Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, has reportedly decided not to invite his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and former aunt Sarah Ferguson to his wedding to Harriet Sperling, according to a friend of the couple. The decision was made to ensure the day remains focused on the bride and groom, avoiding any potential distraction from Andrew's ongoing legal troubles and the couple's controversial past.
Andrew, who renounced his titles including the style of Prince after his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, remains under investigation for misconduct in public office. He denies any wrongdoing but has the lowest public approval rating of any British royal in YouGov's 15-year history, with an overall positivity rating of just 3% and 85% holding a 'very negative' view after his arrest in February.
Sarah Ferguson, formerly the Duchess of York, has also faced scrutiny after emails emerged in which she described Epstein as the 'brother I have always wished for'. She has largely withdrawn from public life since the release of the 'Epstein files' and was not seen at any event since her granddaughter's christening in December.
In contrast, Andrew's daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie attended the wedding, despite their recent absence from royal events. They remain relatively unpopular, ranking below only their father and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in polls, but their positivity rating of 37% in January was stable compared to 2024.
The wedding, held in the Cotswolds, is considered the royal wedding of the year given Peter's 19th place in the line of succession. The couple and their families are keen to ensure the occasion is memorable for the right reasons, avoiding any controversy that might overshadow the celebration.
