Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, and his fiancée Harriet Sperling have officially announced the date for their upcoming wedding. The couple, who have been together since May 2024, will tie the knot in a private ceremony at All Saints Church in Kemble, Cirencester, on Saturday, July 6, 2026.
Royal Family Informed of Wedding Plans
A statement released by the couple confirmed that both families have been jointly informed of the wedding date through formal invitations. Additionally, Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with The Prince and Princess of Wales, have been notified of the announcement. Further details regarding the ceremony are expected to be shared in due course.
Peter Phillips' Previous Marriage and Family
This will not be the first time Peter Phillips, who is 19th in the line of succession, has walked down the aisle. In 2008, he married Montreal-born Autumn Kelly in a fairytale ceremony at St George's Chapel in Windsor. The couple, who share two children—Savannah, aged 14, and Isla, aged 13—separated in 2019, with their divorce finalized in 2021.
Harriet Sperling's Background and Faith
Harriet Sperling, a 46-year-old NHS nurse, is also a divorcee and shares a 13-year-old daughter named Georgina from her first marriage. She boasts wealthy connections, including a relation to the Duke of Gloucester through her late father, Rupert Sperling. Harriet is known for her strong religious roots, having previously spoken about how her Christian faith provided strength during challenging times, such as early single parenthood when resources were scarce.
In a 2009 interview, she revealed that her faith was "always in me, but it was kind of dormant" until the end of a seven-year relationship prompted her to turn to church. Last year, in a piece for Christian magazine Woman Alive, she admitted to finding life as a single parent difficult but found comfort through her faith.
Engagement and Tribute to Late Queen Elizabeth II
Peter and Harriet officially announced their engagement in July of last year. The engagement ring features a subtle but touching tribute to Peter's beloved grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, as it was designed by the same jeweller behind her iconic 1946 ring.
Comparison to Previous Nuptials
Royal biographer Richard Fitzwilliams noted that Peter and Harriet's wedding is expected to be vastly different from his previous nuptials to Autumn Kelly, which reportedly left the Royal Family "bewildered." The upcoming ceremony is anticipated to reflect Harriet's religious values and the couple's desire for a more private celebration.
As the wedding date approaches, royal watchers and well-wishers alike await further details on this significant event in the lives of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling.
