From an unlikely meeting and THAT lavish wedding to matching outfits and trotting the globe with their brood - as Victoria Beckham turns 50, how her 24-year marriage to husband David has stood the test of time

Victoria Beckham has celebrated her 50th birthday, sparking a flurry of sweet social media tributes from her family and celebrity pals alike.

While many still know the designer for her evolution from popstar to fashion mogul, she's also proven to have one of the most enduring marriages in showbusiness.

Married to retired footballer and global superstar David Beckham, the couple's relationship has been rock-solid since they tied the knot 24 years ago.

While it began on unlikely ground, the couple have swerved the woes that end many a celebrity romance, and embraced family life with their four children - Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12.

So, as Victoria reaches a new decade decade, with plenty of lavish celebrations in the pipeline, MailOnline takes a look back at how the pair's love story has won over the nation...

Victoria and David have proven that, despite doubts, they have one of the most enduring marriages in showbusiness, with things stronger than ever as the designer turned 50

The couple have swerved the woes that end many a celebrity romance, and embraced family life with their four children - Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and 12-year-old Harper

The couple were introduced in 1997 - a year after David has spotted the former Spice Girl in a music video and vowed to marry her

Where it all began...

After an unlikely meeting in 1997, David and Victoria announced in January 1998 that they were engaged, after he popped the question in a hotel room packed with flowers

Victoria and David first met back in 1997, when she came to watch the then-Manchester United star play.

David himself shared their sweet moment during an appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show, saying: 'She came to a football match—soccer match—and I said hi from across the room and that was it. 

'I thought I’d missed my chance, and then a week later she turned up at another football match. She had a few to drink, and she gave me her number.'

Victoria also recalled the meeting in a letter for her 18-year-old self in Vogue, writing: 'While the other football players stand at the bar drinking with their mates, you will see David standing aside with his family. 

'(He’s not even in the first team at this stage—you are the famous one.) And he has such a cute smile. You, too, are close to your family, and you will think how similar he feels to you.'

Soon after Victoria and David met at the match, the couple went on their first date, and just one year later, in January 1998, they announced they were engaged.

At the time it was considered the definition of an A-List love story, with David one of the biggest stars for England and Manchester United, and Victoria a member of The Spice Girls. 

Speaking about the proposal, Victoria said at the time: 'We'd already looked at a few rings but I didn't know which one he had chosen. I'd told him what my dream ring would be. He remembered and had it specially made for me'.

The proposal came when they checked into a hotel after a Manchester United game, after which Victoria was presented with 30 roses before being escorted to their room which was packed with £200 worth of red and yellow lillies.

The duo slipped into bath robes, ordered dinner and champagne and David popped the question much to Victoria's utter delight.

In the book Arise Sir David Beckham: Footballer, Celebrity, Legend, it was reported Victoria said: 'We were sitting there in our dressing gowns when David pulled out the ring, got down on one knee and said, 'Will you marry me, Victoria?''

David meanwhile said: ''I wasn't at all nervous about getting engaged, we'd decided a while ago we would make it official this weekend. I got the ring and was really looking forward to it. But when the moment came there were a few butterflies.'

The couple swiftly called a press conference where Victoria flashed her bling and told the gathered media at Rookery Hall hotel in Nantwich.: 'I am the happiest girl on the world today. I'm with the man I know I'm going to grow old and wrinkly with.'

Their family begins

Mere months before the couple became Mr and Mrs Beckham, David and Victoria welcomed their first child together, son Brooklyn 

Brooklyn has been carving out a career of his own as a chef, in 2022 he married actress Nicola Peltz in a multi-million pound wedding

Mere months before the couple became Mr and Mrs Beckham, David and Victoria welcomed their first child together, son Brooklyn.

He was born at London's Portland Hospital in London and t is often reported that he was named Brooklyn because he was conceived in NYC. 

