Royal wedding guest list: the Beckhams, 'Mr. Bean,' Elton John and foreign royals will join Kate and William

This post has been corrected. See the note below for details.

An official guest list for the royal wedding was released Saturday, with celebs Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham, singer Joss Stone, director Guy Ritchie and "Mr. Bean" actor Rowan Atkinson among those confirmed to attend the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Oh, don't forget famed photographer Mario Testino, who snapped the couple's engagement pics.

David Beckham and William worked together as ambassadors of England's 2018 World Cup bid, and Ritchie is a friend of the bride and groom; Atkinson is a close friend of Charles, Prince of Wales, the father of the groom; John famously performed a personalized version of "Candle in the Wind" at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997; and Stone performed at the 2007 Concert for Diana.

About 1,900 guests have been invited to the April 29 ceremony at Westminster Abbey, with 600 of them continuing on afterward to Buckingham Palace for an afternoon reception with champagne and appetizers.

St. James' Palace on Saturday also released the Abbey seating plan. Notably, the Spencer family -- Diana's relatives, and therefore linked to the groom -- will be seated in the North Lantern with the bride's family and some of Kate and William's friends. The royal family, with more than 46 foreign royals seated behind them, will be across the aisle.

Victoria Beckham is expecting a girl, David Beckham confirms

Looks as if Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise finally face a mother-daughter style force to reckon with -- or they will, when Victoria Beckham gives birth to what is confirmed to be her first girl.

The Spice Girl turned serious fashion designer will have a mini-Posh to complement her three adorable boys with soccer star David Beckham. 

"Obviously, we're very lucky to be expecting again, and this is the first time I'm going to say it: It's a little girl," David revealed Friday at a luncheon for his stateside sports club, the L.A. Galaxy.

"We're still in shock. Obviously, having three boys, you kind of expect another one, so finding out a little girl is in there is surprising, but, obviously, we are over the moon," he said.

As far as the household sentiment, Beckham added, "Our three boys are happy and excited, and Victoria is doing well."

Very well indeed: Her fashion empire couldn't be more successful, including a recent blockbuster release of two handbags.

Here's to fabulous Bonpoint dresses, Stella McCartney outwear and (we pray) a baby Birkin for little Miss Beckham.

RELATED:

Alyssa Milano is pregnant with her first baby

Halle Berry can take Nahla to NYC to shoot 'New Year's Eve'

Oscars: Natalie Portman's bumpy path through award season [poll]

-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: David and Victoria Beckham with their brood at an October 2009 Lakers game. Credit: Christine Cotter / For the Los Angeles Times.

Royal wedding: the band, the Beckhams and Kate Middleton's baby pictures

This post has been corrected. See the note below for details.

We have lots of lovely updates from the magical world of Prince William and his betrothed, Kate Middleton — including baby pics, musical selections and a potential RSVP from David and Victoria Beckham.

First, the newly launched offical wedding website has published an official biography of Middleton, who will one day be queen consort when William assumes the throne. Said bio includes an adorable baby photom right. 

As for the big day, her dress is a mystery, but a new report has details on the beautiful music for Kate and her prince's procession.

On Monday night the couple hit up Westminster Abbey, the site of their April 29 wedding, to hear a selection of classical and religious music to be used in the service.

"They looked relaxed and seemed to enjoy themselves," a source told People, saying also that Prince Charles, first in line for the throne, accompanied them.

Speaking of attendance, international reports say Hollywood Brits David and Victoria Beckham sent in their RSVPs for the big day and that the soccer star got special dispensation from his L.A. Galaxy captain to attend.

Beckham will have to dash back to the U.S. the next day to participate in a soccer match against a club from Texas. No word on whether Victoria will scoot back with him or hang out in her native England a bit longer. Middleton is said to be donning Victoria's wares for one of several post-wedding appearances before her honeymoon.

