Who is Harriet Sperling? A look at Peter Phillip's royal bride-to-be

A new royal wedding is on the horizon as Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne and the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, has officially announced his engagement to Harriet Sperling.

The couple shared the news in a joint statement on Friday, saying: “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.” 

The statement added that both families are “delighted,” and that King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales have also been informed.

While Harriet Sperling has been photographed at multiple high-profile events alongside Peter, including Royal Ascot, much of her life has remained out of the public spotlight.

Sperling, 45, is a paediatric nurse specialist with the NHS and continues to live in Gloucestershire. 

She has a background in early childhood development and has expressed a passion for helping children thrive, according to reports.

Her previous marriage was to fitness instructor Antonio St John Sperling, with whom she shares a daughter. 

In an article for the Christian magazine Woman Alive, Sperling reflected on the challenges of single parenthood, writing: “In the earlier years of my journey as a single mother to my daughter, resources were scarce, and the future was uncertain. Yet, in the absence of material security, I discovered the strength and life that comes from true selfless love.”

Although she maintains a career outside of royal circles, Harriet is reported to have connections to the royal family through her late father, who was related to the Duke of Gloucester. 

She has been seen attending royal events and is said to have formed a close bond with Peter’s family, including King Charles III.

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