Can the Beckhams survive the constant scrutiny?

● Blasted for looking miserable at royal wedding ● Devastated she and husband David failed to put on a “romantic show” to quell rumours ● Tells friends she’s sick of the continual gossip over the state of her marriage

After enduring months of speculation over their 19-year marriage, Victoria Beckham’s hopes to put on a united display with husband David during the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were shattered when viewers blasted her for appearing “miserable” and “unhappy” – with one fan describing them as looking “bored and glum.” Just days later, reports claimed her frosty expression could be due to revelations that David had partied with socialite Kara Keble-white at The Farmhouse in Oxfordshire the night before the wedding, which was watched by 1.9 billion TV viewers. In a now-deleted post on Instagram, Kara tagged David with the caption, “Thanks for the shots”. As a result of the shock allegations, trolls then insisted Victoria and David’s marriage must be “for the cameras only”, adding they were only together for publicity. Now insiders say Victoria has told pals it’s hard to bear the constant scrutiny over her relationship – insisting it’s the worst it’s ever been.

A source reveals, “Victoria has told friends she finds the negativity upsetting. She was frustrated by the bad reaction to her and David’s appearance at the royal wedding, especially given how huge the event was and how many people were watching.

BAD PRESS

“She’s insisted she was just nervous. But then days later she had to deal with the story that he’d bought drinks for Kara on a night out. She knows it would have been completely innocent, but she despairs how people read into it. To hear trolls say their marriage is basically a sham was really hurtful. She and David have faced relentless bad press about their marriage, but she feels the scrutiny is now worse than ever.”

After reports surfaced that David had partied with the socialite, one troll insisted, “I think they’re ‘a couple’ for the cameras only.” Another added, “My opinion is that they are no longer together but are keeping the ‘brand’ going.” One even said, “I think David and Victoria seem like a sham. Only together

for the publicity.”

The new backlash comes after Victoria and David’s marriage was hit by claims in an America magazine in April that it had become “loveless”.

Days later, fans also criticised David’s body language with Victoria in an Instagram photo posted on her birthday – accusing him of turning away from her and showing little affection. He was then slated for his choice of words in his birthday message to Victoria – where he simply described her as an “amazing mummy”.

One fan posted, “Just an amazing mummy, no reference to being his wife?”

The source says, “There have been months of persistent rumours about her and David’s marriage and she finds it all so hurtful. She knows deep down it shouldn’t matter what people think, but it just feels like one negative accusation after another.”

Victoria and David – who are parents to Brooklyn, 19, Romeo, 15, Cruz, 13, and Harper, six – have weathered their fair share of dramas throughout their long marriage.

PAST SCANDALS

In 2004, they were hit by claims David had been unfaithful with his PA Rebecca Loos. That same year, model Sarah Marbeck claimed she’d slept with David in Singapore in 2001 back when he was on a tour with Manchester United and that they’d continued to exchange sexually suggestive texts for two years. David called the claims “absurd and unsubstantiated” and Victoria insisted, “We have been through a lot worse than this, and we’re definitely going to get through this.”

In 2012, classical singer Katherine Jenkins also raised eyebrows when she issued a firm denial on Twitter following rumours she’d had an affair with David. In 2015, there were reports the Beckhams’ marriage had suffered a string of rows. And last year, pals claimed Victoria was angered by David’s partying with his pals – particularly socialite Lady Mary Charteris.

But sources say Victoria fears the recent onslaught of negative publicity with David – who is currently spending most of his time in Miami for his new soccer league – is too much.

The source reveals, “Victoria has admitted this recent barrage of criticism feels like a step too far. She and David have faced their fair share of bad press throughout their marriage, but they’ve always bounced back and been regarded as a loved-up and happy couple.

“Now she feels public opinion is turning against them. People are constantly accusing them of seeming unhappy together and now even suggesting things could be over. She hates the idea that some people think their marriage is somehow fake.

“She’s admitted it doesn’t help with David working away. She misses him a lot and it’s difficult when they don’t get to spend as much time together. David has tried to reassure her that all that matters is their happy family. But deep down she’s devastated at the idea that all this negative scrutiny could be never-ending.”

❛SHE’S ADMITTED IT DOESN’T HELP WITH DAVID WORKING AWAY IN MIAMI❜