In her first public interview following her marriage to Peter Phillips, the grandson of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Harriet Phillips expressed her feelings of gratitude and excitement at joining the royal family. Speaking to Hello! magazine, Harriet, who is 45 years old, described the experience of meeting her mother-in-law, Princess Anne, as both relaxed and enjoyable.
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“I was a bit nervous meeting anyone’s family members, especially when it involves the royal family,” Harriet said. She recalled the initial meeting with Princess Anne, 76, which took place in the serene setting of Gatcombe Park. “We sat on garden benches drinking tea. It was really lovely and very much in line with how Peter met my family.”
Harriet spoke highly of Princess Anne’s remarkable work ethic, highlighting her dedication to numerous official engagements and local charities. “She sets an incredible example with her commitment,” Harriet noted. “Her genuine interest in various causes underscores her character. It’s essential to engage with what resonates with you, where you live, and your passions. Princess Anne has areas of interest that she genuinely follows, earning her immense respect within the family, and she is notably loyal.”
In addition to being an industrious royal, Harriet remarked that Princess Anne possesses a fun-loving and straightforward personality. “She’s brilliant and has a wonderful sense of humour. She’s incredibly generous, which exemplified how she hosted our wedding reception at Gatcombe,” said Harriet, reflecting on the warmth she felt as she joined the family.
Peter Phillips, the first of his generation within the British royal family to remarry, tied the knot with Harriet in June of this year. Their wedding was a significant event, attended by numerous high-profile royals, including King Charles, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton. The couple made their public debut at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024 and announced their engagement in August 2025. This marriage marked a second for both Peter and Harriet; Peter shares two daughters with his previous wife, Autumn Kelly, while Harriet has a daughter from her earlier marriage.
The challenges of being a royal in-law are something that former rugby player Mike Tindall can relate to, having married Princess Anne’s daughter Zara in 2011. He shared comically how he refers to Princess Anne as “Ma’am,” even in private, and recounted a humorous mishap during a birthday party that made quite an impression on the royal.
During her time with Peter, Harriet has frequently participated in royal engagements and noted her appreciation for guidance from Catherine, the Princess of Wales. “I can turn to Catherine for advice and guidance. She is very approachable, and I feel comfortable asking her for help when needed,” Harriet remarked, reinforcing the supportive network she has found among her new royal family.
After dedicating 24 years to a nursing career, Harriet has decided to shift her focus towards charitable work, taking on the role of patron of Home-Start Cotswolds. “Becoming a parent can be a joyous experience, yet it can also be overwhelming and isolating,” Harriet explained. “Support is crucial, and the programme offers essential, non-judgmental assistance. Just having someone to listen can create a significant impact, considering the direct link between a parent’s well-being and that of their child.”
Harriet emphasized her first-hand experience with Home-Start, having worked alongside them as a nurse in Gloucestershire, which enabled her to witness the organisation’s impact on families. “When they approached me about stepping into this role, it felt like a natural evolution. I am excited to shine a light on the positive work being done for families and children,” she stated.
As she steps into her new role, Harriet Phillips looks forward to contributing to the community while balancing her responsibilities within the royal family. With the support of her new family, she seems poised to make a significant impact both in charity work and within the dynamics of royal life.