The Royal Wedding Buzz: Everything We Know About Peter Phillips’ Engagement To Harriet Sperling

The British Royal Family is once again in the spotlight with joyous news, as Peter Phillips, the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has announced his engagement to his partner, Harriet Sperling. This significant development, confirmed in August 2025, marks a new chapter for the son of Princess Anne, who has always maintained a relatively low-profile life outside of traditional royal duties. The announcement has sparked considerable public interest, shining a light on the man who is 18th in the line of succession to the British throne and his fiancée, a dedicated pediatric nurse and writer.

As of late 2025, the news of the impending marriage is the most current and compelling story surrounding Peter Phillips, a businessman whose professional life has often kept him away from the intense media scrutiny faced by his cousins, Prince William and Prince Harry. His life, a unique blend of royal lineage and a civilian career, makes his personal milestones, such as this engagement, particularly noteworthy for royal watchers globally.

Peter Phillips: Full Biography and Royal Lineage

Peter Mark Andrew Phillips holds a unique position within the British Royal Family. He is the first of Queen Elizabeth II’s grandchildren, yet he was never granted a royal title, a choice made by his parents to ensure he and his sister, Zara Tindall, could lead more 'normal' lives.

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• Full Name: Peter Mark Andrew Phillips
• Date of Birth: November 15, 1977
• Place of Birth: St Mary's Hospital, London, England
• Parents: Anne, Princess Royal, and Captain Mark Phillips (divorced 1992)
• Sibling: Zara Tindall (née Phillips)
• Grandparents: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
• First Marriage: Autumn Kelly (married 2008, divorced 2021)
• Children: Savannah Phillips (born 2010) and Isla Phillips (born 2012)
• Education: Port Regis School, Gordonstoun School, and the University of Exeter (graduated with a degree in Sports Science)
• Current Partner (Fiancée): Harriet Sperling (engaged August 2025)
• Current Position in Line of Succession: 18th (as of late 2025)

A Life Outside the Palace: Career in Sports Management

Unlike his uncle, King Charles III, and his cousins, Peter Phillips has forged a successful career as a businessman and sports management professional. This path highlights the family's desire to keep his life as grounded as possible, despite his close proximity to the throne.

His professional journey began in the world of high-octane motorsports. He held roles with renowned organizations, including a position with the Jaguar Racing Formula 1 team. His experience in this competitive environment later led him to a management role at the Williams Formula 1 team. These early career choices established a pattern of professional independence that has defined his adult life.

Following his time in Formula 1, Peter Phillips moved into sports marketing and corporate hospitality. He has worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and later became a managing director for SEL UK, a company specializing in sports and entertainment event management. This background in sports and business has allowed him to carve out a distinct identity separate from the traditional royal circuit, though he still attends major family and national events.

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The Road to Engagement: Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling

The announcement of Peter Phillips' engagement to Harriet Sperling in August 2025 was met with widespread public interest, marking his second walk down the aisle. The couple’s relationship has evolved over the last year, with them making several public appearances together at high-profile royal and sporting events.

Harriet Sperling is an NHS pediatric nurse and a writer, bringing a professional background of care and creativity to the royal fold. She has been described as a stabilizing and loving presence in Peter’s life following his divorce from Autumn Kelly (née Autumn Patricia Kelly) in 2021. The couple's divorce was handled amicably, prioritizing the well-being of their two daughters, Savannah and Isla Phillips.

The couple's relationship first came to light in 2024, with appearances at events such as Wimbledon and the Royal Charity Polo Day, where they were often seen displaying affectionate public moments. Their engagement, which reportedly took place privately, was then formally announced, with the royal family expressing their delight at the news. The engagement ring, a significant piece of jewelry, is likely to be a focal point of discussion as details of the wedding planning emerge.

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A Blended Family and Royal Support

The engagement signifies the blending of two families, and the support from the royal household has been evident. Peter Phillips remains a close figure to his uncle, King Charles III, and is known to be very close to his mother, Princess Anne, and his sister, Zara Tindall. His daughters, Savannah and Isla, are also said to have a good relationship with Sperling.

The couple’s public outings, including a notable appearance at Royal Ascot in June 2025, showcased their comfort and connection in the royal spotlight. This period of public visibility before the engagement announcement has allowed the public to become acquainted with Sperling, who is set to become a more frequent presence at royal gatherings.

This engagement is a testament to the evolving nature of the modern British monarchy, where members of the extended family, though not working royals, continue to capture the public imagination with their personal stories. The wedding, whenever it is scheduled, is anticipated to be a significant event, bringing together many senior members of the royal family.

Peter Phillips and the Modern Royal Role

Peter Phillips' life exemplifies a unique model for the extended royal family: one of duty without the burden of titles. As the son of a Princess, he has always been part of the inner circle, attending major events like Trooping the Colour, royal weddings, and state funerals, including that of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his grandfather, Prince Philip. However, he has successfully maintained a private, income-earning career, a path that his mother, Princess Anne, championed.

His sister, Zara Tindall, follows a similar model, having achieved Olympic success in equestrianism. This decision by Princess Anne has allowed her children to operate with a degree of freedom and privacy that is often impossible for titled members of the family. Peter Phillips’ professional life, focused on sports marketing and event management, positions him as a modern, self-made royal relative. He is a key figure bridging the gap between the traditional monarchy and a contemporary, non-titled life.

The upcoming marriage to Harriet Sperling will further solidify his status as a prominent figure in the royal periphery. While he will not hold a Duke or Earl title, his place as the Queen's eldest grandchild ensures his continued relevance and public interest. Royal commentators are keen to see how the couple will navigate their public and private lives, especially with Sperling’s own professional commitments as an NHS nurse and writer. The couple's future is one to watch as they plan their wedding and continue their life together, supported by one of the world's most famous families.