Despite the frequent reports, in Victoria's 2001 biography, Learning To Fly, Victoria insisted she simply liked the name. She wrote: 'We already knew he was a boy and so I knew he could end up a footballer, so it had to be a name that was a bit bloke.

'I had always liked the name Brooke and then we suddenly thought about Brooklyn. I'd always like it as a place – it's very multi-cultural, very grounded.

'And it was only afterwards that I realised how appropriate it was because it was in NYC that I found out I was pregnant and where David came after the World Cup.'

As the eldest of the Beckham, Brooklyn has been carving out a career of his own, pursuing his passion for cooking by sharing videos of his creations on social media.

He also followed in his parents footsteps with a celebrity partner of his own, marrying actress Nicola Peltz in a multi-million pound ceremony in 2022. 

A wedding for the ages

David and Victoria's big day couldn't have been more lavish, with the couple exchanging their vows at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland 

Posh and Becks opted for a Robin Hood-themed wedding when they got hitched at Dublin's Luttrellstown Castle. Their picturesque Irish venue sat on 560 acres and dated back to the 18th century (pictured in 1999)

David and Victoria's big day couldn't have been more lavish, with the couple exchanging their vows at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland in 1999 in front of their famous friends and family.

As part of their marital shoot, the couple were famously pictured sitting on a pair of matching golden thrones during the day. 

The power couple hired Bentley's Entertainments, organisers of Elton John's birthday as well as Princess Anne's 40th, to mastermind the highly-publicised showbiz event.

Their picturesque Irish venue sat on 560 acres and dated back to the 18th century, with organsier Peregrine Armstrong-Jones telling OK! how 'Victoria wanted somewhere really private and unique, somewhere leafy and green'.

She had hired Simon Lycett, who worked on the 90s rom-com Four Weddings And A Funeral, to set up the floral arrangements - complete with fresh apples which had been pierced and dotted around the castle in order to discharge the scent of fruit.

With David rocking up in a £230,000 Bentley Azure wearing a cream suit designed by Timothy Everett, Victoria sported a Vera Wang dress as she rode in style in a Bentley Arnage.

She commanded attention in a diamond-and-gold crown, which was custom-built by Slim Barrett who had previously crafted accessories for Princess Diana.

Matching wardrobes

While both Victoria and David are no stranger to making headlines with their wardrobes, during the early years of their romance the couple became known for their combined looks

At the 2003 MTV Movie Awards in LA the couple sported matching white ensembles while they recently joked when they 'accidentally' wore double denim

While both Victoria and David are no stranger to making headlines with their designer wardrobes, during the early years of their romance the couple became known for their combined looks.

Things began at the Versace Club Gala Party in June 1999, when they hit headlines for sporting matching head-to-toe leather ensembles designed by Gucci. 

Speaking about the ensembles last year, Victoria said: 'I mean it haunts me. It does haunt me, but I love it. It was hot. We were wearing Gucci...

'It was a Versace dinner, which was inappropriate in itself. But we really considered those outfits. We really thought about it. There was a naivety to it that was just so sweet.'

When asked in 2021 why they wore matching looks, she explained: 'It just seemed like a really good idea at the time. t really did...

'I think there was a naiveté then, we didn’t know about fashion. We were just having fun with it, which to be honest with you, is kind of the way it should be. I really wish I had the courage to do it more now.'

At the 2003 MTV Movie Awards in LA the couple sported matching white ensembles while they recently joked when they 'accidentally' wore double denim. 

Lavish abodes

As newlyweds David and Victoria constructed their abode in the leafy green county of Hertfordshire so grand that it was dubbed Beckhingham Palace 

In recent years, despite setting up a base in London, the couple seemed to be pining for a country bolthole, and in 2016 they bought a home in The Cotswolds for an alleged £6.15 million

As newlyweds David and Victoria constructed their abode in the leafy green county of Hertfordshire so grand that it was dubbed Beckhingham Palace — worth an estimated £7.5 million. 

