Peter Phillips, the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, is set to marry Harriet Sperling on June 6, 2026, in a private ceremony at All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire. This wedding marks a significant occasion as it will be the first major royal wedding of the year and will unite both families, each of which has its own children from prior marriages.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Peter-Phillips-Autumn-Kelly-wedding-080125-5d8771f6dd074e2abc5961c86a4b89c9.jpg)
Phillips previously made headlines in May 2008 when he became the first grandchild of the late Queen to marry, tying the knot with Autumn Kelly at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The royal couple’s wedding was attended by numerous prominent family members, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, then-Prince Charles and Camilla, along with various other royals, including a young Kate Middleton who was with Prince William at the time.
However, the excitement surrounding his first wedding quickly turned to controversy when it was revealed that Phillips and Kelly had sold exclusive photographs of their special day to Hello! magazine for around $673,655. Such a move was not well-received among royal circles, prompting considerable backlash. Reportedly, many guests were unaware that photographers and a journalist were present, capturing candid moments from the occasion.
The magazine published a lavish 100-page special that featured numerous images, offering an intimate look at the day, including playful family interactions and scenes depicting Prince Harry sharing a sweet kiss with the Queen. This departure from the traditional fixed portraits typically associated with royal events left senior members of the family feeling blindsided. Buckingham Palace subsequently described the arrangement as a “serious error of judgment.”
Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly would go on to have two daughters, Savannah and Isla, who are now both teenagers. Following a decade of marriage, the couple announced their divorce in June 2021. Despite the personal turmoil, Phillips seems to have found new happiness, as his relationship with Sperling has blossomed since they were first seen together in public in May this year at an equestrian event, accompanied by his daughters.
The couple revealed their engagement in August 2025. Phillips chose a ring linked to the jeweller who crafted Queen Elizabeth’s own engagement ring, reflecting the history and tradition that underpin royal relationships. Their upcoming wedding has been confirmed by a spokesperson, who stated that both families are aware of the arrangements and that the King and Queen have been notified as well.
As part of the royal family’s long-standing tradition of keeping significant events largely private, this ceremony is expected to be welcomed without the scrutiny that marred Phillips’s first nuptials. The couple’s past experiences have given them a more measured approach to their upcoming wedding.
On Easter Sunday, March 5, 2026, Harriet Sperling made her first appearance at a royal event, attending church services with Peter and his daughters. This gesture marks a significant step in their blended family journey, with Sperling bringing her 13-year-old daughter, Georgina, into the fold as they prepare to unite their families through marriage.
As anticipation builds for the wedding, it appears both Peter and Harriet are keen on ensuring a straightforward celebration free from the drama associated with Phillips’s first marriage. Their story, marked by love and resilience, represents a fresh chapter in the royal family’s public narrative, one that may well capture the hearts of the nation in a more positive light. Further details about the wedding are expected to be released in due course.