Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling celebrated their wedding in a picturesque ceremony in the Cotswolds, attended by prominent members of the Royal Family. The couple exchanged vows at All Saints Church in Kemble, near Cirencester, before sealing their union with a kiss in front of the King and Queen, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales. The groom, Princess Anne’s son, 48, and his bride, an NHS nurse aged 45, looked radiant as Harriet wore a white Emilia Wickstead gown paired with the Pragnell family tiara, a piece steeped in history and previously worn at royal coronations.
The bride’s three bridesmaids included her 14-year-old daughter Georgina and Peter’s children, Isla, 14, and Savannah, 15, from his previous marriage to Autumn Kelly. All three wore matching white dresses with floral garlands, helping to hold Harriet’s wedding train as the couple made their way down the aisle. Guests at the ceremony included senior royals such as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their spouses Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The event, though intimate, was a high-profile gathering, showcasing the family in attendance despite ongoing scrutiny of some members.
During the ceremony, the bride was walked down the aisle by her brother Nicholas, in memory of their late father, Rupert Sperling. Harriet’s gown featured a square neckline and delicate lace detailing, complemented by Jimmy Choo shoes and Pragnell earrings. Her hair was styled in an elegant bun to highlight the tiara, which reflects both Edwardian and Deco design elements and has been passed down through generations, signifying continuity and family tradition. Harriet’s bridal bouquet, designed by renowned floral artist Millie Richardson, incorporated sweet peas, myrtle, and lily of the valley, the myrtle symbolizing love, beauty, and peace, in keeping with both her family and royal customs.
The service was led by the Reverend Dr Steve Bullock of All Saints Parish Church, with marriage blessings and an address delivered by the Reverend Nicky Gumbel. Family attendance extended beyond the immediate couple, including Peter’s half-sister Stephanie Hosier and her husband William, as well as Peter and Stephanie’s father, Captain Mark Phillips, former husband of Princess Anne. Notably absent from the celebrations was Peter’s cousin, Prince Harry, reportedly estranged from him for several years. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was also absent, as the monarchy continues to distance itself from controversy surrounding him.
Despite intermittent rain throughout the day, the couple’s spirits were undampened. Peter and Harriet were pictured under a large white umbrella with their three bridesmaids waving behind them before departing in a vintage Rolls Royce. Around 300 well-wishers lined the streets, forming an impromptu umbrella guard of honour to shield the couple from the elements for photographs. Following the ceremony, the royal couple made a swift departure to attend the Epsom Derby, while other guests, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, followed in a motorcade, waving to the crowd as they left the church.
The wedding reception took place at Gatcombe Park, the home of The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence, attended by family and close friends. Flowers and floral archways were also installed by Millie Richardson, using locally sourced and sustainably grown blooms, which were later shared with the local community. The planning and coordination of the wedding were managed by Peregrine Armstrong-Jones of Bentley’s Entertainments, a firm known for high-profile events including previous royal weddings and celebrations for celebrities such as Sir Elton John and the Beckhams.
Peter, 19th in line to the throne, and Harriet, who became his partner in May 2024, first announced their engagement in August 2025. Their relationship marked a new chapter for both, following divorces from their previous partners. Harriet has previously spoken about the role of her Christian faith in helping her navigate the challenges of single motherhood, noting how the end of a long-term relationship led her to embrace her spiritual beliefs more fully.
The couple’s union brought together their blended families, with children actively participating in the ceremony. The day also allowed royal enthusiasts and local residents to engage with the family in a celebratory atmosphere, despite the wet weather. Many attendees travelled long distances to witness the occasion, reflecting the continued public fascination with the Royal Family and the importance of such ceremonial events in British cultural life.
This wedding also reflected lessons learned from Peter’s first marriage to Autumn Kelly, where a magazine deal to sell exclusive photographs to Hello! magazine caused tension and public controversy. Learning from that experience, no commercial photography agreements were made for this occasion, keeping the ceremony private and centered on family. Peter and Harriet’s wedding successfully combined tradition, personal significance, and the presence of the royal family while maintaining an intimate, celebratory atmosphere for those closest to the couple.
In the end, the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling was a moment of joy, elegance, and family unity. It showcased the blending of royal tradition with contemporary sensibilities, highlighting the enduring appeal of the monarchy, while celebrating a new chapter in the lives of the couple and their families.
