While many NHS nurses are budgeting every pound, one nurse certainly turned heads for different reasons at Royal Ascot.
Harriet Sperling, girlfriend of Peter Phillips—King Charles’s nephew—arrived in full glam, rocking an outfit that cost nearly £4,000.
It’s a far cry from the £950 cap that many in her profession wouldn’t dream of spending.
Harriet’s Lavish Look Steals the Show
Harriet, 45, showed up in the royal carriage wearing an elegant ivory outfit by Suzannah London, a designer who also dressed Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, that same day.
Her ensemble included a cropped jacket priced at £890 and a matching skirt costing £995.
She paired the outfit with Emmy London accessories—a £395 clutch and £495 mid-heel pumps, both brands loved by other royals like Princess Catherine and Zara Tindall.
Though the shoes and bag were repeat pieces, the rest of her look was brand new for the prestigious occasion.
But the real jaw-dropper? Her £945 hat from Awon Golding Millinery—a label famously worn by Meghan Markle.
From Hospital Wards to Royal Carriages
Despite the luxury wardrobe, Harriet works as a Paediatric Nurse Specialist for the NHS and lives in Gloucestershire.
For context, her job typically pays between £37,000 and £58,000 a year.
So how does one reconcile that with a £3,720 outfit?
It’s worth noting that Harriet has royal ties of her own.
She’s reportedly related to the Duke of Gloucester through her late father.
Her second cousin once removed is Christopher Courage—yes, from the Courage Brewery lineage.
Romance With a Royal Twist
Peter Phillips, 47, started dating Harriet just over a year ago after ending things with his previous girlfriend of three years, Lindsay Wallace.
His invitation to include Harriet in the Royal Ascot carriage procession is more than a romantic gesture—it’s a royal nod of approval.
Traditionally, Queen Elizabeth wouldn’t allow girlfriends in the carriage unless they were engaged, making Harriet’s inclusion a significant move.
Peter and Harriet have been spotted at multiple society events together, from Wimbledon to the Cheltenham Races, and even the Badminton Horse Trials.
Warm Welcomes and Royal Chit-Chat
At Ascot, Harriet seemed to be fitting in effortlessly.
She was seen chatting with Princess Anne on the balcony, while Zara Tindall, Peter’s sister, helped adjust her hat—always handy when navigating those gravity-defying millinery pieces.
Zara, known for her friendly and relaxed vibe, was also seen greeting family with warm hugs and casual affection.
A Nurse With a Notable Past
Beyond the glitz, Harriet’s professional achievements deserve recognition.
Back in 2010, she played a key role in saving the life of a critically ill baby named Phineas who had contracted a dangerous virus at just three weeks old.
The emotional story was even featured in The Guardian Weekend Magazine, thanks to Phineas’ father, photographer Michael Cockerham.
Family Life and Blended Bonds
Harriet is also a mother to a daughter believed to be around the same age as Peter’s children—Savannah, 14, and Isla, 12—from his previous marriage to Autumn, which ended in 2020.
Despite the divorce, Peter and Autumn continue to co-parent peacefully.
The Ascot Dress Code—Do’s and Don’ts
For those wondering how Harriet aced the dress code: strict rules apply in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures at Ascot.
Hats (or substantial headpieces) are required.
Dresses must fall at or below the knee, and no off-shoulder or spaghetti strap numbers are allowed.
Trousers must be a matching suit, and jumpsuits are fair game—as long as they’re full-length.
While men are expected to wear black dress shoes with socks, women have more flexibility—though heels remain the staple for elegance.