A New Addition to the Royal Family
At the royal family’s annual Easter Sunday service, a new face made an unexpected appearance. This individual managed to remain unnoticed by many, yet her presence at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor was significant. The daughter of Peter Phillips’ fiancée, Harriet Sperling, 13-year-old Georgina Sperling looked every bit like a member of the royal family as she attended the church service.
Georgina, who is the daughter of Harriet from her previous marriage to fitness instructor Antonio St. John Sperling, was introduced to the wider royal family last year at Balmoral, the estate in Scotland where the family has holidayed for generations. During their stay, Harriet reportedly underwent the infamous “Balmoral Test,” an initiation process conducted by the royal family to vet potential spouses.
This test involves navigating strict etiquette, engaging in outdoor pursuits such as hunting and fishing, and adhering to traditional, private royal life. The event marked a key milestone for the blended family, with Georgina seamlessly fitting in with her soon-to-be stepsisters, Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14, who were all seen in matching blue-hued ensembles.
The future royal and Phillips’ two daughters were photographed leaving the service together, appearing in good spirits as they headed off – presumably to the family’s customary post-service lunch.
Peter Phillips, the eldest of the late Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren, was previously married to Canadian-born Autumn Kelly before announcing their separation in 2020 after 12 years of marriage. Following the finalisation of their divorce in 2021, they both remained based in Gloucestershire to continue coparenting their two daughters.
Phillips, Princess Anne’s son and King Charles’ nephew, announced his engagement to Harriet last year, after a year-long whirlwind romance with the nurse. Since their first appearance together at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024, Sperling has attended a number of high-profile events with Phillips.
One of the biggest indications of the seriousness of their romance came when Sperling made her carriage debut in the royal procession at Royal Ascot in June of last year. Seated next to Phillips, Sperling’s future as a royal bride was all but cemented.
The pair’s wedding will take place in the All Saints Church in Kemble, near Cirencester this coming June.
Georgina’s quiet debut at the family’s holiday church service highlights the growing integration of her into the royal family. Her presence alongside her stepsisters and future stepmother suggests that she is being embraced as part of the extended royal family.
