Posh and Becks settle book row

The couple are planning to publish their own book

David and Victoria Beckham have dropped attempts to prevent the publication of a book about them, after coming to a settlement with the biographer Andrew Morton and his publishers.

The celebrity couple had launched the High Court action against Mr Morton, objecting to 2,500 words contained within the 60,000 word book, Posh and Becks.

But after negotiations, lawyers for the Beckhams said a settlement had been reached. The details will remain confidential.

This will, of course, be an unauthorised biography of the claimants

Geoffrey Robertson QC

Michael Tugendhat QC, representing the couple, said in no way did the settlement mean they "endorsed or approved the contents of the book" but accepted that - with the principles of freedom of speech - it would be published in October.

The Beckhams had objected to information which they said had been passed on by their former bodyguard Mark Niblett.

Mr Niblett is currently barred from disclosing any further details about the couple and their son, Brooklyn.

Andrew Morton: Happy with the settlement

Speaking from the High Court in London, BBC correspondent Carole Jones said it was understood the 2,500 words in dispute would - in the main - be printed.

Geoffrey Robertson QC, acting on behalf of Mr Morton and his publishers Michael O'Mara Books, told the court:

"This will, of course, be an unauthorised biography of the claimants, who may not agree with its contents but accept what the law allows in a society which holds fast to free speech principles."

The court heard proceedings against the couple's former bodyguard for breach of contract would continue, but in private.

'Self-generated publicity'

Earlier in the case Mr Tugendhat told the judge: "We say this is a very bad case of disloyalty and breach of confidentiality on the part of a former employee, very bad indeed, and not very much better on the part of the author and publisher."

But Mr Robertson referred the judge to passages in Mr Morton's written evidence in which he spoke of the public interest in what he had written and pointed to the "self-generated publicity" that the Beckhams had promoted about themselves in the past.

On Wednesday, Mr Tugendhat said negotiations had "resulted in the action being fully and finally settled in respect of Andrew Morton and Michael O'Mara Books clarifying which matters they are and are not entitled to publish".

Mr Robertson said Mr Morton and the publishers were "happy that the action should be disposed of on the terms embodied in the order".

Earlier the court heard the Manchester United footballer and Spice Girl singer were planning to publish their own book in the autumn.