Royal Family's Newest Members Make Debut at Easter Service
The Royal Family gathered at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the traditional Easter Sunday church service, with two new faces joining the ranks for the first time. Senior members including the Prince and Princess of Wales attended alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Easter Matins service this morning.
New Additions to the Royal Fold
Peter Phillips, the King's oldest nephew, attended the service accompanied by his wife-to-be, Harriet Sperling, marking her first appearance at a major royal event. Harriet, an NHS paediatric nurse, brought her 15-year-old daughter Georgina, while Peter was joined by his two daughters from his previous marriage, Savannah (15) and Isla (14).
The couple walked to St George's Chapel with other royals, including William and Kate, with Harriet elegantly dressed in a sky blue spotted peplum jacket and skirt, complemented by a Jane Taylor hat and Kiki McDonough earrings. Following the service, Peter and Harriet returned to Windsor Castle hand-in-hand alongside their daughters.
Royal Wedding Plans Revealed
Earlier this week, it was announced that Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling have set a date for their summer wedding. The private ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 6 at All Saints Church in Kemble, Cirencester, close to where Harriet grew up in Gloucestershire.
Peter, who is 48 years old and 19th in line to the throne, was previously married to Autumn Kelly and later dated long-term partner Lindsay Wallace before their separation in 2024. Harriet, who has also been married previously, has spoken publicly about how her Christian faith provided comfort during her time as a single parent.
Significant Royal Milestones
The couple's appearance at the Easter service follows several significant moments in their relationship:
- Last June, Harriet made her debut in a royal carriage during the Royal Ascot procession
- Weeks later, Peter proposed with a diamond ring designed by the same jeweller who created the late Queen's engagement ring
- Their attendance at today's service represents another step into royal life for Harriet
Royal Family Unity on Display
The service marked a show of unity for the Royal Family, with other attendees including:
- Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence
- Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his son James, the Earl of Wessex
- More than a hundred well-wishers gathered outside Windsor Castle
The Wales family's presence was particularly notable as they missed last year's service while spending time with their children in Norfolk, and were absent in 2024 following Kate's announcement about her preventative chemotherapy treatment.
Crowd Interactions and International Visitors
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived by car to shouts of "God save the King" from the enthusiastic crowd. Following the service, Queen Camilla was presented with a posy of flowers by 10-year-old Kit Bannan.
Onlookers had traveled from various locations including Germany, Hungary, Northern Ireland, and Cumbria to witness the royal event. The King shared memories of Hungary with one visitor, while another thanked him for his support of the Jewish community in the UK.
The Wales family waved to the crowds after the service, with attendees calling out "Happy Easter" as the royals departed. The event showcased both tradition and new beginnings for the Royal Family as they welcomed Harriet Sperling into their Easter celebrations.
