Romeo Beckham's 23rd birthday celebrated on yacht as Brooklyn absent

Romeo Beckham received an outpouring of public birthday tributes from his parents and siblings on Monday as the 23 year old celebrated on the family yacht in Italy, while his eldest brother Brooklyn was notably absent, underscoring an ongoing and widely reported rift within the Beckham family. The tributes, shared on social media and captured by photographers aboard the multimillion pound vessel, highlighted close ties between Romeo and his parents even as reports of estrangement with Brooklyn continue to circulate.

David Beckham led the messages with a throwback photograph and a heartfelt caption on Instagram, writing, "Happy 23rd Birthday to my little boy. You are kind, humble, polite, hard working and the most special person to everyone we love you so much. Have the most special day HAPPY BIRTHDAY big boy." Victoria Beckham posted a string of family snaps from the summer holiday and an affectionate note calling Romeo "our everything" and saying, "Your love and kindness fills our hearts every day," according to her Instagram Stories. Younger brother Cruz and other relatives also shared birthday messages.

Photographs and published accounts of the holiday show the family...