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The Windsors are notoriously one of the hardest families to win over — just ask Meghan Markle.
But Harriet Sperling has done just that, and the proof was full display as she married Peter Phillips on June 6.
After a traditional church ceremony in the picture‑perfect Cotswolds, celebrations moved to Princess Anne’s private Gatcombe Park estate for a more relaxed reception.
And while the royal family is known for its grand, glittering gatherings, this wedding was a far more intimate affair, with no world leaders or global dignitaries in sight.
“Anytime there’s any kind of royal happenings, particularly private royal happenings, it’s bound to garner attention,” the extremely well‑connected royal commentator Victoria Arbiter tells me. “But this is very much going to be a family wedding.”
Still, the guest list spoke volumes about the state of the monarchy today — and quietly reveals who is in and who is out.
Who Is Harriet Sperling?
All eyes were on the bride as she arrived at All Saints Church in Kemble to say “I do” to Peter Phillips, the late Queen Elizabeth’s eldest grandson.
Harriet, a nurse and single mum, began dating Peter in 2024 after the pair reportedly met at a children’s sporting event.
She shares a 13‑year‑old daughter, Georgina, with her former partner Antonio St. John Sperling, while Peter has two daughters — Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14 — with ex‑wife Autumn Kelly.
A senior paediatric nurse specialist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Harriet has built a career inside the NHS, far removed from the world of aristocracy.
However, her professional passion for early childhood development gives her plenty in common with the Princess of Wales, a long‑term advocate in this space who became patron of Harriet’s workplace in 2018.
Born without a silver spoon in her mouth, Harriet has nonetheless slipped seamlessly into Peter’s close‑knit family.
Since making their public debut at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024, she has joined him at a string of high‑profile events.
Whether she’s at Royal Ascot or mingling at the Royal Charity Polo Cup, she is frequently photographed deep in conversation with King Charles and Queen Camilla, or with her arm around new sister‑in‑law Zara Tindall.
In a family where warmth and trust are earned, not assumed, Harriet has clearly passed the test.
Harriet’s wedding dress and tiara
Ahead of her wedding, Harriet has shown a clear penchant for royal‑approved labels including Suzannah London and Me+Em.
Fashion commentator Simon Brooke, who runs the @royal_fashion_blog Instagram account, says her approach is less about mimicking royal style and more about refining her own.
“I don’t particularly think she’s adopted a certain style of royal dress,” he tells me. “She might be looking at silhouettes of other royals, but ultimately she is looking into her own personal style, in order to fit her less senior role in the royal family.”
With the Windsors’ unofficial job description including support British designers, it’s not surprising to see her gown came from a luxury local label.
Harriet wore a white column lace gown that featured a square neck with wildflower embroidery across its full-length sleeves by Emilia Wickstead.
She also wore an almost 10 foot-long scallop-hemmed train.
“We aligned on something authentic, traditional, and modern,” the designer told British Vogue.
But the big question was whether Harriet would wear a tiara?
Traditionally in Britain, a woman is seen in a tiara for the first time on her wedding day, with the late Queen Elizabeth loaning “commoner” brides something from her collection — such as when the then‑Kate Middleton walked down the aisle in the Cartier Halo Tiara.
However, considering it’s a second marriage for both parties, Simon said this tradition may not apply.
“There is a chance we might not see the traditional white gown and tiara. If we look at Princess Anne’s second wedding she wore a simple white outfit and hat. Same with Camilla.”
Of course, times have changed too, with Meghan Markle donning Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau at her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, despite being a divorced woman.
Harriet did wear a tiara, but not a Windsor family piece. Her diamond and pearl sparkler was on loan from Pragnell which is the jewellers who were behind her engagement ring.
With its laurel leaves and articulated floral motifs, the glittering headpiece bears a resemblance to a tiara that have been worn by Princess Anne.
“This intricate tiara dazzles the eye by showcasing a design typical of both the Edwardian and Deco periods – which is very rare in all jewellery,” the jeweller said.
The tiara had been worn at the coronation of George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.
Why Peter Phillips’ wedding matters for the royal family
This may not be a “royal wedding” in the official sense, but it is a significant moment for the Windsors.
After a couple of years of scandal, tension and health crises, any good news in the headlines is a welcome addition.
Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter, who grew up inside Kensington Palace, tells me ahead of the event that there would be a strong turnout from the royal family.
“The royal cousins remain famously close,” she explains.
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend before heading to the Epsom Derby. The Prince and Princess of Wales were also there.
While Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were invited, unsurprisingly their parents — the former Duke and Duchess of York — have not, as Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor remains under police investigation.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly also didn’t receive an invite. Arbiter says their exclusion is unsurprising.
“I think a lot of the royal family feel very let down with what has been said, the hurt that was caused to the Queen and Prince Philip in their twilight years,” she tells me.
She also believes that Prince Harry and Meghan are OK with skipping the big day.
“If Harry and Meghan had been there, they know it it would have turned the village into a complete circus and all of the attention would be on them,” she explains. “They wouldn’t want to steal it away from the bride and groom.”
A modern Windsor moment
Peter Phillips may not have a title, but he is the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and 19th in line to the British throne.
His wedding offers a rare glimpse of the Windsor family off‑duty, at ease, and among the relatives who actually keep the institution functioning behind the scenes.
Harriet’s life may not change dramatically after the big day — she will not take on royal duties — but she will continue to be seen at events like Royal Ascot, Christmas at Sandringham and Easter at Windsor.
“Harriet’s just going to be warmly welcomed into the family,” Victoria says. “She’s relatable, she’s grounded, and that can only serve the royal family well.”
Her arrival into the fold — as a hardworking NHS nurse, mother and a woman who has earned the trust of the royal family — is a reminder that the monarchy’s future may depend less on pomp and pageantry, and more on people who feel recognisable and relatable to the public.
And after years marked by uncertainty, illness and scrutiny, a joyful family wedding that is intimate and free of palace theatrics is just what the monarchy needs.
See the best pictures from Peter Phillips’ wedding to Harriet Sperling…
Family affair
The bridal party was made up of Harriet’s daughter Georgina, and Peter’s daughters Isla and Savannah.
Blushing arrival
The Princess of Wales made a stunning arrival in a blush bouclé-knit midi dress by Roland Mouret.
Feeling no blues
Zara Tindall was on hand to celebrate her brother’s wedding in an elegant periwinkle blue midi dress by Rebecca Vallance.
Royal return
Despite a few months of York family scandal, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie attended with their husbands, Edo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank, proving they are still well within the royal fold.
Dazzling duchess
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, stepped out in a a pastel blue Beulah London dress.
Proud mum
Princess Anne couldn’t wipe the smile off her face on her son’s big day.
Regal wave
Despite being a private event, a small group of well wishers gathered, which Queen Camilla waved a greeting to upon her arrival at the church.
King’s approval
King Charles attended the ceremony before dashing off to the Epsom Derby.
Peter and Harriet couldn’t resist one more kiss as they drove away to make their way to their reception.
