Peter Phillips, the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and son of Princess Anne, has officially announced his engagement to Harriet Sperling, a pediatric nurse with the National Health Service and a freelance writer. The news was shared exclusively with Hello! magazine on August 1, 2025, accompanied by a series of intimate photos showcasing Sperling's sparkling three-stone diamond engagement ring. This announcement marks a joyful new chapter for the couple, who have been dating for over a year, and it has been warmly welcomed by both families as well as the wider Royal Family.
The couple’s engagement was confirmed in a statement issued by their spokesperson, Gerard Franklin, which read: "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. 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 officially been set for the wedding." This statement reflects the close-knit nature of their families and the mutual happiness surrounding the news.
Peter Phillips, 47, has been a familiar figure in the Royal Family’s social and sporting circles for many years. As the son of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, he is 19th in line to the British throne. Despite his royal lineage, Phillips and his sister Zara Tindall were not granted royal titles, as their mother chose a more private path for her children. Phillips was previously married to Canadian-born Autumn Kelly; the couple wed in 2008 at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. They share two daughters, Savannah, 14, and Isla, 13. The marriage ended amicably with their separation announced in 2020 and divorce finalized in 2021, with both parents committed to co-parenting their children.
Harriet Sperling, née Sanders, is known for her work as a pediatric nurse within the NHS and her contributions as a freelance writer. She has a pre-teen daughter named Georgina from a previous marriage and has spoken candidly about the challenges and rewards of single motherhood. Writing in the Christian magazine Woman Alive in 2024, she reflected, "My daughter and I journeyed 10 years with only each other. I liken us to an island and it has often felt hard to imagine anyone joining that island." She further added, "It is often tough parenting alone, but although there is a stigma to endure, God is able to step in and turn it for good." Her openness about faith and parenting has resonated with many, highlighting her strength and character.
Their relationship first came to public attention in May 2024 when they appeared together at the Badminton Horse Trials, a prestigious equestrian event. They were seen walking hand-in-hand while supporting Peter's sister, Zara Tindall, signaling the seriousness of their relationship. Since then, the couple has been a regular presence at high-profile events, including the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor, Wimbledon Championships, and various social gatherings involving members of the Royal Family.
One particularly notable moment came in June 2025 at Royal Ascot, where Harriet made her official royal debut by joining Peter in the traditional carriage procession. This event is often seen as a symbolic gesture of royal approval, and her participation indicated the King's acceptance of their relationship. Royal watchers have long speculated about the couple’s future, and this public display of unity was a clear sign that an engagement was on the horizon.
Harriet’s style has also caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts and royal watchers alike. In the engagement photos shared with Hello!, she wore a white cotton cheesecloth top and matching elastic-waist skirt by Me+Em, a British brand favored by members of the Royal Family such as Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie. She has also been seen wearing other royally approved brands like Penelope Chilvers and Aspinal of London during outings with Peter and the royal circle. Fashion commentators have dubbed this the "Harriet-effect," noting how items she wears often sell out quickly, underscoring her emerging status as a style icon within royal circles.
Despite the excitement, no official wedding date has been set, leaving fans and royal followers eager to see what the future holds for the couple. Given Harriet’s growing prominence and impeccable taste, there is already much speculation about which designer she might choose for her wedding dress, with many anticipating a quintessentially British designer, possibly someone local to Gloucestershire, where Harriet’s family hails from.
The engagement also highlights the evolving nature of the Royal Family, as Harriet represents a modern figure balancing a career in healthcare, motherhood, and public life. Her warm acceptance by the family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, reflects a broader embrace of diverse backgrounds and experiences within the monarchy.
As the couple embarks on this new journey together, their story resonates as one of love, resilience, and family unity. From their first public appearance to this official announcement, Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling have steadily built a relationship grounded in mutual respect and affection. Their engagement not only adds a fresh chapter to the Royal Family’s narrative but also offers a glimpse into the personal lives of those who, while close to the throne, lead lives marked by both tradition and modernity.
With the wedding date yet to be announced, all eyes will remain on this couple as they prepare for their future together. For now, the British public and royal enthusiasts alike can celebrate the happy news of Peter and Harriet’s engagement, a testament to enduring love and the blending of royal heritage with contemporary life.
