Harriet Sperling Makes Two Quiet Tributes to Husband at Royal Ascot That Many Missed
Beyond the couple's affectionate appearance, it was Sperling's decision to publicly adopt a new name that caught royal watchers' attention.
Just days after their intimate June 6 wedding, Princess Anne's son Peter Philips and NHS nurse Harriet Sperling made their glowing public debut as newlyweds at Royal Ascot. While the couple practically radiated marital bliss, what truly caught the eye of royal onlookers was Sperling's choice to publicly debut her new married name.
While their recent wedding marked the start of a new chapter, Royal Ascot 2026 served as the official public debut of Harriet’s new moniker. The NHS nurse looked effortlessly regal in a stunning blue Suzannah London dress, perfectly accessorized with a pair of diamond earrings and a tennis bracelet—yet it was her new name that caught everyone's attention.
Arriving together with Princess Anne and Zara Tindall in a carriage, Harriet proudly showed off her new married title as the official Royal Ascot carriage list for opening day formally introduced her as Mrs. Peter Phillips. The sweet detail was mirrored on her Royal Enclosure name badge, marking her very first public appearance under her new name since saying "I do."
The move comes after several BBC reports suggested that Sperling would become Mrs. Phillips upon her marriage. While Harriet's name change garnered much attention, many missed her sweet tribute to her husband. The new bride paid a subtle tribute to her husband through her choice of jewellery. Nestled beneath her elegant low bun were diamond drop earrings from Pragnell. It is the same jeweller behind her trilogy engagement ring. By wearing a piece from the brand so closely linked to their love story, Harriet added a meaningful and deeply personal touch to the occasion.
Phillips and Sperling were seen traveling in the second horse-drawn carriage of the Royal Procession, immediately behind King Charles and Queen Camilla. Though it was her very first official event since the wedding, the new bride looked completely at ease blending in with her new family. From the Royal Box, she was seen laughing with Zara Tindall, sitting with her new mother-in-law, Princess Anne, and sneaking sweet moments with her husband.
This is the second marriage for both. Peter shares daughters Savannah (15) and Isla (14) with his ex-wife, Autumn Kelly, while Harriet shares her 13-year-old daughter, Georgina, with her former husband, fitness instructor Antonio St. John Sperling.
