for financial gain. AWFUL, GREEDY AND EGOISTIC. What a shame

By v.. Posted July 4 2009 at 10:20 PM.

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