A Royal Union: Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s Big Day
Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne and a member of the British royal family, is set to marry Harriet Sperling in the coming weeks. The event will see Sperling, a nurse and single mother, join the royal family as she becomes his wife. The couple, who began dating in 2024 and announced their engagement last August, are expected to tie the knot on Saturday, June 6.
While details about the wedding remain limited, it is anticipated that the guest list will be as impressive as the newlyweds themselves. This is because the event will mark the first official public appearance by Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie since their father, Prince Andrew, lost his title. Both sisters have retained their titles with the approval of King Charles, and they are also first cousins to Phillips, who is the son of Princess Anne.
Phillips, 48, is the first grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth and currently 19th in line to the throne. However, he has not been granted the title of Prince, a decision made by his mother, Princess Anne, who wanted to avoid burdening him with the responsibilities of a royal title. This choice was also made for her daughter Zara, who is further down the line of succession and less likely to hold formal roles within the monarchy.
As a result, Sperling will not inherit any royal title on her wedding day. The ceremony will also be notable for being held in England, a privilege that was not available to Phillips’ mother, Princess Anne.
How Did They Meet?
Phillips and Sperling began their relationship in 2024 following his split from Lindsay Wallace, whom he dated for three years. Their public debut together occurred in early May at the Badminton Horse Trials, followed by their attendance at the Royal Ascot races in June 2024.
One of the most significant signs of their commitment came in June 2024 when Sperling made her carriage debut as part of the royal procession at Royal Ascot.
Previous Marriages
Both Phillips and Sperling are marrying for the second time. Phillips was previously married to Canadian management consultant Autumn Kelly, and the couple separated in 2020, with their divorce finalized in 2021. Sperling was previously married to businessman Antonio St John Sperling, although the details of their marriage and divorce have not been publicly disclosed.
Children from Previous Marriages
Both Phillips and Sperling have children from their previous relationships. Sperling has a daughter named Georgina, born around 2012. She appears close to Phillips’ two teenage daughters, Savannah and Isla, who are 15 and 14 years old, respectively. The girls were Queen Elizabeth’s first great-grandchildren.
Who Will Attend the Wedding?
The official guest list remains a closely guarded secret, but it is believed that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will attend. Prince William is also expected to celebrate his cousin’s nuptials. However, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are unlikely to be present, as the Duke of Sussex is still awaiting the results of a review into his security arrangements in the UK.
Royal followers are hoping for a reunion between William and Harry, which would be the first since a 2024 memorial for their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes. Phillips famously stood between the brothers during the royal procession for Prince Philip’s funeral in 2019.
It is also believed that Phillips’ disgraced uncle, Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will not attend the wedding due to their past bans from royal events. This follows recent links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, which led to Andrew’s arrest in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, though no charges have been filed yet.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to attend the wedding.
Location of the Wedding
The couple is expected to exchange vows near Phillips’ home in Gatcombe Park, where his mother and sister also reside. The ceremony is likely to take place at All Saints Church in Kemble, Cirencester, on June 6. Afterward, the wedding party will travel back to Gatcombe Park for a private reception.
The couple chose this location to keep the event intimate and to celebrate with close family and friends.
