The King of England’s nephew Peter Phillips recently debuted a new partner. News of his new romance along with pictures has ignited reactions from the public, who have expressed happiness for the new couple.
In British royal news, King Charles III’s 46-year-old nephew has found a new romantic match. Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips, was spotted cozying up with a pediatric specialist nurse named Harriet Sperling.
Photos taken during Badminton—an elite horse event where the couple spent their weekend—depicted Peter and Harriet strolling along hand-in-hand amid crowds of people. According to a news outlet, the duo rarely left each other’s side.
For the weekend-long occasion, the nurse, who is also a freelance writer, adorned a flowy pink dress that was decorated with floral and triangular patterns on Saturday. She completed her look with black shades and white tennis shoes. Her dashing beau opted for khaki shorts, a blue plaid T-shirt, trainers, a cap, and sunglasses.
Peter Phillips and his daughters, Savannah and Isla Phillips with Harriet Sperling during the final day of the Badminton Horse Trials in Badminton, Gloucestershire on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Some activities the two got up to included watching cross-country horse riding, following which they left with Savannah and Isla Phillips—Peter’s daughters. They also went to the Swish Gloucestershire event where Peter was seen spending a bit of time chatting with Queen Camilla on a different day during the weekend. Fans and onlookers alike who saw photos of the pair took to social media to wish them well.
Queen Camilla, Peter Phillips, and his daughters, Savannah and Isla Phillips with Harriet Sperling during the final day of the Badminton Horse Trials in Badminton, Gloucestershire on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“Good for Peter. Lucky woman!” praised one fan, while another gushed, “He’s a catch!” Others responded to the fact that Peter’s new romance with Harriet comes only one month after the end of his previous relationship with Lindsay Wallace—an oil tycoon—which lasted three years.
Lindsay Wallace and Peter Phillips on Day 5 of Royal Ascot in Ascot, England on June 18, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
A Facebooker directly referenced a news outlet’s headline which read, “Late Queen’s ‘favorite grandson’ Peter Phillips ‘dating an NHS nurse’ just weeks after split.” Defending Peter, they wrote, “Nothing wrong with him doing so. I wish him well.”
Similarly, another fan commented, “He is allowed to as life goes on love ❤️.” Mentioning Harriet, another admirer expressed, “Well lucky her, with that handsome man.”
Peter Phillips at the Tusk Conservation Awards in London, England on November 1, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Although the majority of people expressed their delight in seeing Peter happy with his new girlfriend, there was a comment that redirected the focus back to the recent scandals and challenges that the British royal family has found themselves dealing with. “So much drama with the Royal Family now,” stated a social media user.
From the aforementioned comment, it’s clear that while most celebrate Peter’s new connection, some may feel differently because of the timing. A month before going public with his new relationship, Gerard Franklin, a spokesman for the royal, confirmed Peter and Lindsay’s split, which he referred to as “a private matter.”
Peter Phillips and Lindsay Wallace during Day 10 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, England on July 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Prior to dating Lindsay, the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II was married to the mother of his two daughters, Autumn Kelly. They shared a total of 13 years of marriage before announcing their separation in 2020 and finalizing their divorce a year later in June 2021.
Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly on the day of their wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, England on May 17, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Fast forward to the present day and Peter Phillips appears to be absolutely smitten with his new partner, Harriet. Although it has not been confirmed whether Harriet has formally met the Queen, Princess Anne, or Peter’s stepdad, Sir Tim Laurence, news of the two making things official comes as a pleasant juxtaposition to the harrowing experiences and health challenges faced by the monarchy.
Princess Anne and Queen Camilla leaving the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, England on February 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Aside from her step-daughter-in-law’s cancer diagnosis and that of her husband, Queen Camilla has also experienced health issues of her own, some of which have been shared publicly and others that remain confidential.
Queen Camilla visits Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa, Kenya on November 2, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In February 2007, it was made public that the then Duchess of Cornwall was set to be admitted to the hospital for a few days after wrapping up a Middle East tour with her husband, which was due to conclude on February 28. She was slated to undergo a hysterectomy, a surgical operation that involves the removal of all or part of the uterus.
Queen Camilla during the visit to the Royal Osteoporosis Society reception in Bath, England on January 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
A spokesperson for the royal clarified that the operation was not due to cancer but did not elaborate further. Shortly after the conclusion of the 10-day tour in early March, Queen Camilla had a hysterectomy at the King Edward VII Hospital in London.
She made a good recovery and promptly resumed her royal responsibilities. In April 2010, Camilla was hospitalized in Aberdeen after breaking her leg while out for a walk near King Charles III’s Highland retreat on the Balmoral estate.
Queen Camilla taking part in the “Big Bone Walk” around Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate in Balmoral, Scotland on September 20, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
She also had a fall during her annual Easter break with King Charles III at Birkhall, the country residence he inherited following the demise of his grandmother, the Queen Mother. She later recounted her experience of breaking her leg in Scotland, explaining that she had fallen into a hole while walking on the moors and was rescued by two very kind women.
Queen Camilla and King Charles III visiting Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve at Royal Deeside in Scotland on April 20, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
“They took one look at me in this hole and said, ‘Oh, it’s you.’ They were so kind. They took me to a hospital and stayed with me the whole time—and not one word to the press! I was so grateful I sent each of them a case of champagne,” she recalled.
Queen Camilla meeting with nurses during a visit to the Royal London Hospital to mark International Nurse’s Day in London, England on May 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, around the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, Queen Camilla broke a toe. A source stated: “She is in quite a lot of pain, but she is just getting on with it. It is unfortunate timing, to say the least, but she’s been an absolute trouper.” However, the King’s spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, stating, “Health-related issues are confidential.”
Queen Camilla during Day 3 of the Royal Ascot in Ascot, England on June 22, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
It is believed that she sustained the injury before Queen Elizabeth II died and carried on with her duties despite experiencing discomfort. During a particularly demanding week following the demise of her mother-in-law, Queen Camilla steadfastly supported her spouse.