Harriet Sperling says she has found a trusted source of “advice and guidance” in the “open-hearted” Princess of Wales since joining the Royal Family this year.
The 46-year-old former NHS specialist nurse married Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, on June 6 at All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire. She later described the celebration as a “slice of heaven”.
In her first interview since marrying the King’s nephew, Harriet discussed Peter’s surprise proposal during a heatwave, her daughter Georgina’s calm response to royal life and her first meeting with the “welcoming” Prince William and Catherine.
Harriet told Hello! magazine that she grew closer to the future King and Queen during a holiday in the Isles of Scilly.
Her 14-year-old daughter Georgina also spent time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Recalling the occasion, Harriet said: “It was great because the children were all jumping into the water at the same time.”
She added: “I can look to Catherine for advice and guidance. She’s very open-hearted, and I would always feel comfortable asking her if I needed advice about something.”
Harriet also revealed that “no one in our family” knew Peter intended to propose during their break in the south of England last July. “I was completely overcome,” she said. “It was the best-kept secret ever.”
Harriet Sperling with Peter Phillips at the DMMI Royal Charity Polo Cup in July, just weeks after their wedding
Harriet Sperling says she seeks “advice and guidance” from the “open-hearted” Princess of Wales after joining the Royal Family
Peter proposed with a diamond ring from Pragnell, the royal jeweller that also created Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring in 1946.
Harriet said the ring had been commissioned in advance and that she was “completely overcome” when Peter got down on one knee on July 25, 2025, during their beach holiday.
The proposal came as a total surprise, she said, describing it as a “magical moment for both of us”.
Harriet told the magazine that she and Peter had known of each other through their daughters and mutual friends, but became closer while “watching our children play hockey”. Peter shares Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14, with his former wife, Autumn Kelly.
Their relationship blossomed through dog walks, dinners at the pub and meals cooked at home, Harriet said, before she met Princess Anne for tea at Gatcombe Park.
She praised her mother-in-law’s “work ethic” and “tireless attention” to her patronages, describing the Princess Royal, 76, as “so well-respected in the family”.
Five months after marrying her “best friend”, Harriet has left the NHS and accepted her first royal patronage. She described the move as “a natural step, rather than a complete change of direction”.
Harriet, who specialised in infant mental health, has become a patron of Home-Start Cotswolds, a charity that helps families with young children in their local communities.
Harriet said she connected with the future King and Queen after they happened to be holidaying in the Isles of Scilly
The appointment follows one of Harriet and Peter’s first official appearances as a married couple, when they attended a major London exhibition celebrating traditional Chinese craftsmanship in September.
The couple visited Somerset House for the opening of Reviving Craft: Reflection of the Mind, an exhibition featuring more than 70 artists and exploring China’s “living craft heritage”.
Harriet made a striking appearance in a bold red £895 dress by Beulah London, a fashion label also favoured by the Princess of Wales.
The midi-length design had a high neckline, pearl buttons down the front and a matching belt that defined the waist. She completed the look with brown suede heels, delicate earrings and a black clutch.
Her blonde hair was styled in relaxed waves, while her make-up was kept fresh, natural and dewy.
Peter, Princess Anne’s son, looked smart in a black tuxedo and bow tie as the couple enjoyed an evening out in central London after their wedding earlier this year.
Since tying the knot, Harriet and Peter have attended a series of high-profile events, including Royal Ascot and Wimbledon. Their wedding took place at All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire.
The couple exchanged vows before a gathering of royals and prominent guests at the church near Cirencester, located close to Princess Anne’s home at Gatcombe Park.
Those attending included the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank.
Harriet wore a white Emilia Wickstead gown and the Pragnell family tiara. Her train was carried by her three bridesmaids: daughter Georgina, 14, and Peter’s daughters, Isla, 14, and Savannah, 15, whom he shares with former wife Autumn Kelly. The trio wore matching white dresses by the same designer and floral garlands.
The new Mrs Peter Phillips made her official debut as a member of the Royal Family at Royal Ascot, joining her husband in the traditional carriage procession.
The former paediatric nurse looked elegant in a blue silk Biarritz dress by Suzannah London and cream Jimmy Choo slingback heels as she sat beside her new mother-in-law, Princess Anne, in the horse-drawn carriage.
Beyond the wedding band on her left hand, the clearest sign of Harriet’s recent marriage was the sky-blue Anya Hindmarch clutch she carried, embroidered with her new initials, HP.
The full interview is available in the latest issue of Hello! magazine, on sale now.
