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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Dan Haygarth and Nicole Wootton-Cane

Royal wedding today: Queen’s ‘favourite grandson’ marries NHS nurse Harriet Sperling in front of royal family

The royal family have gathered to celebrate the wedding of the Princess Royal’s son Peter Phillips as he tied the knot with NHS nurse Harret Sperling.

The King and Queen, the Princess of Wales, Zara and Mike Tindall and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were all in attendance in the small village of Kemble, near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, for the private nuptials on Saturday.

The happy couple were pictured beaming as they sped away to Gatcombe Park for the reception following the stylish ceremony at All Saints’ Church.

Mr Phillips is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest (and, according to some, favourite) grandson.

Harriet Sperling waves from a vehicle as she sits with Peter Phillips (Reuters)
Harriet Sperling waves from a vehicle as she sits with Peter Phillips (Reuters)
The happy couple, accompanied by bridesmaids (left to right) Isla Phillips, Savannah Phillips, and Georgina Sperling (PA)
The happy couple, accompanied by bridesmaids (left to right) Isla Phillips, Savannah Phillips, and Georgina Sperling (PA)

He is the King’s nephew, William and Harry’s first cousin, the brother of Zara, and the son of Anne and her first husband Captain Mark Phillips.

His engagement to NHS nurse Harriet Sperling, who he began dating in 2024, was announced in August last year.

The bride’s white lace wedding gown was designed by Emilia Wickstead, a favourite of the Princess of Wales.

It is not known whether an invitation was extended to Mr Phillips’s cousin Harry, Meghan and their children, amid reports the Sussexes were left off the guest list.

Kate, Princess of Wales arrives to attend the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling (Reuters)
Kate, Princess of Wales arrives to attend the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling (Reuters)
King Charles waves as he arrives to attend the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling at All Saints' Church (Reuters)
King Charles waves as he arrives to attend the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling at All Saints' Church (Reuters)

Harry and Mr Phillips were close when younger but it is reported they have lost touch, with the duke, who has a longstanding rift with his brother William, moving to the US, from where he has criticised members of his family and the royal institution.

Mr Phillips split from his first wife Autumn in 2020 after 12 years of marriage and shares custody of their two children.

The pair married in a grand royal wedding in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in 2008.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh arrives (Reuters)
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh arrives (Reuters)

Members of the public and media gathered on Saturday morning in the Gloucestershire village.

Metal barriers have been erected and roads closed around All Saints Church, which sits in the heart of the village, about four miles south of Cirencester.

Zara Tindall arrives to attend the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling (Reuters)
Zara Tindall arrives to attend the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling (Reuters)

Guests were forced to shelter under umbrellas after rain swept across the area on Saturday morning.

Local residents gathered at the cordon, with many describing their hopes of seeing senior members of the royal family arriving.

Sarah and Jez Smith came from their home in nearby Poole Keynes to watch the royal wedding with their dog Ziggy.

Britain's Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie arrive to attend the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips (Reuters)
Britain's Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie arrive to attend the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips (Reuters)

They joined dozens of other wellwishers at the cordon in Kemble.

Mrs Smith said: “It is something that doesn’t happen normally on your doorstep.

“It’s a great thing to come and watch.

People use umbrellas to shield from the rain as they gather outside All Saints' Church (Reuters)
People use umbrellas to shield from the rain as they gather outside All Saints' Church (Reuters)

“It’s really important that it is a local church for Harriet.

“I think it’s great that they’ve chosen to come locally.”

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