For the record, 8:25 p.m. March 8: This post originally stated incorrectly that Charles and Diana were married at Westminster Abbey; in fact, they got married at St. Paul's Cathedral. Thanks to commenters @Julie, @envelopereader and @Peggy for flagging the error.

RELATED:

Royal wedding party announced! Harry is best man

See Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding invitation

Kate Middleton performs first royal duty with Prince William

— Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Top photo: Prince William and Kate Middleton take in a play by the children of the Youth Action Centre in Belfast. Credit: Michael Cooper / Associated Press.

Right photo: A 3-year-old Kate climbs the rocks in England's lake district. Credit: Middleton Family and Clarence House, the official office of Prince Willia.

David and Victoria Beckham have baby No. 4 on the way

Beckham baby No. 4 is on the way, a rep for Victoria Beckham confirmed Sunday. Soccer star David Beckham and the pop princess, who married in 1999, have three boys together -- Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, 8, and Cruz, 5.

"David and Victoria Beckham are delighted to confirm they are expecting their fourth child in the summer," the spokeswoman said in a statement. "Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz are very excited about the arrival of their new brother or sister."

The Beckhams' desire for another child was reported early last year, shortly after Victoria's sister Louise got pregnant.

David Beckham plays for the L.A. Galaxy. Mom, of course, made her mark as Posh Spice with the Spice Girls, and has since gone on to earn a reputation as a fashionista who has the occasional gig as a guest judge on "American Idol."

RELATED:

Jane Krakowski of '30 Rock' is pregnant

David Beckham parties for VMAs with -- 'Jersey Shore'?

'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood out of jail after felony battery arrest

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Reuters contributed to this report.

Photo: Victoria Beckham, with sons Romeo, left, and Cruz and hubby David Beckham at a Lakers game at Staples Center in October 2009. Romeo and Cruz are now 8 and 5; Brooklyn, now 11, is not pictured. Credit: Andrew Gombert / EPA

Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Lautner, Beckham boys get a 'Green Lantern' gift

While it's a federal offense to go through someone else's mail, the Ministry has some scoop on a special delivery that went wide to celebs including Scarlett Johansson, Jay-Z, Chris Pine, Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift.

Warner Bros.' consumer products division sent out a "priceless parcel" to 100 famous faces from entertainers, including goodies geared to hype their forthcoming "The Green Lantern."

The action flick starring Ryan Reynolds doled out merchandise including a replica of superhero Lantern's power ring and bracelet, a hat and logo sweatshirt, and an illustrated T-shirt of the character by Wet Cement.

Some of Hollywood's most famous kids received the bundle as well, including Romeo, Cruz and Brooklyn Beckham (with one for father David); Christina Aguilera's little guy, Max; Willow and Jaden Smith; and Matthew McConaughey's kiddo, Levi.

The flick is slated to open June 17.

Sound like a sweet package? Tell us your thoughts in comments. 

RELATED:

Ryan Reynolds will go bald for his art (but don't buy him a shot)

Warner Bros. sends Ryan Reynolds motorcycle safety gear, to no avail

The suite life: Sundance swag lures America Ferrera, Malin Akerman and more

-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnely

Photo: Ryan Reynolds is "The Green Lantern." Credit: Warner Bros.

David Beckham parties for VMAs with -- 'Jersey Shore'?

What overexposure? Looks like there's no stopping the kids from "Jersey Shore." After record-breaking ratings, raised salaries and abdominal showdowns with John Mayer, the fist-pumping crown is still getting upgrades. This MTV Video Music Awards weekend, some of the tanned ones partied with David Beckham.

Hitting Ne-Yo's pre-party Saturday at the House of Hype, a private residence in the Hollywood Hills, "Jersey" boys DJ Pauly D and Vinny Guadagnino joined a laundry list of celebs for the R&B star's bash, including Mr. Beckham.

Jermaine Dupri, Akon, Flo Rida, Sean Kingston, Mekhi Phifer, newly single Christina Milian and Ryan Cabrera were all in attendance for Ne-Yo's performance, which followed Esquire magazine's private dinner with Moet and Chandon Nectar Imperial.

