Prince William's united appearance with Princess Kate at Peter Phillips' wedding – 18 years after missing first nuptials


After missing his cousin's first wedding to Autumn Kelly in 2008, which Princess Kate attended alone, Prince William celebrated Peter Phillips' nuptials with Harriet


Nichola Murphy
Nichola MurphyLifestyle Editor
21 minutes ago
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The Prince and Princess of Wales led the glamorous arrivals at Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling's Cotswolds wedding on Saturday 6 June, treating fans to very rare displays of public affection.

Despite remaining poised and professional on daily royal engagements, the romantic atmosphere appeared to affect the royals, who were seen sharing lingering glances, coy smiles and fleeting hands on the smalls of each other's backs. This is further proof that the couple have relaxed their strict rules on PDA following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 

Missed royal wedding

Their united appearance was particularly poignant, given that William had missed his cousin's first wedding. 

Peter Phillips became the first of the late Queen Elizabeth's grandchildren to wed when he married Canadian management consultant Autumn Kelly on 17 May 2008, five years after meeting at the 2003 Montreal Grand Prix.

Among the 300 guests who gathered at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle were royals such as Peter's sister and bridesmaid Zara Tindall and nephew Prince Harry, who was joined by his then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

Stephanie (far right) was also the flower girl at Peter's first wedding to Autumn© Tim Graham Photo Library via Get
Princess Kate attended Peter's first wedding to Autumn solo, while Prince William was in Kenya

Meanwhile, Kate made a solo appearance without her then-boyfriend Prince William, who was in Kenya attending the wedding of his ex-girlfriend Jecca Craig's brother. 

Harriet and Peter's romantic wedding

For Peter's second wedding at All Saints Church in Kemble, the Waleses chose to leave their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, at home.

They joined the likes of King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were also attending the Epsom Derby on the same day, Zara and Mike Tindall, and their children from former relationships – Peter's children Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14, and Harriet's teenage daughter Georgina.

Take a look at the best photos of the Prince and Princess of Wales joining forces at Peter and Harriet's wedding…

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, getting out of the car© Samir Hussein/WireImage

Joint entrance

Ever the gentleman, Prince William exited the car only to swiftly join his wife Princess Kate as she stepped out in her Roland Mouret boucle dress.

Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives for the Royal wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling at All Saints Church© Samir Hussein/WireImage

Look of love

Gazing in his direction, Kate's face lit up as she caught his eye.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales walking together© Getty Images

Lingering glance

With their backs to the camera as they made their way inside the church, one photo captured Kate's tumbling hair and gem earrings from Kiki McDonough as she cast a lingering look toward her husband.

Prince William with his hand on Kate's back© Getty

Fleeting touch

Guiding his wife inside the gates, William placed his hand on the small of Kate's back in a fleeting, blink-and-you'll-miss-it touch.

Prince William holding an umbrella over Kate© Samir Hussein/WireImage

Umbrella moment

Prince William was spotted holding an umbrella over his wife's head to protect her from the rainy weather as they departed from the ceremony. How sweet!

Prince William and Princess Kate laughing under an umbrella© Samir Hussein/WireImage

Getting the giggles

The Prince and Princess couldn't hide their laughter as they navigated the wet weather and the blow-away umbrella, all while picking their way through crowds of guests with wide-brimmed hats. 

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