The newest member of the royal family, Harriet Phillips, is beginning an exciting new chapter. Peter Phillips' wife has announced her very first patronage in a world-exclusive interview and photoshoot with HELLO! After stepping away from the NHS, Harriet has taken on a role as the patron of Home-Start Cotswolds.
Five months after exchanging vows with Queen Elizabeth's eldest grandchild in an intimate ceremony in the Cotswolds, Harriet opens up about her inspiring new charity role, sharing why now was the right time to step back from the NHS after 24 years as a specialist nurse to champion vulnerable families and early years mental health.
"Becoming a parent can be one of the most wonderful experiences in life, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating," Harriet exclusively tells HELLO! "We often assume that parenting comes naturally, but the reality is that everyone needs support at different points. Home-Start offers vital, practical and non-judgmental support. Just having someone to listen to can make an enormous difference, especially given how closely a parent's wellbeing is connected to a baby's wellbeing."
© @dankennedyphotoThe appointment is a natural extension of Harriet's lifelong career. Before joining the royal family on Princess Anne's Gatcombe estate, the 46-year-old dedicated over two decades to the NHS, specialising in infant mental health and supporting young families across London and Gloucestershire.
"Having worked with Home-Start as a specialist nurse in Gloucestershire, I had seen its impact first-hand and referred families to it," she explains. "Home-Start approached me to ask if I would consider the role, and it felt like a completely natural fit. If I can do anything to shine a light on something positive for families and children, I’m thrilled to do it.”
In her role as patron, Harriet will be hands-on in championing the organisation's mission. “My primary role is being an advocate for the charity and raising awareness," she explains. "That involves attending events, participating in meetings, appearing on its website and social media, and visiting community groups to connect with volunteers and parents directly.”
Alongside her patronage, Harriet is starting a new role focusing on early childhood development. While she's excited about this new phase, leaving the NHS after nearly a quarter of a century was an emotional milestone.
"It's been an enormous privilege to spend 24 years working in the NHS, and I've loved my career. It has taught me so much, professionally and personally," she says.
"Over time, I’ve become increasingly passionate about the importance of promoting healthy brain development. If we can support parents during this critical early period, we have an opportunity to make a lasting difference for children.
“Moving on feels like a natural step, rather than a complete change of direction – it's a chance to take everything I’ve learnt and use it in a new way.”
Asked what she will miss most about nursing, she doesn't hesitate: "Without a doubt, the people. Nursing is a deeply people-centred profession, and for 24 years, I've worked alongside amazing colleagues and built strong relationships.
If I can do anything to shine a light on something positive for families and children, I’m thrilled to do it.
"You share difficult, challenging moments, but also celebrate the days when children get better. I will miss that direct contact with families and the unique privilege of journeying alongside a parent through a challenging time."
Despite the whirlwind of joining the royal family, Harriet insists her grounded approach to life and work remains unchanged.
"I will continue as I am. I'm a professional and will continue working in the area I'm passionate about. I've got a wealth of knowledge that I don’t want to waste, so I will continue to use that," Harriet says.
“It feels natural, moving from one chapter to another, in terms of my career but also my personal life: being married, and our children are teenagers, which feels like a new chapter. There are quite a lot of things that feel new.”
In her full world exclusive interview and photoshoot in this week's issue of HELLO! magazine, Harriet breaks her silence on falling in love with Peter on the sidelines of a school hockey pitch, his secret beach proposal, and why she believes fate brought them together after the loss of her father. Plus, she shares intimate details of their fairytale Cotswolds wedding, wild swimming at Balmoral, and why she can always turn to Princess Catherine for advice.
For more information on Home-Start, visit home-start-cotswolds.org.uk. HELLO! has donated a fee to Home-Start Cotswolds
© @dankennedyphoto
