Beckhams celebrate Harper arrival

Friends have congratulated David and Victoria Beckham after they became parents for the fourth time – to daughter Harper Seven.

The baby was delivered yesterday at Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles.

Victoria’s former Spice Girls colleagues Mel B and Emma Bunton were among those who expressed their joy following the birth.

Harper has become increasingly popular in the US as a first name. Probably the most famous bearer is the author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', Harper Lee.

It is thought the addition of Seven is a reference to David’s shirt number from his time at Manchester United. He has the number written in Roman numerals – VII - on his arm as a tattoo.

The child’s name was announced by David on his Facebook page. “I am so proud and excited to announce the birth of our daughter Harper Seven Beckham,” he said.

“She weighed a healthy 7lbs 10oz and arrived at 7.55 this morning, here in LA. Victoria is doing really well and her brothers are delighted to have a baby sister xx

Mel B, who is expecting her third child later this year, expressed her excitement on Twitter, writing: “Congrats!!! Yipeee another spice baby is born, damn it wish it was me this AM cos I feel like I’m about to POP!”

And Bunton sent a “big kiss” to her former bandmate, adding: “Can’t wait to meet your gorgeous little girl.”

The Beckhams, who married in 1999, already have three boys – Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, eight, and Cruz, five.

Just days ago LA Galaxy star, Beckham, 36, posted a picture of his heavily pregnant wife on Facebook.

Beneath the shot – in which the singer-turned-designer appeared to be sunbathing – he wrote: “Took this pic of Victoria while she wasn’t looking. She looks amazing, so close now to the baby being born!”

Last week the former England captain met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their visit to California.

But he was without his 37-year-old wife on the eve of their daughter’s birth.

The meeting came after the couple attended the royal wedding earlier this year.

The footballer and the Duke are known to be friends and joined forces last year to throw their weight behind England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Victoria – who announced she was expecting a girl in the spring – was known to want a sister for her three boys.

In 2005, she told a Spanish magazine she could imagine “painting her nails, putting on make-up and choosing clothes” with a daughter.

But she appeared unsure whether this dream would ever come true, telling Vogue magazine: “I think the chances of a girl are quite slim”.

Earlier this year the designer, who has carved out a name for herself with her eponymous fashion label, admitted being a mother was “the hardest job in the world”.

Her husband has become something of a role model for fathers and was shortlisted for the title of Celebrity Dad of the Year.

But he was beaten by TV star Peter Andre who came up trumps for the second consecutive time when the results were announced last month.