The duo purchased the 12 acre estate just three months after their wedding. 

In 2013 the house went up for sale when they opted to relocate to Kensington and they sold up in 2014, when insurance tycoon scooped the home for £11.5million. 

Neil Utley, the chairman of Hastings Direct, also picked up an Aston Martin and two Jaguars as part of the deal. 

The couple are believed to have pooled the cash from the property as well as from the sale of a number of their luxury cars, to buy their £45million mansion in London. 

In recent years the couple appeared to be pining for a country bolthole, and in 2016 they purchased a lavish mansion in The Cotswolds for a reported £6.15 million.

Viewers got an glimpse into the Soho Farmhouse-inspired home as part of their new Netflix docuseries Beckham - where the couple showed off their very expensive taste and eye for classic designers, hardwood flooring and exposed brick walls.

After the Beckhams' improvements, the property boasts a sauna, plunge pool, football pitch, gym, swimming pool and £50,000 safari tent in the grounds for entertaining. It is now thought to be worth about £12 million.

'This is such a step away from any kind of footballer’s home cliché, it’s beautifully curated, smart and yet not flashy,' interiors expert Benji Lewis told MailOnline.

Expanding their family...

In 2002, Victoria and David welcomed their second son Romeo to the world 

In 2002, Victoria and David welcomed their second son Romeo to the world. 

A smiling David emerged from the hospital near Regent's Park to tell the waiting media the news. Flanked by his personal assistant, he told reporters: 'We've had a little boy called Romeo.'

Asked about the birth, David said that he had been present and the experience had been nerve-wracking: 'It's always nervous having children but it's the most beautiful thing in the world. (Victoria's) great. She's sitting up in bed. The family are here...

'He looks like Brooklyn. He's got Brooklyn's nose and Victoria's chin'. 

The private hospital, near Regent's Park, was where Brooklyn was born by Caesarean section in March 1999. A spokeswoman for the couple later told PA News that Romeo was born at 9.40am by Caesarean section.

But she stressed that the procedure was not elective surgery and had been carried out under doctor's orders.

Some reports at the time suggested that Victoria had opted for a Caesarean instead of a natural birth because of her husband's busy football schedule - giving birth to the phrase 'Too posh to push' in regards to elective C-sections - but a spokesperson denied this.

Unlike Brooklyn, Romeo has been following in his father's footsteps by following a career in sport, and is currently signed to Brentford' B-team.

Bumps along the way

The Beckham's marriage was hit by a slight bump when Rebecca Loos alleged to have had an affair with David, which he has strenuously denied

The Beckham's marriage was hit by a slight bump when they relocated to Spain in 2003, when David signed for Real Madrid.

The following year, Rebecca Loos shook the showbiz world to its core, when she alleged to have had an affair with David while acting as his personal assistant.

In a shocking blow to their relationship, Rebecca claimed she had a four-month affair with the footballer in September 2003, in the wake of the move, however he strenuously and continually denied the allegations. 

They defiantly stuck together after his alleged infidelity with Rebecca. The pair were pictured in a nightclub when David was playing with Real Madrid and while he denied reports of a four-month affair, she lost her job. 

In David's Netflix docuseries, he and Victoria broke their silence on the affair claims for the first time, with the star reflecting: 'Victoria is everything to me, to see her hurt was incredibly difficult'.

Throughout the Netflix series, Victoria spoke about the pain she suffered following the rumours about the affair, claiming she felt like the couple no longer 'had each other'.

Babies number three (and four!)

In the wake of the scandal, the Beckhams truly moved on when they welcomed baby Cruz in February 2005 with David announcing the news  

In July 2011, David announced they had welcomed their fourth child - and their first daughter - Harper, completing their family 

In the wake of the scandal, the Beckhams truly moved on when they welcomed baby Cruz in February 2005 with David announcing the news.  

