British royal Prince William is delighted soccer superstar David Beckham's alleged marital affairs are dominating the headlines - as it shifts the media focus off him and his new girlfriend.

The hunky heir to the throne and his relationship with Kate Middleton was front-page news until reports of Beckham's cheating on wife Victoria took over as tabloid fodder last weekend.

A source quotes the prince jokingly telling his family, "I think I'll write to David and thank him for getting me off the front pages."

The insider continues, "William was able to let out a sigh of relief and managed to joke about it. Unfortunately, it was at David's expense."