While the Royal Ascot is always filled with glamorous hats and familiar royal faces, there was someone noticeably absent this year—Catherine, Princess of Wales.
But her absence made room for someone new to step into the spotlight: Harriet Sperling, a woman who brought grace, charm, and a dash of intrigue to the iconic horse racing event.
Harriet, a 45-year-old paediatric intensive care nurse, wasn’t just a spectator.
She made a grand entrance alongside her boyfriend Peter Phillips—son of Princess Anne and the late Queen’s eldest grandchild—not once, but twice during the week.
First Carriage Ride, First Royal Impression
Harriet’s debut was nothing short of regal. On Tuesday, she joined senior royals including King Charles and Queen Camilla in the prestigious opening-day carriage procession.
With her blonde curls bouncing and a calm, assured smile, Harriet looked like she’d been riding in royal carriages all her life.
In reality, she’s more used to hospital scrubs than designer heels.
But for this occasion, she was dressed head-to-toe in luxury, wearing Emmy London heels and clutch (a brand favored by the Princess of Wales), a £945 hat by Awon Golding Millinery (also worn by Meghan Markle), and a £3,720 outfit from Suzannah London, a designer often chosen by royal women like Duchess Sophie and Catherine.
A Royal Seal of Approval?
Traditionally, girlfriends don’t get an invite to join the royal carriage procession unless things are serious—Queen Elizabeth had that unwritten rule.
So Harriet’s appearance was interpreted by many as a clear nod of approval from the King.
Her return to Ascot on Thursday only reinforced the buzz.
Wearing a buttercup yellow ensemble, she curtseyed confidently to the monarch and mingled naturally with Peter’s royal relatives.
Fitting Right In With the Royal Inner Circle
Harriet seemed entirely at ease with Peter’s family.
She chatted warmly with Princess Anne, shared laughs and kisses with Zara Tindall, and even received a kiss on the cheek from Prince Edward.
There was no hiding the affection between Harriet and Peter either—their PDA was on full display.
Their romance became public just last year when they were spotted hand-in-hand at the Badminton Horse Trials.
Since then, it seems their bond has only deepened.
A Peek Into Harriet’s Family Life
It turns out Harriet’s upbringing is more aristocratic than her NHS badge might suggest.
Her mother, Mary Sanders, welcomed reporters at the family’s £1.5 million Edwardian home in the idyllic Gloucestershire village of South Cerney.
Beaming with pride, Mary described Harriet as her “lovely” and “very special” middle daughter.
Interestingly, Peter has grown close to Harriet’s family too.
The couple spent the day before Thursday’s Ascot outing relaxing by the pool at Mary’s home.
“They’ve been here today, actually, for a swim,” Mary mentioned casually.
A Heritage Steeped in Tradition
Harriet’s background is rich in tradition and social standing.
Her late father Rupert Sanders was a well-known solicitor, and her grandfather, Major Geoffrey Sanders, served in WWII, later becoming a High Sheriff and editor of the local paper.
On her father’s side, Harriet is linked to the Courage brewing dynasty—her great-aunt being Dorothy Courage.
These deep-rooted connections show that Harriet is no stranger to high society, even if her current profession is far from aristocratic.
From Party Girl to Devoted Christian
Harriet’s personal journey has had its ups and downs.
She trained as a nurse in London and, by her own admission, enjoyed the party scene in her youth.
But a painful breakup years ago led her back to her Christian faith, something she now shares with her mother.
In a heartfelt 2009 interview and more recently in a Christian magazine, Harriet has spoken openly about her experiences as a single mum and how her faith carried her through.
She described parenting her daughter alone for ten years as being like “an island” that was difficult for others to join.
Her Former Marriage and Daughter’s Life
Harriet was previously married to Antonio “Dino” Sperling, a fitness instructor educated at private school. The pair had a daughter, Georgina, in 2012.
Georgina is now 13, the same age as Peter’s daughter Isla and a year younger than his eldest daughter Savannah.
Dino is now based in Cornwall and runs a fitness business.
His late mother Sonia Sperling was known as a stylish, strong woman—drawing comparisons to Peter’s own mother, Princess Anne.
Well-Wishes from Harriet’s Former In-Laws
Harriet’s former uncle-in-law, Henry Sperling, spoke fondly of her, calling her “elegant” and “a thoroughly good person.”
He added that if she’s happy with Peter, then that’s all that matters.
“She looks like she fits in really well with the Royal Family,” he noted warmly.
A Romance That’s Grown in Public
Since going public, Harriet has joined Peter at major events including Wimbledon, polo matches, Burghley Horse Trials, and even the Bahrain Grand Prix, often appearing alongside Peter’s royal cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Though she lives near her mother in Gloucestershire and Peter lives 15 miles away on his mother’s Gatcombe Park estate, their lives seem to be deeply intertwined.
A New Chapter for Peter and Harriet
Peter’s love life has always drawn public curiosity.
His first marriage to Autumn Kelly ended in 2021, and a subsequent relationship with Scottish divorcee Lindsay Wallace fizzled out quietly.
Then came Harriet—and with their warm carriage ride debut at Ascot, things seem to be going smoother than ever.
There may not be an engagement ring just yet, but judging by their recent outings and the royal family’s welcoming gestures, this relationship is clearly heading in a serious direction.
Harriet has stepped into royal circles with elegance and confidence—and perhaps, just maybe, she’s here to stay.