DADDY'S PRIDE AND JOY

Harper Beckham holds a special place in her father's heart - and as David prepares to turn 50, it's clear she has changed the former footballer's life

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On Pancake Day in February, David Beckham was keen to show off his precision in the kitchen for his millions of fans. Expertly flipping homemade crêpes in and out of a frying pan, he was egged on by perhaps his biggest devotee, his and wife Victoria's teenage daughter Harper.

In a video posted on Instagram, the former England football captain entertained his adored youngest child by showing off his flipping skills, later passing the pan to her and encouraging her to do the same as they both giggled.

The strength of their bond could not be clearer, with the pair often posting images on social media - showing them enjoying activities such as wearing red noses for Comic Relief and building gingerbread houses together – in which their warm relationship shines through.

“Having a daughter is a whole new thing; it changes you,” David has said. “I have no power with that little girl, no power whatsoever.

“I love all my children, of course - equally - but I’m definitely stricter with the boys than I am with Harper. I can’t say no to her. I think I only said no to her once; her bottom lip started shivering and I was like: ‘Never again.’

“She’s amazing,” he continued. “She’s a princess with Victoria – obviously she’s a big mummy's girl - but she’s also a big daddy’s girl, which I love. I think she’s the best.”

Given all the achievements that have defined him, there will be much to celebrate when David turns 50 early next month, but his role as a father is the one of which he is most proud.

And bringing him particular joy has been 13-year-old Harper, who has nurtured a softer side in a man who raised three sons after inhabiting the male-dominated world of football for most of his life.