David told reporters: 'We've got a baby boy. His name is Cruz. He is beautiful. He is in there with his brothers now and he is very happy.,,

'"It's just a name we liked. We found it hard this time but we came up with a name that we both loved and stuck to it. He's got Victoria's nose and lips. He's gorgeous so we're very happy.'

A statement from the hospital said Cruz - meaning Spanish for "cross" - was delivered after a 30-minute operation with no complications, weighing 3.22 kilos. 

In July 2011, David again acted as the big revealer to announce they had welcomed their fourth child - and their first daughter - baby Harper. 

David confirmed the news on his Facebook page after he and wife Victoria welcomed the baby, who weighed 7lb 10oz, at 7.55am.

The footballer wrote: 'I am so proud and excited to announce the birth of our daughter Harper Seven Beckham. She weighed a healthy 7lbs 10oz and arrived at 7.55 this morning, here in LA.

'Victoria is doing really well and her brothers are delighted to have a baby sister xx' 

After months of speculation, they also announced they named her Harper Seven. 

The Seven in the name is believed to be a reference to David's football number when he played for Manchester United and England, while the Harper could be referring to Harper's Bazaar magazine or perhaps To Kill A Mockingbird author Harper Lee.

A close friend of the couple said: 'Harper is an old English name, something Victoria has always liked. Seven is a very lucky happy number and the baby was born just after 7am, in the seventh month.' 

Stronger than ever

In 2018, the Beckhams were suddenly forced to vehemently deny speculation that they were heading for a divorce

In 2018, the Beckhams were suddenly forced to vehemently deny speculation that they were heading for a divorce. 

Later that year, David and Victoria addressed the state of their then-19-year marriage in an interview with Vogue, having been plagued by split rumours in recent months.

Cutting to the chase, Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer Victoria admitted persistent speculation regarding the state of their marriage comes with the territory.

She said: 'People have been making things up about our relationship for 20 years, so David and I are pretty used to ignoring the nonsense and just carrying on as normal. But these things have a wider effect on the people around us, and that’s unfair.'

Talking about Brand Beckham, she went on: 'We both realise that we are stronger together than we are as individuals. Would either of us be in the position that we are in now had we not met and been together all those years ago?...

'It’s all about the family unit. We are much stronger - the six of us - than we would be if we were individuals. We respect that family bond and that is key.'

At the time of the divorce rumours - which seemed to involve speculation about David's faithfulness to his wife - Jo Milloy, a spokesman for Victoria, told the Daily Mail the gossip was 'absolute nonsense'.

Meanwhile, former England football captain David's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, dubbed the claims ‘embarrassing and laughable’.

'There is no statement due, no divorce, and a lot of Chinese whispers and fake social media news,' he said. 'This is all very bizarre and an embarrassing waste of time.'

He then added, bluntly, that the rumours were 'a crock of s**t'.

Claims the couple were planning to divorce circulated on social media earlier in the summer, prompting high street bookmaker Paddy Power to suspend betting on them separating. Paddy Power's move came despite there having been no suggestion the couple were having any marriage difficulties.

Later that month, Victoria revealed she tries to be 'the best wife' as she discussed juggling her busy work and home life at the Forbes Women's Summit in New York, where she gushed about her 'incredible' husband. 

The love story goes on...

As recently as last month, David was at Victoria's side as she unveiled her collection at Paris Fashion Week, despite struggling with a broken foot

As recently as this year, David was at Victoria's side as she unveiled her collection at Paris Fashion Week, despite struggling with a broken foot.

David was ever the gentleman as he held an umbrella to protect his wife from the rain as they stepped out in Paris.

He helped the ex Spice Girl, as they headed for a family dinner just 24 hours after her successful show fashion week show in the city.

Despite still hobbling on crutches, after suffering an ankle injury during a recent gym work out, Victoria cut a chic figure in all black.

Following the show David couldn't contain his pride for his wife as he took to Instagram to share his love for the fashion designer.

He gushed that he was 'so proud' of Victoria after she failed to let her injury or protestors spoil her big night.

