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Not the Yorks or Sussexes — Peter Phillips’ Wedding Could See an Unexpected Guest Steal the Spotlight

The upcoming royal wedding is expected to have senior royals like King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate step out.

Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips smile as they attend day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2025, in Ascot, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)
Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips smile as they attend day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2025, in Ascot, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)

One of the lesser-known members of Princess Anne’s extended family could be among the most fascinating guests during Peter Phillips upcoming wedding to Harriet Sperling, scheduled for June 6. While all the attention surrounding the ceremony meant to be held at All Saints’ Church in Gloucestershire has been on the expected attendance of all other important senior royals, another family member may steal the spotlight with their appearance. It’s none other than Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips’ half-sister, Stephanie Phillips. Despite her tight-knit bonds with some of the monarchy's most influential figures, Stephanie has spent her life largely avoiding the royal spotlight—making her upcoming appearance in Gloucestershire one of the day's most fascinating storylines.

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling attend day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang/WireImage
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling attend day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. (Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang/WireImage)

According to HELLO!, Stephanie is expected to be part of the guest list when Peter marries Sterling. The upcoming royal wedding is expected to have senior royals like King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate step out. Although there hasn’t been any official confirmation of their attendance yet, Prince Harry is not expected to attend, as a friend told the outlet that the cousins simply “lost touch” over time. At the same time, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson have also not been invited.  Amidst these absences, Stephanie’s presence could offer a reminder of the close-knit family connections that continue behind the scenes.

Stephanie is the daughter of Princess Anne’s first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, and his second wife, Sandy Pflueger. Most royal fans must know how Anne and Mark divorced in 1992 after nearly two decades of marriage; however, their children remained closely connected. Despite their significant age gap, Stephanie, aged 28, Zara, aged 45, and Peter, aged 48, have consistently maintained a warm relationship. Stephanie was first spotted serving as a flower girl at Peter’s 2008 wedding to Autumn Phillips and then again at Zara’s wedding to Mike Tindall in 2011. On Instagram, she once affectionately described Peter as the "best big brother out there." It offered a rare glimpse into their enduring bond.

tephanie Phillips, half sister of Zara Phillips, attends (in her role as flower girl) the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk on July 30, 2011 in Edinburgh, Scotland.  (Image Source: Getty | Max Mumby/Indigo )
Stephanie Phillips, half-sister of Zara Phillips, attends (in her role as flower girl) the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk on July 30, 2011, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Image Source: Getty | Max Mumby/Indigo )

That connection extends beyond family occasions. Like her half-sister Zara, known to be an Olympic equestrian, Stephanie has built a life around horses as well. The latter was raised at Aston Farm on the Gatcombe Estate and attended Dean Close School in Cheltenham. When it comes to academic pursuits, she studied Business Management at the University of Worcester and graduated in 2021. Later, she started her career as an equestrian eventing professional. Stephanie has competed at major events, including Barbury, Wellington, and West Wiltshire, and has earned sponsorships from Voltaire Design and Champion. However, she has remained largely absent from social media since 2022, perhaps to focus on her life away from the public chatter.

Zara Phillips and half sister Stephanie Phillips attend day 1 of the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park on August 7, 2015 in Stroud, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby Indigo )
Zara Phillips and half-sister Stephanie Phillips attend day 1 of the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park on August 7, 2015, in Stroud, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby Indigo)

Stephanie's 2022 wedding to William Hosier at Tetbury's St. Mary the Virgin Church underscored her deep ties to the royal family. The ceremony was attended by her sister Zara and Princess Anne, while her father, Captain Mark Phillips, proudly walked her down the aisle. Now, as Peter readies for his second wedding, Stephanie’s expected presence will spark a family reunion and offer a glimpse into a typically low-profile branch of the monarchy.

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