Harriet Phillips, wife of Peter Phillips, has made her allegiance within the Royal Family clear with a glowing profile in Hello! Magazine, publicly praising the Princess of Wales and delivering a pointed wake-up call to Meghan Markle.
The couple, who married this summer, have quickly established themselves as prominent figures in the royal fold. Harriet, a former NHS nurse, was the subject of a dedicated 16-page spread in Hello!, released last week, which highlighted her growing status and gave her a platform to commend Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Harriet's Praise for the Princess of Wales
In the interview, Harriet described Kate as warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the portrayal often painted by Meghan. She told Hello!: "I can look to Catherine for advice and guidance. She's very open-hearted, and I would always feel comfortable asking her if I needed advice about something."
Harriet also recounted her first meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales, calling it an "incredible experience." She said: "We happened to be on holiday in the same place. It was great because the children were all jumping into the water at the same time. It was very casual but there is a clear level of respect there."
A Contrast with the Sussexes
Meghan has frequently depicted Kate as cold and unsympathetic, including recounting an awkward first meeting in which she was "in ripped jeans and barefoot" and learned that Kate "wasn't a hugger." Harriet's comments offer a direct counter-narrative.
Since returning to Britain in August, Prince Harry and Meghan have attempted to carve out their own alternative court, combining quasi-royal visits with charity stops and commercial ventures. Reports suggest they have even tried to recruit other family members, including Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to their cause.
Strengthening the Waleses' Position
Prince William and Princess Kate have continued their duties as usual since Harry and Meghan's return, without acknowledging their presence. Harriet's clear loyalty to the Waleses, likely echoed by other senior royals, reinforces their position and demonstrates that the Sussexes' departure did not leave a void in the Royal Family's ranks.
The profile serves as a repudiation of the Sussexes' efforts to present themselves as victims of an oppressive monarchy, suggesting that their public criticism is working against them.
