It’s not every day you see someone get along so well with their former in-laws—but Autumn Phillips, ex-wife of Peter Phillips, seems to be breaking all the norms.
Years after her divorce from Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest grandson, Autumn appears to still be very much part of the royal fold.
Still in the Circle After Divorce
Autumn and Peter officially ended their marriage in 2021 after 12 years together.
While many expected her to quietly slip back to Canada, she stayed in the UK to co-parent their two daughters, Savannah (14) and Isla (13).
Not only did she remain nearby, but her warm relationship with the Royal Family has continued, especially with her former mother-in-law, Princess Anne.
Earlier this year, the two were seen sharing laughs and cheering together at the Cirencester Park Horse Trials, supporting Zara Tindall—Peter’s sister and Princess Anne’s daughter.
Royal photographer James Whatling described the moment as relaxed and natural, saying Autumn “was chatting to Anne and everyone else,” and adding, “she’s obviously still part of the family.”
Life at Gatcombe Park and the End of an Era
Autumn once lived on Princess Anne’s sprawling 730-acre estate, Gatcombe Park, in the Cotswolds.
Though she moved out some years ago, she wasn’t the only one who called it home—Zara and Peter both live there with their families.
But the estate has seen changes. Anne has expressed concerns about its upkeep costs and was “devastated” to cancel the annual Festival of British Eventing two years ago due to financial strain.
The estate, a gift from the late Queen, remains one of Anne’s most cherished yet burdensome responsibilities.
A Love Story That Crossed the Atlantic
Autumn and Peter’s story began in 2003, far from the prying eyes of the British tabloids.
They met in Canada at the Montreal Grand Prix, where Peter was working with Williams Grand Prix Engineering, and Autumn was a personal assistant. She had no idea he was royalty.
Their romance blossomed, and by 2008 they married in a royal ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Autumn, who was born Roman Catholic, even renounced her faith to avoid complications with Peter’s place in the line of succession.
She wore a custom Sassi Holford gown, the Festoon Tiara (loaned by Anne), and jewelry gifted by Peter. Zara stood proudly as one of her six bridesmaids.
A Royal Divorce, But No Royal Drama
Their split in 2020 and subsequent divorce in 2021 came with little public mudslinging.
In a joint statement, they emphasized their focus on their daughters’ wellbeing and asked for privacy as they entered a “new chapter.”
What made it particularly tough was the personal connection Autumn had with the Queen.
A family friend told The Sun that Autumn was a favourite of Her Majesty, and her departure from royal life was undoubtedly a sad moment for the late monarch.
New Chapters and New Relationships
Since the divorce, both Peter and Autumn have moved on romantically but continued co-parenting harmoniously.
Autumn has been dating Irish property tycoon Donal Mulryan since 2021.
He’s behind major developments worth over £5 billion and is a longtime friend of Prince Albert of Monaco.
Their relationship reportedly began after years of friendship and was confirmed shortly after the divorce.
The couple was seen out and about with Savannah and Isla on Mother’s Day in 2022 at Cirencester Park—another indication of the warm dynamic that continues between Autumn and the royals.
Peter, meanwhile, dated Lindsay Wallace before their relationship ended in 2024.
He’s now with Harriet Sperling, a paediatric nurse, and the pair was seen together at the 2024 Badminton Horse Trials.
Still a Team for Their Daughters
Despite going their separate ways, Peter and Autumn seem to have struck a rare balance between maintaining family ties and moving on.
Their co-parenting approach has kept things positive, and it’s clear that Autumn is still welcomed with open arms by the Royal Family.
In the ever-watchful world of royal watchers, this quiet bond between Princess Anne and her former daughter-in-law stands out—not as a scandal, but as a reminder that some families, even royal ones, can handle change with grace.