Marrying into the royal family might seem like a daunting prospect. But Harriet Phillips was immediately welcomed with open arms.
The former NHS nurse married Peter Phillips - Princess Anne's only son - in June this year.
© Getty ImagesAnd in an exclusive interview with HELLO!, she has spoken about her experience of the family behind closed doors - including her first meeting with Princess Catherine.
Peter and Harriet announced their engagement on 1 August 2025 after a year of dating. They tied the knot on 6 June 2026 at All Saints Church in Kemble, supported by the King and Queen, Princess Anne, the Prince and princess of Wales and their children, and Harriet's new sister-in-law Zara Tindall and husband Mike.
The couple's own children were also there; Harriet is a proud mum to 14-year-old Georgina, while Peter shares daughters Savannah, 15, and 14-year-old Isla with his ex-wife Autumn Kelly.
And it was the children who helped connect Peter and Harriet with William and Catherine.
Harriet's first meeting with the Prince and Princess
Harriet told HELLO!: "I've had an incredible experience being welcomed in. We happened to be on holiday in the same place. It was great because the children were all jumping into the water at the same time. It was very casual but there is a clear level of respect there."
© Getty ImagesShe also spoke about her bond with the down-to-earth Princess. "I can look to Catherine for advice and guidance. She's very open-hearted, and I would always feel comfortable asking her if I needed advice about something."
Peter and Harriet live together in a private cottage on the Gatcombe Park Estate in Gloucestershire, which is owned by his mother, Princess Anne. Their close neighbours include his sister, Zara Tindall, her husband, Mike, and their three children, who live on the same estate at Aston Farm.
© Getty ImagesThe couple's dating history
Peter and Harriet started dating in 2024 after meeting two years earlier.
The pair made their debut at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024, and they were seen walking hand-in-hand as they supported Peter's sister, Zara. At the time, a friend of Peter's said the royal has met someone "recently" and they are "spending time together", but it's too early to be anything more at this stage.
© James WhatlingAt Royal Ascot the following month, she met Peter's uncle, King Charles. Harriet, who is an NHS paediatrician and freelance writer, was seen drinking champagne with the monarch and Queen Camilla, having clearly made a good impression on Peter's relatives.
Harriet continued making appearances with her beau, including at separate sporting events and a soiree thrown by Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles.
The couple's engagement and wedding
On 1 August 2025, Peter and Harriet made the happy announcement that they were engaged after a year of dating.
© Getty ImagesA statement issued for the couple by spokesperson Gerard Franklin, read: "Mr Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips and Ms Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr Rupert Sanders and Mrs Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement.
"Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement. Their Majesties The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales have been informed of the announcement."
The wedding took place on 6 June 2026 at All Saints Church in Kemble. Guests included the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the groom’s sister and brother-in-law Zara and Mike Tindall with their daughters Mia and Lena, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their son James, Earl of Wessex.
© Getty ImagesAlso in the congregation were the groom's cousins Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, accompanied by their husbands Jack Brooksbank and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not in attendance.
Harriet wore a dress designed by Emilia Wickstead, earrings by Pragnell and the Pragnell family tiara, with shoes by Jimmy Choo, on her special day.
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