The Royal Grinch: Peter Phillips Ditched Sandringham Christmas to Spend Time With Romantic Partner in Scotland

Princess Anne's eldest child, Peter Phillips, is typically seen in the annual St Mary Magdalene Church procession with the royals, but was nowhere to be found this year. Instead, the eighteenth in line to the British throne decided to spend the holiday in Scotland with his partner, Lindsay Wallace.

Phillips' daughters, Savannah and Isla, were also absent from the Sandringham House festivities, and it is believed they were spending Christmas with their mother, Autumn Kelly. Phillips and his children were both seen smiling at Kate, Princess of Wales' third annual "Together at Christmas" concert on December 8.

This news comes after a recent scandal attached to Phillips briefly made the news cycle in early November. At that time, he was set to stage an event at Kensington Palace known as "ICE," which was set to allow people to ice skate at the London royal palace this winter. The attraction was ultimately postponed to next year "due to recent world events which have affected safety and security in the area," a statement read.

"It will be disappointing for Peter Phillips. This is someone who does not have an HRH title, he is a private citizen. Yes, he is Princess Anne's son, but he has made his own living and runs an event company. He would have thought he had landed gold by getting this gig. It has been pulled for security reasons, understandably, and it will be a big blow for him because this would have been a big money spinner," royal expert Katie Nicholl dished after the news of the canceled gig came out.

She continued: "I think there is probably a silver lining to this cloud for the King and the royal family. For a member of the royal family, even if they do not carry the HRH title, Princess Anne's son being seen to cash in on his royal connection has all sorts of problems associated with it."

Phillips separated from his wife in 2020 after 12 years of marriage. Peter and Autumn divorced the following year but are said to remain on good terms as both continue to jointly raise their two daughters.

"Mr Peter Phillips and Mrs Autumn Phillips are pleased to be able to report that the financial aspects of their divorce have been resolved through agreement, the terms of which have been approved and ordered by the High Court today. Whilst this is a sad day for Peter and Autumn, they continue to put the wellbeing and upbringing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla first and foremost," the couple's 2021 divorce statement read.

GBN reported on Phillips' Sandringham absence.