Sir David Beckham has taken to Instagram to wish the Prince of Wales a happy birthday today as the royal celebrates turning 43.

Beckham’s birthday tribute was heartfelt, with the recently knighted football star sharing two images of the future king alongside the former England captain.

The first snap shared by Beckham featured the duo at an FA reception at the Saxon Hotel on June 19, 2010, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“Happy Birthday Prince William x,” the 50-year-old typed in the accompanying caption before he tagged the Prince and Princess of Wales’s official Instagram account.

Sir David then followed up his first tribute with another, this time from more recent engagements as he posted an image of the two shaking hands at last year’s Baftas held at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre.

Beckham once again tagged the Prince and Princess of Wales in the post as he repeated “Happy Birthday”. This time, however, he included a Union Jack flag and a love-heart emoji.

William’s 43rd birthday has also been marked by heartwarming tributes from his family, including a special photograph shared by the Princess of Wales featuring the future king surrounded by puppies.

The image, posted on the couple’s official Instagram account, shows William sitting in a garden with their black cocker spaniel Orla and her recently born litter of four puppies.

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“Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!” read the caption, signed by Catherine and their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

The photograph was taken by Kate earlier this month in Windsor.

King Charles and Queen Camilla also marked the occasion with their own birthday message, sharing a photograph of William sitting on a stone wall during a visit to farmers on the Duchy of Cornwall estate in May.

“Happy Birthday to The Prince of Wales!” the royal couple posted on their official social media accounts.

The birthday comes during a busy week of royal engagements, with William participating in Trooping the Colour last Saturday, riding on horseback in full ceremonial uniform alongside Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh.

He also attended the Order of the Garter service at Windsor on Monday and was present at Royal Ascot, though Kate decided to skip the racing event as she continues her recovery.

There had been initial confusion over the Princess of Wales’s absence, after Kate’s name appeared on the official carriage list published at midday.

This appeared to confirm that she would travel in the second carriage with William during the traditional procession.

However, her absence and seeming sudden withdrawal were instead due to an administrative error rather than any health-related issue, according to sources close to the Royal Family.

Princess Kate ignored the mention of her Ascot absence soon after when she released a heartfelt message to commemorate Children’s Hospice Week, drawing on her experience as the Royal Patron of two leading hospices.