During Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, royal watchers were abuzz over the presence of a new figure in the royal scene—Harriet Sperling, the partner of Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips.
As the event unfolded, commentary swirled around what her appearance might mean, especially in terms of how she’s received by Princess Anne.
“New Member” Gains Attention
Host Jo Elvin of Palace Confidential noted rising curiosity over Harriet’s attendance, suggesting that she might be viewed as a “new member” of the extended royal circle. Claire Cisotti, Royal Channel editor for MailOnline, eagerly chimed in with praise for Harriet’s fashion choice—an elegant ensemble from Suzannah London, topped with a chic straw boater hat. “She looked every inch the royal,” Cisotti commented, suggesting Harriet dressed “head to toe” like someone fully integrated into royal life.
Rebecca English, royal editor at the Daily Mail, pointed to Harriet’s inclusion on the official Royal Ascot carriage list as a telling sign of the seriousness of her relationship with Peter. “That alone speaks volumes,” she said, noting that such a public placement signals a level of acceptance.
When asked whether Princess Anne is likely to approve of the match, English replied confidently, “She wouldn’t be here if Anne didn’t.” Claire Cisotti agreed, adding that Anne’s body language—particularly her rare smile while chatting with Harriet in the royal box—offered clear insight. “She’s not known for smiling often, but she definitely did when talking to Harriet. That says a lot.”
A Refreshing Addition to Royal Circles
English also described Harriet as “a breath of fresh air,” noting her role as a nurse in the NHS and her grounded background. Harriet, who debuted alongside Peter at the 2024 Badminton Horse Trials, is an NHS paediatric specialist nurse, a writer, and a single mother previously known as Harriet Sanders.
Public Debut and Royal Appearances
Harriet and Peter were seen sharing affectionate moments—holding hands and exchanging a kiss—within the prestigious Royal Enclosure at Ascot. Harriet turned heads again the following day in a striking yellow dress, paired with a matching fascinator and an Anya Hindmarch handbag.
That day, ten royals took part in the formal carriage procession. King Charles and Queen Camilla led the parade under the Berkshire sun, with Princess Kate notably absent from the event.
A Minor Setback in the Royal Procession
Earlier in the week, Princess Anne’s carriage encountered a brief disruption as it traveled through Cheapside on the way to Ascot. One of the horses appeared to have a rein issue, prompting quick intervention from royal aides.
Anne was accompanied by the Duchess of Wellington and Annabel Elliot, Queen Camilla’s sister, during the incident. Local bystander Paul Arora described the scene as a “quintessential English moment,” with villagers gathering to see the royals pass by. “It was beautiful weather, but the carriage team wasn’t so lucky—one horse broke its reins,” he shared with The Express.
