Harriet Sperling, who is set to marry Peter Phillips next weekend, is being hailed as a potential new ally for the Princess of Wales. The couple will tie the knot on Saturday, 6 June, at All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire, with many royal relatives expected to attend, including Princess Anne, King Charles, and Prince William.
Shared Interests and Style
At 45, just one year older than Kate, the NHS nurse shares a similar interest in fashion, wearing brands like Self Portrait and Beulah. She recently sparked a 'Kate effect' moment after being spotted in a Dilli Grey dress, prompting the company to release an updated version following a surge in demand.
Both women are also passionate about childhood development. Harriet is a trained paediatric nurse whose online bio states she is 'passionate about early brain development in babies and seeing children thrive'. In 2010, she helped save the life of a desperately ill baby named Phineas, who was struck by a deadly virus at three weeks old.
A Welcome Addition to the Royal Fold
Female allies around Kate's age in the royal household are few, following the death of the late Queen, Meghan Markle's departure, and scrutiny on Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. Harriet, however, has been warmly welcomed. She was seen chuckling with King Charles at Royal Ascot last year and is now a regular at major events like Cheltenham and Wimbledon.
Harriet is also known for her writing and openness about her Christian faith and experience as a single mother. She once wrote: 'My daughter and I journeyed 10 years with only each other. I liken us to an island... This journey has deepened my faith, teaching me to trust in God's plan.' Kate has similarly penned essays on early childhood through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
The Wedding
Peter Phillips, 48, is the son of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, and brother of Zara Tindall. He split from his first wife Autumn in 2020 after 12 years of marriage and shares custody of their daughters Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14. His engagement to Harriet, who he began dating in 2024, was announced in August last year.
Expected guests include Queen Camilla, Prince Edward and Sophie, Peter's parents and stepfather, and Zara and Mike Tindall with their children. Peter's daughters and Harriet's daughter Georgina will also be part of the ceremony. It is not yet known if Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will attend. Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are not expected to be present.
