Harriet Sperling was an absolute vision as she married Peter Phillips at All Saints’ Church in Kemble on Saturday, embracing a bridal look steeped in timeless royal tradition.
Wearing a stunning gown by Emilia Wickstead, her ensemble featured long lace sleeves, a high square neckline, a sweeping veil and a diamond tiara, creating an elegant silhouette rooted in classic royal codes. The overall effect firmly placed her within a modern royal style lineage closely associated with the Princess of Wales and the designers she frequently favours.
Crafted from Italian crêpe, the dress and train were structured internally with French lace, creating a statuesque column shape and a sculptural hold that allowed the train to extend into a linear shape.
© GETTYEmilia Wickstead is a designer and British-based label long favoured by Princess Kate who has worn her pieces for years, particularly tailored coats and dresses that echo her preference for clean lines and understated structure, an aesthetic that has become a hallmark of her public wardrobe.
While Kate’s own wedding gown in 2011 was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and famously featured a lace-appliqué bodice and long lace sleeves, her bridal style has continued to influence modern royal brides and royal-adjacent fashion. The emphasis on lace detailing, modest necklines and structured silhouettes has become a visual shorthand for contemporary royal style and one that Harriet’s look clearly referenced.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageHarriet’s dress followed this same design language. The lace detailing, fitted bodice sculpted closely to the body and full-length skirt were balanced with a cathedral veil and a family tiara, creating a look that prioritised tradition over trend. The Pragnell family tiara previously worn by the mother of the groom Princess Anne at her 50th birthday added a heritage dimension, anchoring the ensemble in personal history while reinforcing its regal tone.
Jewellery remained minimal, with diamond earrings also by Pragnell, ensuring the gown’s craftsmanship remained the focal point. She wore a pair of simple white Jimmy Choo heels and held a bouquet, which included sweet peas, myrtle and lily of the valley. Myrtle is a family tradition for both the royals and Harriet, and symbolises love, beauty, and peace.
© Samir Hussein/WireImage"There are subtle parallels with the Princess of Wales in the choice of Emilia Wickstead and the commitment to timeless elegance," fashion expert and luxury stylist Oriona Robb tells HELLO! "Rather than following fleeting bridal trends, Harriet has chosen a look rooted in craftsmanship, sophistication and tradition. The addition of the Pragnell family tiara makes the ensemble feel both deeply personal and beautifully regal.
"What strikes me most is how effortless she looks. The dress is undeniably grand, yet she wears it with such grace and ease that the overall effect feels timeless rather than formal. It’s a beautiful example of confidence and elegance working hand in hand.
“For me, the most beautiful thing about this look is that you see her before you see the dress. The gown, jewellery and tiara are exquisite, but they never overwhelm her. She looks poised, graceful and genuinely happy, which is ultimately what makes a bridal look unforgettable."
© Getty ImagesHarriet achieved this balance through restraint in silhouette and detail, allowing the lace craftsmanship to enhance rather than dominate. Fashion commentators have also noted that her style evolution has consistently leaned towards established British brands which frequently appear in royal wardrobes and are often associated with the Princess of Wales herself, such as Beulah and Suzannah London.
"From my perspective, Harriet’s bridal look was completely expected, and I mean that as a compliment," says Sammy of Royal Fashion Police. "Ever since she stepped into the public eye alongside Peter Phillips, she has consistently favoured brands associated with Catherine, Princess of Wales, including Beulah and Suzannah. Her wedding day look felt like a continuation of that aesthetic. The long sleeved lace gown, high neckline, cathedral veil and diamond tiara all reflected a classic royal bridal formula.
© UK Press via Getty Images"Some will inevitably compare it to Catherine’s iconic 2011 wedding look and I think the similarities are undeniable. Not because Harriet was trying to copy her but because she clearly admires that timeless, traditional approach to royal dressing and has embraced it as her own. What I liked most is that she looked comfortable in it. The dress suited her, the styling felt authentic to the image she has presented since becoming public, and nothing felt forced or out of character."
The influence of the Princess of Wales on this aesthetic is difficult to overstate. Since her wedding in 2011, Kate’s bridal look has been repeatedly referenced in contemporary bridal design, particularly her use of lace, long sleeves and a structured yet soft silhouette. Her ongoing relationship with Emilia Wickstead has further reinforced the designer’s association with modern royal style, even outside of bridalwear.
© Getty ImagesSammy also pointed to the importance of designer alignment: "As for Emilia Wickstead, I think it was a very logical choice. Beyond the obvious connection to Catherine, Princess of Wales, Emilia Wickstead is renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, elegant tailoring and a well established bridal collection.
"Her bridal designs are known for their clean lines and timeless silhouettes, all qualities that align perfectly with Harriet’s style. Given Harriet’s preference for classic royal dressing, Emilia Wickstead felt less like a surprising choice and more like a natural fit."
Ultimately, Harriet Sperling’s beautiful bridal look reflects a preference for heritage-inspired silhouettes, British craftsmanship and understated luxury. With its lace detailing, structured form and restrained styling, the look sits within the modern royal fashion narrative shaped in part by the Princess of Wales, and the enduring influence of her bridal and post-bridal style choices.
