They’ve been together since last year

Peter Phillips appeared alongside his girlfriend, Harriet Sperling, as she made her Royal Ascot carriage procession debut today (Tuesday, June 17).

Peter, 47, who is the son of Princess Anne, began his relationship with Harriet last year.
The royal was at the first day of the Royal Ascot today (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Peter Phillips’ girlfriend Harriet Sperling appears at Royal Ascot

The royal, older brother of Zara Tindall, was previously married to Autumn Phillips, with whom he had two children. 

They tied the knot in 2008 and divorced in 2021.

Following his split from Autumn, Peter had a three-year relationship with Lindsay Wallace, a friend of Zara’s.

Last year, the royal went public with his new relationship. His girlfriend, Harriet, is an NHS paediatric nurse and freelance writer.

Harriet and Peter are said to have met at a sporting event attended by their children.

They made their Royal Ascot debut together last year. However, this year has seen them take a major step in their relationship, with Harriet making her carriage procession debut.
Harriet was in the carriage procession (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Harriet and Peter Phillips at the Royal Ascot

Peter and Harriet were amongst the royals who attended the first day of the Royal Ascot today.

The couple arrived in a carriage that also carried author Anthony Horowitz and his wife, film producer Jill Green.

King Charles and Queen Camilla also arrived via carriage. They were joined by Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud from Saudi Arabia, and one of the queen’s most trusted confidants, Lady Sarah Keswick.

Princess Anne was also present, arriving in a carriage sitting next to Princess Antonia, Duchess of Wellington.

They were joined by Princess Antonia’s husband, the Duke of Wellington, and Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot.

Another carriage carried Lady Joanna Morton Jack, her husband, Henry Morton Jack, and Lord and Lady Vestey.
Charles and Camilla were at the Ascot today (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Charles to attend all five days

Earlier this week, it was announced that Peter’s uncle, King Charles, would be attending all five days of the Royal Ascot.

The decision comes after the monarch reportedly developed a genuine interest in the races since becoming king.

“Camilla has been passionate about horse racing for many years but the king has surprised himself by how much he enjoys it,” a source told The Sun.

The source added that the festival provides the king with “an opportunity to catch up with guests and show support for the horse racing industry”.

The king is clearly following in his late mother Queen Elizabeth II’s footsteps. She, too, was a huge horse racing fan and only missed one Royal Ascot in 70 years on the throne.

She regularly had horses racing in the festival, and even won the Gold Cup back in 2013.

Read more: Trooping the Colour: Prince George’s ‘response to King Charles’ question’ on palace balcony