The eldest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II is to marry an NHS nurse.
Peter Phillips has announced his engagement to Harriet Sperling who specialises in paediatrics.
The couple have been dating for just over a year. They were recently seen together at Wimbledon when they sat in the royal box at the same time as Queen Camilla. That, and their inclusion in the carriage procession at Royal Ascot was seen as an indication of the serious nature of their relationship.
Harriet Sperling has found herself at the centre of royal headlines today but she has been out of the spotlight for most of her life. Her appearance at the side of Peter Phillips in the summer of 2024 brought a level of interest in her life that’s shone a spotlight on her hard work. And there’s been much interest in the eldest of a royal generation marrying an NHS professional.
Harriet Eleanor Sanders was born around 1980, daughter of Rupert and Mary Sanders. She moved into medicine as a career and has a special interest in early brain development in infants.
Harriet Sperling, as she is currently known, is also a writer and has published a range of articles including a personal essay on her own life as a single mother.
She has a daughter, Georgia, who is around 12 years old from a previous relationship and she has written before about the special bond the share.
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling were first seen together in the summer of 2024 and they have made public appearances at Badminton as well as at Ascot and Wimbledo.
This summer has seen the royal bride to be feted for her classic style. Among her favourite brands are Me + Em, Beulah London and Penelope Chilvers.
No date has been set for the royal wedding with more details expected to follow now the official announcement of their engagement has been made.
The news was broken in an exclusive for Hello magazine. A statement said ”Mr Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips, and Ms Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr Rupert Sanders and Mrs Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla were, of course, told in advance. The statement added ”Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement. Their Majesties The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales have been informed of the announcement. No date has been officially set for the wedding.”
Peter Phillips was previously married to Autumn Kelly with whom he shares two daughters. Savannah Phillips is 14 and Isla Phillips is 12.
His marriage to an NHS nurse is a new chapter for the Royal Family. The National Health Service, which provides care that is free at the point of access for people across the UK, was set up during the reign of his great grandfather, King George VI.
