Harper Beckham is said to have been left deeply wounded after her sister-in-law, Nicola Peltz, appeared to replace her as her "dream sister" in a social media tribute celebrating a family wedding.
The 31-year-old actress shared an effusive Instagram post last week marking her brother Will Peltz's marriage to Kenya Kinski-Jones.
She wrote at the time: "Willy, thank you for finally and officially giving me my dream sister, Ken."
The phrase quickly drew criticism from social media users, given that Nicola had previously given the same affectionate title to Harper, who turns 15 this week.
Harper Beckham travelled to Brooklyn's home last month, only to leave empty-handed soon after
| GETTY"Nicola's 'sister' remark feels like a dig at the Beckhams, who are taking it personally," a source told The Mirror.
"It feels like Harper has been caught in the crossfire of the Beckhams' fight and she's in the middle of it all. All she wants is to see her brother."
Before the bitter family fallout, Nicola and Harper shared a close bond that the teenager appears to have clearly treasured.
Speaking in 2024 at the premiere of her directorial debut, Lola, which Harper attended alongside her, Nicola gushed: "If I could create the perfect dream little sister, it's her.
"I'm so blessed I get to have her as my little sister in my life."
In 2022, the heiress had similarly praised the youngster, saying: "I wanted a little sister so bad, and Harper is the sweetest. I have the coolest little sister. She sends me Snapchats."
The pair's warmth was evident yet again at Victoria's Paris Fashion Week show in October 2023, when Nicola posted a backstage photograph with the caption: "Such a beautiful show with my baby sis."
The rift between Brooklyn and his family has been widening since January, when the 27-year-old posted an explosive statement on Instagram accusing his parents of attempting to undermine his marriage.
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Brooklyn and Nicola previously held a close bond with Harper, wishing her birthday last year
|INSTAGRAM/BROOKLYN BECKHAM
He claimed David and Victoria had been "trying endlessly" to sabotage his relationship with Nicola, alleged his mother pulled out of designing the wedding dress at "the eleventh hour," and accused her of hijacking his first dance with the bride.
Brooklyn also stated he had been "controlled" by his parents and had finally found "peace and relief" after battling "crippling anxiety."
He is currently not speaking to his parents or brothers, Romeo and Cruz.
Last month, Harper attempted to bridge the divide by visiting Brooklyn's Los Angeles home while in the US for Sir David's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have cut all ties with his family
| GETTYThe teenager arrived unannounced, still wearing her pink silk dress from the ceremony, but left within seconds after finding nobody home.
A spokesperson for Brooklyn subsequently accused the Beckham family of staging the visit, stating: "That photographers were in place as the letter was hand delivered says it all - this was choreographed for the cameras."
Sources say the situation has taken a significant emotional toll on the youngest Beckham child.
"It's really painful for her, because she genuinely misses Brooklyn," the source revealed. "They had a very nice and close relationship. Out of all the brothers she looked up to him, so she's really feeling it."