David wrote: 'So proud of you for many reasons but this season threw a lot at you and again you just did what you do best. we love you @victoriabeckham'.

Despite her ankle injury and the show being invaded by Peta protestors, she continued to enjoy her big night by her husband and children Brooklyn, 24, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12.

In a jokey snap, David gave Victoria a piggy-back while holding a bottle of champagne as Victoria thanked him for his support, while making reference to her injury.

She wrote: 'Always supporting me (literally) I love you so much x Kisses x'.

David's romantic tribute...

As Victoria celebrated her 50th birthday, David shared a sweet tribute to his wife 

A video set to the Bee Gees classic More Than A Woman showed clips from Victoria's life, starting with a childhood clip of her oldest children Brooklyn and Romeo wishing her happy birthday

In between throwback videos of Victoria during her Spice Girls career and her dancing with her family, David couldn't resist adding a dig at Victoria's now infamous Rolls Royce gaffe 

As Victoria celebrated her 50th birthday, David shared a sweet tribute to his wife.

A video set to the Bee Gees classic More Than A Woman showed clips from Victoria's life, starting with a childhood clip of her oldest children Brooklyn and Romeo wishing her happy birthday.

In between throwback videos of Victoria during her Spice Girls career and her dancing with her family, David couldn't resist adding a dig at Victoria's now infamous Rolls Royce gaffe.

Adding a clip of the 'be honest' voice over from his 2023 documentary, David shared a childhood snap of Victoria and her sister Louise posing with their dad's Rolls Royce.

The hilarious dig refers back to the viral moment in David's documentary where Victoria told the cameras that her family were 'very working, working class'.

David interrupted, incredulous, and asked Victoria to 'be honest' to which she replied: 'I am!' He then repeatedly asked Victoria to reveal what car her dad used to drive her to school in.

The Spice Girl eventually gave in and said: 'OK. In the '80s, my dad had a Rolls-Royce.'

David also referenced the moment in his sweet caption for the birthday video, writing: '50 and fit I AM BEING HONEST'.

He added heartfelt words about his wife's many achievements, writing: 'Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife… As you head into this birthday you should look back and be proud of what you have accomplished , achieved & what you have built , Posh spice , business woman & of course marrying an England captain.' 

'But your biggest success are your children , you guide them , love them & teach them… They love you beyond words , we all love you so much x'

'Have a special day you deserve it all  50 and fit I AM BEING HONEST @victoriabeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven.'

The video showed photos and video clips of Victoria from childhood, through her pop career to her fashion designer days.

A look back at David and Victoria's romance 

Family: The couple have four children together; Brooklyn, 19, Romeo, 15, and Cruz, 13, and Harper, six

1997 

The couple met at a Manchester United charity match at David's request and started dating - they were soon dubbed Posh And Becks by the media 

January 1998

The couple announced their engagement, with Victoria showing off a huge diamond rock

March 4 1999

The couple welcome son Brooklyn, who acted as a ring-bearer at their wedding when he was four months old 

July 4 1999 

They tied the knot in a lavish £500k ceremony at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland, sitting on golden thrones. Soon after, they bought the famous Beckingham Palace in Hertfordshire, worth around £7.5 million 

The dream is over: Victoria and David have been married for 20 years 

2002

Victoria gave birth to the couple's second child, Romeo. Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley are godparents 

2003

The family moved to Spain when David was transferred from Manchester United to Real Madrid

2004

David's personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, claimed she had an affair with David for four months. She lost her job and David has always denied the claims 

2005 

Cruz David was born - his name means cross in Spanish and he was born in Madrid

2011

The couple welcomed fourth child Harper Seven, with David saying she is 'very feminine in every way'

2017

Victoria broke her silence on rumours she and David had an ongoing rift, telling Grazia that she and her family have 'nothing to prove.' 

She said: 'I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and beautiful, healthy, happy children.