Peter Phillips and NHS nurse Harriet Sperling announced their engagement over the summer—news that delighted royal watchers and added a joyful note to what has otherwise been a challenging year for the royal family. While the couple has not yet revealed an official wedding date, speculation is already building about what Princess Anne’s son and his future bride may choose for their big day.

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling Announce Their Engagement

Over the summer, Peter, 47, and Harriet, 45, shared that they were engaged after more than a year of dating. According to People Magazine (People Magazine), the couple first met through mutual friends and gradually developed a strong connection rooted in shared values and family life.

This will be Peter’s second marriage. His first wedding to Autumn Kelly took place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in 2008, a ceremony attended by senior royals and watched closely by the public at the time (Hello! Magazine). During their marriage, they welcomed two daughters—Savannah Anne Kathleen, now 14, and Isla Elizabeth, 13. The couple announced their separation in early 2020, and later finalized their divorce amicably.

A formal statement released in July confirmed Peter’s engagement to Harriet:
“Mr Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips, and Ms Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr Rupert Sanders and Mrs Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement. Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news.”

According to The Telegraph (The Telegraph), Harriet—who works as an NHS nurse and is a mother of one—has been warmly received by the royal family, particularly because of her dedication to public service.

Insights Into Peter Phillips’ Future Wedding

Former royal gardener Jack Stooks, speaking to Smooth Spins, offered insight into what the wedding might look like and shared personal impressions of Peter.

Jack described Peter as “a genuinely nice, down-to-earth chap,” comparing him to his sister Zara Tindall. He noted that the siblings often appear in the local community without any fanfare—shopping at regular supermarkets or taking public transport—something those familiar with Princess Anne’s family have long observed. Their grounded nature has been acknowledged by several royal commentators, including discussions in BBC Radio Gloucestershire (BBC).

Jack recalled how approachable the family is: “You can say hi to him and he’ll say hi back, chat a little. He’s warm and welcoming, just like the rest of Princess Anne’s family. It’s nice how they’ve all been brought up that way.”

A Likely “Intimate and Low-Key” Ceremony

Peter turns 48 on November 15, and when asked what he might do for his birthday, Jack speculated that the celebration would be “low-key”—a clue that extends to the style of wedding he expects Peter and Harriet will choose.

According to Jack, “I do think this wedding will be very low-key. If we look at the King’s wedding when he remarried, it wasn’t nearly as big as a traditional royal wedding. It was quieter, more intimate.”
Commentators at The Guardian (The Guardian) have similarly noted that modern second marriages within the royal family often lean toward understated ceremonies.

Given that Peter holds no royal title and is not a working royal, Jack suggests the wedding might take place privately—potentially at Harriet’s family home or at Gatcombe Park, Princess Anne’s Gloucestershire estate. A small guest list featuring close family and friends seems most likely. “They’ll just get it done and dusted,” he said, emphasizing the family’s preference for privacy and practicality.

Will Senior Royals Attend?

When asked whether Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Harry, or Meghan Markle might attend, Jack was cautiously realistic. “They might get asked, they might not. It depends how low-key they want the wedding to be. If they start inviting all the royals, it becomes more high-profile.”

A report from Hello! Magazine (Hello! Magazine) supports this view, suggesting that a modest ceremony might only include Princess Anne and her immediate family, along with the mother of the bride. Royal attendance often depends on location, scale, and the couple’s personal wishes, especially for second marriages.

Looking Ahead

With many details still unannounced, royal fans continue to speculate on the type of ceremony Peter and Harriet will choose. Whether at Gatcombe Park or a small countryside venue, the wedding is expected to reflect the couple’s down-to-earth personalities and the understated approach typical of Princess Anne’s branch of the family.

One thing is certain: whenever the big day arrives, it will mark a new and joyful chapter for Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling—one that royal followers will watch with warm interest.