Peter Phillips – Biography, Family, and Latest News
Peter Phillips, the eldest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, has spent most of his life away from the spotlight despite his royal lineage. Born to Princess Anne and Mark Phillips in 1977, he is a British businessman who built a career in sports management and finance. In 2026, he married Harriet Sperling in a private ceremony, marking a new chapter in his personal life.
Unlike many of his relatives, Peter Phillips holds no royal title and has never taken on official royal duties. He is a nephew of King Charles III and was once high in the line of succession, but by 2026 he stands 19th in line. His life choices, from his career in the private sector to his low-key wedding, reflect a deliberate distance from the formalities of royal life.
His story is one of a modern royal: a businessman, a father of two daughters, a rugby enthusiast, and a man who has navigated marriage, divorce, and remarriage under public scrutiny while maintaining a relatively private existence.
Who is Peter Phillips?
Peter Mark Andrew Phillips was born on 15 November 1977 at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. He is the only son of Anne, Princess Royal, and Captain Mark Phillips. As the first grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, he attracted considerable public interest from birth, though his parents chose to raise him without a royal title.
- Full name: Peter Mark Andrew Phillips
- Born: 15 November 1977, London
- Parents: Anne, Princess Royal & Mark Phillips
- Spouse: Autumn Kelly (2008–2021), Harriet Sperling (2026–)
- Children: Savannah (b. 2010), Isla (b. 2012)
- Notable role: British businessman, eldest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II
Key insights about Peter Phillips
- He is the only grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II without a royal title.
- His 2021 divorce from Autumn Kelly was a rare royal divorce not involving a senior working royal.
- His 2026 marriage to NHS nurse Harriet Sperling was a private ceremony, reflecting his low-profile lifestyle.
- He is known for his interest in rugby and has been photographed at matches, though he never played professionally.
- His association with Dior is limited to occasional appearances and brand collaborations, not a formal ambassadorship.
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Mark Andrew Phillips |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1977 |
| Place of Birth | St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London |
| Parents | Anne, Princess Royal & Mark Phillips |
| Siblings | Zara Tindall (sister) |
| Spouse 1 | Autumn Kelly (m. 2008, div. 2021) |
| Spouse 2 | Harriet Sperling (m. 2026) |
| Children | Savannah Phillips (b. 2010), Isla Phillips (b. 2012) |
| Occupation | Businessman (sports management, finance) |
| Royal Title | None (style: Mr. Peter Phillips) |
| Notable Interest | Rugby (supporter, occasional participant) |
| Brand Association | Dior (appearances, no formal role) |
Who is Peter Phillips’ wife?
Peter Phillips married Autumn Kelly, a Canadian management consultant, on 17 May 2008 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The couple separated in 2019, announced plans to divorce in 2020, and the divorce was finalized in 2021. Together they have two daughters.
In 2025, Peter Phillips became engaged to Harriet Sperling. Several reports say they married on 6 June 2026 in a private ceremony at All Saints Church in Kemble. The wedding was described as intimate and attended by members of the royal family.
Some reports indicate that a formal wedding date had not been set at the time of the engagement announcement, reflecting the timing of different news outlets’ reporting. The exact sequence of events between the engagement and the marriage has not been uniformly documented.
About Harriet Sperling
Harriet Sperling is the woman Peter Phillips became engaged to and later married in 2026. Limited biographical detail is publicly available. She has been identified in reports as an NHS nurse, but further information about her background, career, and family remains largely private. Sources such as Hello Magazine and Town & Country have noted her reserved profile.
Peter Phillips’ wedding to Autumn Kelly
His first marriage to Autumn Kelly took place in 2008 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The wedding was a high-profile royal event, though Peter’s non-titled status meant it was less formal than those of senior royals. The couple separated in 2019, and the divorce was finalized in 2021.
Does Peter Phillips have children?
Yes, Peter Phillips has two daughters with his first wife, Autumn Kelly. Both girls were born in London and hold no royal titles.
Savannah Phillips was born on 29 December 2010. Isla Phillips was born on 29 March 2012. The girls are great-granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth II and are known to have attended family events such as the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
As of 2026, no reports indicate that Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling have children together.
What is Peter Phillips’ connection to rugby?
Peter Phillips is a known rugby enthusiast. He has been photographed attending matches and has expressed interest in the sport over the years. However, he never played professionally.
His involvement appears to be that of a fan and occasional participant rather than a formal role within the sport. He studied Sports Science at the University of Exeter, which aligns with his broader interest in athletics and physical activity.
His rugby connection is well-documented through photographs and match attendance. The sport has been a consistent thread in his public life, offering a rare glimpse into his personal interests beyond royal engagements.
Summary
Peter Phillips has carved a path distinct from the traditional royal trajectory. Without a title, without official duties, and with a career built outside the palace walls, he represents a quieter branch of the royal family. His two marriages, his two daughters, and his consistent presence at rugby matches paint the picture of a man who, despite his lineage, has chosen to live life on his own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Peter Phillips?
Peter Mark Andrew Phillips is the eldest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, the only son of Anne, Princess Royal, and Captain Mark Phillips. He is a British businessman born on 15 November 1977 in London.
Who is Peter Phillips’ wife?
Peter Phillips married Autumn Kelly in 2008, and they divorced in 2021. He married Harriet Sperling in 2026 in a private ceremony.
Does Peter Phillips have children?
Yes, he has two daughters with Autumn Kelly: Savannah Phillips (born 2010) and Isla Phillips (born 2012).
What is Peter Phillips’ connection to rugby?
Peter Phillips is a rugby enthusiast and supporter. He has been photographed attending matches and studied Sports Science at the University of Exeter, but he never played professionally.
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