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Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s Wedding Had a Surprising Nod to Harry and Meghan That Many Missed

While the event brought out senior royals —including Charles, Camilla, William, Kate, and even Beatrice and Eugenie—Harry and Meghan were notably absent.

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling depart All Saints' Church following their wedding; (Inset) Meghan Markle at the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo; (Inset) Mark Large/WPA Pool
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling depart All Saints' Church following their wedding; (Inset) Meghan Markle at the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo; (Inset) Mark Large/WPA Pool

The royal family recently gathered to celebrate the wedding of Peter Phillips and his partner, Harriet Sperling. While the event brought out senior royals—including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and even Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were notably absent. An insider later revealed that the Sussex duo was not invited to the wedding; they received a special nod from the happy couple.

Peter And Harriet Phillips pose at their Royal wedding at All Saints' Church on June 8, 2026 in Kemble, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Handout)
Peter and Harriet Phillips pose at their royal wedding at All Saints' Church on June 8, 2026, in Kemble, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Handout)

Talking to HELLO!, an insider revealed that Harry and Markle "weren't invited" because they had "lost touch" with his cousins over time. Yet, even without an invitation, the Sussexes were there in spirit. Following the ceremony, the newlywed couple drove away in a vintage Phantom IV Rolls-Royce. It was a striking, accidental nod to the Duchess, who rode in that very same car on her way to marry Prince Harry in 2018.

(L) Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling leaving from their wedding, (R) Meghan Markle arriving at St. George's Chapel with her mother, Doria Ragland (Image Source: (L) Getty Images I Samir Hussein/WireImage, (R) Getty Images I Noam Galai/GC Images)
(L) Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling leaving from their wedding; (R) Meghan Markle arriving at St. George's Chapel with her mother, Doria Ragland. Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Samir Hussein/WireImage; (R) Noam Galai/GC Images

The iconic Phantom IV is a storied piece of royal history. Originally ordered as a personal car for the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, it remains part of the official state fleet and is still occasionally used by Charles and other royal family members for high-profile events, like the recent wedding.

As for the attendees for this intimate event, it was not just Harry and Markle who were left out; even the disgraced royals Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, were omitted from the guest list. Their two daughters, though, were welcomed with open arms.

Elaborating on the guest list exclusions, an insider previously told HELLO! that inviting Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson was likely "not deemed appropriate," adding, "It's Peter and Harriet’s special day, and clearly their attendance would cause a distraction." The source further noted that Peter and Harry "haven't spoken for several years and have simply lost touch, so he hasn't been invited." Prince Harry wasn't the only notable absentee, however; Prince Edward and Sophie’s daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, also missed the ceremony despite the rest of her family being there. The university student likely skipped the nuptials due to her demanding schedule as a final-year English student at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince Harry during a reception at the Guildhall following the National Service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday at St Paul's Cathedral on June 10, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Hannah McKay - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince Harry during a reception at the Guildhall following the National Service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday at St. Paul's Cathedral on June 10, 2016, in London, United Kingdom. (Image Source: Getty Images | Hannah McKay/WPA Pool)

HELLO's representative, Lucy Norris, who was present at the wedding, shared exclusive details on what actually went down at the ceremony. "The bride and groom looked absolutely radiant," Norris wrote, before continuing, "They delighted the crowds as they shared a kiss in the car as they left. Their happiness was shining through as they waved to onlookers, and it was clear that the entire day had gone exactly as they’d planned, despite the rain."

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