Harriet Sperling, who married Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips in June, has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of her father, Rupert Sanders, which happened shortly before the couple met.
In an interview with Hello! Magazine, the former NHS paediatric nurse specialist explained that she met Peter in early 2022 through their children and mutual friends, and that the timing of their meeting came after a period of personal loss.
Meeting Through Their Children
Harriet described how the couple first connected, saying: "We knew of each other through our children and through mutual friends. We met properly in early 2022, when our three daughters were on the same hockey team. We met watching our children play hockey, chatting casually in a very ordinary way."
She added: "I always told myself that I would much rather meet someone naturally, and that's exactly what happened."
Reflecting on her father's death, she said: "My father had died just before I met Peter. I often think maybe that's why Peter came along."
Marriage and Family Life
Harriet described Princess Anne's son as her "best friend", adding: "We feel that we're meant to be together. Timing is a very funny thing."
The couple married at the historic Anglican All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire, in a ceremony attended by members of the royal family. They had been together for more than two years before going public with their relationship in May 2024.
Harriet, who was brought up in a village in Gloucestershire, spoke fondly of her parents, noting: "My parents celebrated an incredible 51 years of marriage, and sadly, my father died just before Peter and I got together."
Reflections on Life's Challenges
In the same interview, Harriet discussed what she considers the "biggest challenges in life", explaining: "Unexpected things that you hadn't imagined for your life. There is a beauty that comes out of difficult situations. A beautiful jewel is formed under pressure."
She added: "Difficulties in life enable you to relate to people and build empathy."
Harriet was previously married to fitness instructor Antonio St John Sperling, with whom she shares her daughter, Georgina. Peter was previously married to Autumn Kelly; the former couple wed in 2008 but divorced in 2021, and share two daughters.
In a 2004 article for Woman Alive, Harriet wrote about her experience as a single mother: "In the earlier years of my journey as a single mother to my daughter, resources were scarce, and the future was uncertain. Yet, in the absence of material security, I discovered the strength and life that comes from true selfless love. A love that is able to be solely devoted to your child."
