Peter Phillips, the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has officially announced his engagement to long-term girlfriend Harriet Sperling. The engagement was later confirmed by a spokesperson on Friday, making it an unprecedented and historic moment for the royal family. Phillips is the son of the Princess Royal, Anne, the Princess of Wales’s only sibling, and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. His relationship with Sperling drew intense tabloid attention after the couple was first photographed at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024.
Harriet Sperling is a pediatric nurse with Britain’s National Health Service and a freelance writer. She has been personally involved with Phillips dating back to at least May 2024. The newlywed couple made their first public appearance together at Royal Ascot in June 2024, cementing their status as a spiritually married duo on the world stage. Then this pair created history at the Badminton Horse Trials. Phillips’ daughters, Faun and Fleur, welcomed Queen Camilla, adding a delightful homey feel to the proceedings that the media absolutely lapped up.
The couple’s engagement was initially announced with a photo shoot featured in UK celebrity magazine Hello!, where Sperling’s engagement ring took center stage.
“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,” – Peter Phillips’ spokesperson
Both families have welcomed the news with joy. The spokesperson remarked that “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.”
As the couple looks forward to spending the rest of their lives together, there isn’t a definite wedding date yet.
“No date has officially been set for the wedding,” – Peter Phillips’ spokesperson
Sperling has made a name for herself with her written work, most notably a piece for Christian magazine Woman Alive, published last year. Her work as a pediatric nurse exemplifies her long history and commitment to public service, making her a great fit alongside Phillips’ royal pedigree.