Actor Ryan Phillippe multi-tasked at the event, celebrating the awards and also his birthday, which he toasted in a private booth with thespian pal Jesse Bradford. 

-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: David Beckham arrives at a Los Angeles Galaxy soccer match in August. Credit: Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images 

Get more of awards show coverage from the Ministry's Red Carpet division.

PREACH IT! Comic book + David Beckham = new category: Gratuitous Geekcake

We’re not sure exactly who the audience is for this here new comic book about the life of David Beckham, but given the hot-n-sexy art, we’re not sure we care, either.

The comic is part of a celebrity-themed series from publisher Bluewater Productions. For $3.99 you can, as comic writer Pete Rogers put it in a statement, “go down memory lane” and learn about Beckham’s life in soccer. It promises to be just as fawning interesting as past issues in the series, which has also explored the lives of Lady Gaga, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Swift. (From the Pattinson comic: “Rob’s mum saw potential in her son’s carved features -- his chiseled jawline and unique bone structure tempered with a thick mop of chestnut hair and [the] sultry gaze of green-pooled eyes.”)

The series is not to be confused with Female Force, that other Bluewater project that features lady celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Barbara Walters. However, if the general style of the Bluewater comics is any indication, look for a history of Beckham that goes back. Way back. Here’s a quote from the DeGeneres Female Force column: “Even as a baby, her icy blue eyes were stunning!”

We can’t wait to see how Bluewater writers describe Beckham’s abs. And, er, other assets.

-- Leslie Gornstein

Image credits: Bluewater Productions

Not a geek, but still love staring inappropriately at hot studs and babes? Our gratuitous beefcake and cheesecake content has your name on it! Or perhaps, while you wait for the World Cup to start, you can kick around in the Preach It! archives.

Want the headlines? Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter (we're @LATcelebs) or get us in your news feed on Facebook.

George Clooney didn't buy girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis an Italian island -- yeah, right! [Updated]

Normally we don't repeat stories that are flat-out wrong -- unless, of course, they fulfill some sort of dreamy celebrity fantasy we have, and we think it'd be really cool if they were true.

Which is why we'd like to make it quite clear that George Clooney did NOT buy girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis an island off Italy's Lake Como, no matter what OK! magazine reported.  Not, no, didn't, nuh-uh. We thank Gossip Cop for doing the legwork so that we can run this nice pic of the couple together in the rain on the Golden Globes red carpet.

[Updated at 6:53 p.m.: Clooney stepped up this afternoon to say that he is not selling his house. So read the rest of this post knowing that we find ourselves, as he put it (and as we hinted at), at the "end of another riveting day of false news."]

The Times Online, however, is reporting that George is selling his Lake Como villa, with David and Victoria Beckham supposedly expressing interest. Or maybe they just really enjoyed visiting there last year? And even though folks are repeating an Italian newspaper's report that a Russian vodka magnate is also interested, his spokesman told the Times Online that the boss has never even seen the property, and never sent "agents" to investigate its purchase. Drat! Why did we study Spanish and not Italian?

David Beckham and boys have a Sunday Funday

Though it's always a thrill to see Victoria Beckham engaged in family activities while wearing 8-inch stilettos and a cocktail dress, her sons occasionally need bonding time with dad.

On Sunday, soccer star David Beckham took his brood -- Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz -- to Santa Monica for P.S. Arts' 12th Annual "Express Yourself" event, sponsored by Target.

The beautiful and athletic bunch had a ball at the carnival-themed party, where onlookers said David was "just a big kid," indulging in surfboard painting, creating custom board shorts and banging on bongo drums.

Click onward for more family photos of Jack Black and Michelle Monaghan with her newborn! 

-- Matt Donnelly

Photo: David Beckham and P.S. Arts co-chair Maria Bell smile for the camera between frantic periods of fun boyish activity on Nov. 15 in Santa Monica. Credit: Charley Gallay / WireImage.