Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling have officially announced their engagement, marking a new chapter in their relationship that began in 2024. On August 1, 2025, the newly married couple proudly celebrated this milestone. They had celebrated the occasion with a string of public appearances, including those events that featured visits from members of the royal family. Their romance has quickly captured imaginations, not least because Harriet’s smooth introduction into royal circles comes with a level of intrigue and drama.
Harriet Sperling, NHS paediatrician and freelance writer, first encountered Peter Phillips on the courts at a sporting event. Ever since, she’s been seen by his side as he attends other major events. It wasn’t until April 2025 that they first helped hold the Bahrain Grand Prix. They were accompanied by their new royal cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, plus their mother Sarah Ferguson and other royal connections.
Harriet and her partner had their first public sightings together as a couple at the May 2024 Badminton Horse Trials. She made everyone a believer with her stunning performance. She engaged with Queen Camilla during the event and later performed a curtsy for the first time at a royal gathering. In fact, experienced royal editor Emily Nash saw early signs that this was a serious relationship. This was most apparent when Harriet became part of the royal procession at Royal Ascot earlier this summer.
A Growing Connection
Peter and Harriet’s friendship in the real world has deepened over the past year. Her friends and family—and many of us—have watched in awe as she’s done a brilliant job of integrating herself into royal life. According to royal editor Emily Nash, “The signs that this was serious have been there for some time and seeing Harriet taking part in the royal procession at Royal Ascot this year convinced many royal watchers an engagement was on the cards.”
As Harriet deals with the beautiful chaos of being a single mother to her elementary-aged daughter Georgia. Simultaneously, she carves out her authoritative niche within royal duties. She recently shared insights about her experiences as a single mother, stating, “In the earlier years of my journey as a single mother to my daughter, resources were scarce, and the future was uncertain.”
“Yet, in the absence of material security, I discovered the strength and life that comes from true selfless love. A love that is able to be solely devoted to your child.”
A Chic Addition to Royal Life
Harriet Sperling’s unique aesthetic has made her a favorite among fashion onlookers. Royal fashion commentator Danielle Stacey remarked on her sartorial choices, stating, “Harriet’s style is effortless but chic, from A-line summer frocks to printed tea dresses, she hasn’t missed the mark and always dresses appropriately for the occasion.”
Almost everyone has seen the emergence of what some have called the “Harriet-effect.” Each time she dons a piece, it instantly sells out as demand soars. As they look forward to their wedding day, fashion experts speculate on potential designers Harriet might choose: “Thinking ahead to her wedding day, I’m certain she will choose a quintessentially British designer, perhaps someone up-and-coming and local to Gloucestershire,” added Stacey.
Peter Phillips’ relatives have seemingly already welcomed Harriet with open arms into their royal fold. James Whatling, a royal observer, even declared that he was looking forward to the engagement announcement. “We were waiting for this news. You can’t watch this couple for too long without noticing how close they are. They’re so tactile and they’re clearly so in love. It was only a matter of time.
The Engagement Ring Unveiled
After the engagement was announced, photos of Harriet’s exquisite engagement ring were released, creating even more buzz among royal watchers. The ring represents more than just their engagement, it commemorates Harriet’s historic move into the royal circle.
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling begin their adventure together on the right foot. It’s their shared experiences and mutual affection that really come through as the most powerful force of their relationship. They still manage to hold the public’s interest as they find the balance between acting in the capacity of royal duties and their personal lives.
