Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, is set to marry Harriet Sperling in a private ceremony next month, but notable family tensions may cloud the joyous occasion. The wedding is scheduled to take place at All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire, on 6 June 2026. However, reports have surfaced indicating that the former Duke of York, Prince Andrew, will not be in attendance.
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The absence of Andrew, who is the brother of Princess Anne and uncle to the groom, highlights the ongoing fallout from his recent controversies. An article published by the Daily Mail alleges that he has not been invited to the wedding due to his tarnished reputation. Andrew, aged 66, has faced significant scrutiny over his connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. In October 2025, following renewed media attention on these links, King Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles.
Recent months have seen Andrew embroiled in further controversy. In February, he was arrested at his Sandringham residence on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Allegations suggest that he shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. Although he was released after approximately 11 hours in police custody, his legal and public struggles continue unabated.
Despite the absence of Andrew, the Phillips wedding is expected to be well-attended by other royal family members. Alongside Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the guest list may also include King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Princess Anne’s other child, Zara Tindall, along with her husband Mike Tindall. This prominent royal attendance paints a picture of solidarity among the family, even as Andrew remains sidelined.
The couple, who announced their engagement in August 2025, have known each other for a couple of years, with their romantic relationship reportedly blossoming during public appearances at various events. They made headlines during their appearance at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024, fully embracing their relationship in the subsequent months at gatherings such as Royal Ascot.
Peter, aged 48, and Sperling, an NHS nurse, will both be entering their second marriages. Peter was previously married to Autumn Kelly from 2008 until their divorce in 2021. The former couple shares two daughters, Savannah, aged 15, and Isla, aged 14. Harriet Sperling was previously married to fitness instructor Antonio St. John Sperling, and she has a daughter, Georgina, aged 13, from that union.
Leading up to their wedding, the couple seems to have integrated their families. At the recent Easter service at Windsor Castle, Peter, Harriet, and their daughters were seen arriving together, symbolising a shared commitment to blending their families ahead of the wedding. The three girls, Savannah, Isla, and Georgina, were photographed walking in unison, an image suggesting a harmonious future as they prepare to become stepsiblings.
Peter Phillips was born into the royal family, the son of Princess Anne and her ex-husband, Captain Mark Phillips, highlighting his strong royal lineage. His mother has always been a prominent figure within the monarchy, serving as Princess Royal and remaining active in public life. The wedding ceremony is anticipated to be a significant occasion, not only for the couple but for the royal family as well, marking a new chapter in their lives despite the backdrop of family tensions.
As preparations for the wedding continue, it remains to be seen how the absence of Prince Andrew will be acknowledged or perceived, both within the family and among royal observers. Overall, the upcoming event appears poised to be a blend of celebration and reflection, encapsulating the dynamics of a family that has navigated its share of challenges while continuing to embrace their royal responsibilities.