While most of us were hunting for shade and ice lollies, the royals were turning heads at Royal Ascot — and not just because of the sweltering heat. With Britain sizzling in record temperatures, all eyes were on Peter Phillips’ girlfriend, Harriet Sperling, as she joined the royal family for her second appearance of the week at the famed racecourse.
Harriet Keeps Her Cool Beside the King
Despite the scorching 32.2°C heat recorded at Kew — just a short drive from Ascot — Harriet Sperling looked unbothered and radiant. The 45-year-old NHS nurse and girlfriend of the King’s nephew kept things fresh and elegant in a lemon-yellow ‘Sienna’ dress by Beulah, topped off with a matching hat. And it wasn’t just the outfit that caught attention — Harriet shared a warm and easy-going moment with King Charles himself, even cracking a joke with him.
Engagement Rumours Heat Up Too
Speculation around a possible engagement between Peter and Harriet only intensified as the couple were seen holding hands and sharing a kiss in the Royal Box. The pair, who reportedly met at a children’s sporting event, seem to be growing ever closer. Harriet, a mother of one, lives in Gloucestershire — just like Peter, who shares two daughters with ex-wife Autumn.
A Full Family Affair at Ascot
The atmosphere at Ascot was as vibrant as the weather, with several senior royals making an appearance.
Celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh joined the King in the ceremonial carriage procession, as did Princess Anne, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Zara and Mike Tindall.
Queen Camilla stunned in a silvery-blue coat dress by Anna Valentine, matched with a Philip Treacy hat and the dazzling Jardine Star diamond brooch.
Fans, Champagne, and a Few Collapses
As the heat climbed and fancy outfits gave way to fans and flustered faces, Ascot racegoers battled through what was officially the hottest day of the year so far.
Some cooled off with magnums of champagne, while horses were literally showered with buckets of water.
The heat got to more than a few attendees — with over 40 people treated for heat-related symptoms and at least one person hospitalised.
Britain Hotter Than Hawaii
The UK is in the midst of a four-day heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 34°C in parts of the South and East — surpassing even the tropical warmth of Honolulu, which is set to hover around 29°C.
In fact, the last time Britain reached these highs in June was nearly six years ago, back in 2019.
Health Alerts and Heatwave Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber health alert, warning that the extreme temperatures could put vulnerable groups at serious risk, particularly the elderly.
The alert, running until Monday morning, points to possible strains on health and social care services.
The official definition of a heatwave? When specific areas hit 25°C–28°C or higher for three days in a row — and many places in the UK are set to exceed that.
Temperatures to Cool… Eventually
Relief is on the horizon, with forecasters predicting a dip back to the mid-20s by the start of next week.
But until then, the royals — and the rest of us — will need to stay hydrated, find shade, and hope our fans hold up as the country continues to swelter through this summer scorcher.