David Beckham forced to defend Harper's birthday party at Buckingham Palace

David Beckham has taken to social media to explain how daughter Harper got to have her sixth birthday bash at Buckingham Palace.

The proud father posted several pictures on Instagram wishing happy birthday to his little girl, who was turning six years old yesterday, and celebrated the occasion with a party at the royal location.

In the first picture, where David and Harper can be seen posing in front of the palace, he wrote: 'Happy Birthday to our special little young lady ...Such a special girl who brings so much joy and happiness into our lives.. Happy 6th birthday ( I can't believe your 6 already ) have the most amazing day we love you pretty lady x'

In another post, Harper can be seen dressed as Anna, a Disney princess from the film Frozen, accompanied by some of her school friends. Posing with the little princesses was a real life one, Princess Eugenie, who also was there.

Captioning the picture, David wrote: 'Lucky Harper meeting a real life princess at the Palace x ❤️'

The snaps caused speculation that Harper had had a private birthday party thrown for her at the palace, which caused David to explain how the six-year-old got to celebrate her sixth birthday at the Queen's residence.

Posting a cute picture of him, his mum Sandra and birthday girl Harper, David explained: 'One last picture of the birthday girl.... Just to be clear this wasn't the palace opening the gates for Harper's birthday party , this was a tea party where us and other guests were invited so it was a beautiful thing to do with My mum , Harper plus a few school friends... We were honored to be able to there... Beautiful tea party.... 💜'

As well as wishing happy birthday to his little girl, some of David's 38.5m followers also commented to say he shouldn't have to explain himself.

'So sad that people are unkind enough that you have to explain, you've got friends in high places so what? Hope you all had a perfect day HBD little beauties Harper and @sandra_beckham49', one said.

Another commented: 'You don't need to explain yourself. Who wouldn't want to share an afternoon with loved ones.'