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David Beckham's wife Victoria has given birth to her fourth child, a baby girl called Harper Seven.

The birth took place by Caesarean at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles.

In a statement on his Facebook page, former England football captain Beckham said: "I am so proud and excited to announce the birth of our daughter Harper Seven Beckham.

"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

Friends of the couple were quick to send their congratulations.

A delighted 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!"

Another former Spice Girl Emma Bunton also tweeted: "Big kiss to @victoriabeckham 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.

Mrs Beckham, the former Spice Girl, has previously spoken of her desire to have a daughter.

After the birth a spokesman said: "Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz are excited to welcome their new baby sister to the family."

The couple were aware that the baby was to be a girl. In March, Beckham told People magazine: "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."

Last week the player took a photograph of his heavily pregnant wife in a bikini, when she wasn't looking, and posted it on Facebook.

She had previously told Women's Wear Daily that she did not like being photographed when pregnant, saying last month: "I don't think anyone needs to see that, other than my husband. Absolutely not."

David Beckham met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they arrived in Los Angeles on Friday night. On Saturday he scored the winning goal in a game for his team, LA Galaxy. -By Nick Allen, 11 Jul 2011

Last week David Beckham took a photograph of his heavily pregnant wife in a bikini, when she wasn't looking, and posted it on Facebook. Photo: ENTERPRISE