The couple appeared relaxed as they spent Wednesday evening surrounded by their children, sharing a tender embrace before turning their attention to the extraordinary celestial event unfolding above them.

Victoria, 52, opted for a relatively understated look earlier in the evening, wearing tiny denim shorts with a crisp white shirt as the family gathered for dinner on board.

David, 51, meanwhile appeared to be taking his usual role as chief chef, standing at the grill while the rest of the family tucked into a lavish spread.

The family later settled down on deck to watch the eclipse, with Victoria changing into a more glamorous floral-print nude dress for the occasion.

She completed the look with a pair of essential solar eclipse glasses, making sure she could safely watch the rare event.

David sat beside daughter Harper, 15, and placed an arm around her as they watched the moon gradually move across the sun.

The affectionate moment offered a glimpse of the family enjoying time together aboard their yacht, despite the continued tension surrounding eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz.

Harper appeared equally engrossed in the event, wearing a baggy pink T-shirt as she watched through her solar glasses.

David’s younger children were also on board for the evening, with Romeo, 23, reportedly capturing photographs of the eclipse alongside his father.

Cruz, 21, was also back with the family after recently completing a tour with his band The Breakers.

His return meant that he was finally able to join the Beckhams for more of their Mediterranean summer after missing much of the family’s earlier holiday because of his musical commitments.

Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30, was also present and appeared close to the family.

The singer looked glamorous in a black strapless dress and was pictured sharing a sweet kiss with Cruz during the evening.

Romeo’s girlfriend Kim Turnbull was also part of the gathering, with Victoria sitting beside her during the family’s celebrations.

The images presented a picture of a family enjoying a relaxed evening together, with David later sharing photographs of the eclipse and another rather unusual element of their night.

The former footballer showed followers his collection of crystals and revealed that the family had been “manifesting & making our wishes” while watching the celestial event.

Their decision to combine the eclipse with manifestation and crystals added a spiritual twist to an otherwise luxurious family evening.

However, astrology enthusiasts have previously warned against attempting to manifest during an eclipse, claiming that the unpredictable energy associated with the event could potentially lead to unintended consequences.

Astrologer, dream expert and psychologist Dr Michael Lennox has previously advised against trying to manifest one’s future during a solar eclipse.

He compared the practice to firing an arrow into a hurricane, arguing that the unusual conditions could send intentions in an unpredictable direction.

Whether the Beckhams took the warnings seriously remains unknown, but David appeared to be embracing the atmosphere and enjoying the experience with his family.

The eclipse was just the latest memorable moment from their summer aboard Seven, the 130ft yacht the couple purchased in 2022.

David and Victoria had previously owned a smaller vessel with the same name, buying the larger yacht after acquiring the first boat in 2021.

Seven is named after David’s iconic football shirt number and also reflects Harper’s middle name.

The luxury vessel is designed for extended family holidays and features five cabins capable of sleeping up to 10 guests, along with accommodation for seven crew members.

It also includes a spa bath on the upper deck, a 65ft garage and an extensive collection of water toys.

A jet ski is among the equipment available to keep the family entertained while cruising around some of Europe’s most exclusive coastal destinations.

The yacht has become a familiar feature of the Beckhams’ summer lifestyle, providing them with the privacy to travel with family and friends away from the attention that normally accompanies their public appearances.

This year’s Mediterranean trip, however, has taken place against a more complicated family backdrop.

Earlier during their travels, David and Victoria came close to crossing paths with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola, who were holidaying further along the coast in the South of France.

Brooklyn and Nicola were spending time with music legend Elton John aboard his yacht near Nice, while the Beckhams were also staying in the region.

The proximity was particularly notable because David has enjoyed a friendship with Elton for more than three decades.

The former footballer has affectionately referred to the singer as “Uncle Elton”, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the musician and the Beckham family.

Yet Elton’s time with Brooklyn and Nicola has attracted attention because of the continuing estrangement between Brooklyn and his parents.

The younger couple appeared to be enjoying lunch together aboard Elton’s yacht, while the Beckhams continued their own holiday nearby.

The situation has added another layer of intrigue to what might otherwise have been a straightforward family summer.

Before heading to the Mediterranean, David and Victoria had spent time in the United States with Romeo, Kim, Harper, Cruz and Jackie.

The family travelled to watch the World Cup, but Brooklyn, despite living in California, did not meet up with them.

The absence has become one of the most visible signs of the continuing rift between the eldest Beckham son and the rest of the family.

The dispute reportedly intensified late last year.

Shortly before Christmas, Brooklyn blocked his parents on Instagram.

His lawyers subsequently wrote to the Beckhams’ representatives requesting that communication be conducted through legal representatives.

Then, in January, Brooklyn publicly addressed the family dispute in a lengthy six-page statement.

He confirmed that he had cut ties with his family following months of speculation about their relationship.

Brooklyn also said that he no longer wanted to be associated with “Brand Beckham” and accused his parents and siblings of being “performative”.

The extraordinary public statement turned what had previously been largely private family tension into a highly visible feud.

Since then, the Beckhams have continued to present a united family image in public, regularly appearing together with their younger children during holidays and celebrations.

Wednesday night’s eclipse was another example.

David and Victoria appeared affectionate, while Harper, Romeo and Cruz all joined them aboard the yacht.

The presence of Cruz was particularly significant given that his touring schedule had prevented him from taking part in much of the family’s earlier Mediterranean adventure.

His reunion with the family allowed the Beckhams to enjoy another evening together, with Jackie also appearing comfortable among the group.

For Victoria, the evening offered an opportunity to combine family time with a touch of glamour.

She moved from her casual denim shorts and white shirt into a more sophisticated floral dress before settling down to watch the eclipse.

David, meanwhile, appeared to be enjoying the role of family photographer and chef, first overseeing dinner at the grill and later documenting the celestial event.

The contrast between the luxurious setting and the ordinary family moments was striking.

Despite their immense wealth and global fame, the evening ultimately revolved around food, children, photographs and watching something extraordinary happen in the sky.

Yet the absence of Brooklyn remained impossible to ignore.

His continuing distance from the family has cast a shadow over the otherwise picture-perfect images of the Beckhams’ summer.

The family may have been together aboard a £16million yacht in Portofino, but their eldest son was once again elsewhere.

For now, David and Victoria appear determined to focus on the family members who are around them and to enjoy the summer together.

Their evening aboard Seven provided exactly that: a glamorous setting, their children gathered around them, a rare astronomical spectacle and plenty of affectionate family moments.

But behind the scenes, the unresolved relationship with Brooklyn continues to provide a very different narrative.

As the Beckhams’ Mediterranean summer continues, their yacht may offer the perfect escape from the outside world.

Whether it can provide an escape from the family’s ongoing tensions, however, is another question entirely.