Royals Gather in the Cotswolds as Peter Phillips Marries NHS Nurse Harriet Sperling

It was the royal wedding the cameras almost didn't get to see. Peter Phillips, the King's nephew and the late Queen Elizabeth II's eldest grandson, married NHS nurse Harriet Sperling on Saturday in a quietly beautiful ceremony at All Saints Church in Kemble, a picture-postcard Cotswolds village near Cirencester — and the place Harriet has always called home.

King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Peter's sister Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall were among those expected to attend the private service, making it one of the most significant royal family gatherings in recent memory — even if the day was deliberately low-key in spirit.

For a man who has always kept a relatively modest public profile despite his royal connections, the setting couldn't have been more fitting. All Saints Church, with its tall spire and warm Cotswolds stone, sits at the heart of the rural village. Harriet, 45, grew up nearby and was a regular worshipper at the church — a detail that clearly meant a great deal to local residents, who threw themselves into preparations with real enthusiasm.

The service was led by the church's newly appointed vicar — already a beloved figure in the community and, according to Hello! magazine, affectionately nicknamed 'DJ Steve' by locals after a memorable turn at the village fete. A local husband-and-wife duo who have given 50 years of service to the church rang the wedding bells, while the internal altar was reportedly moved to accommodate the larger-than-usual guest list. A true community effort for a bride the village clearly adores.

After the ceremony, the royal party was expected to decamp to nearby Gatcombe Park — Princess Anne's 500-acre Georgian estate in Minchinhampton — for the wedding reception. Anne, who purchased the estate originally as a wedding gift from the late Queen in 1976, is said to have been delighted to host the celebrations.

Don't expect anything too flash, though. Royal expert Ingrid Seward told Vanity Fair to think 'wildflowers rather than expensive designer floral bouquets and a seasonal spread of food rather than anything very fancy.' Very Anne, as those familiar with the Princess Royal's no-nonsense approach will well appreciate.

Peter and his sister Zara both live in renovated cottages on the Gatcombe estate, meaning the Phillips clan are quite literally keeping it in the family.

Joining the happy couple at the rehearsal dinner on Friday — where Harriet was spotted beaming in white trousers and a red-and-white striped top — were the children who will form the heart of this new blended family: Peter's daughters Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14, from his first marriage to Canadian Autumn Kelly, and Harriet's teenage daughter Georgina. Hello! reports that the three girls have already formed a close bond over the past year. Peter's half-sister Stephanie, who was a bridesmaid at his first wedding, was also reported to be among the congregation, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Peter, 48, is 19th in the line of succession to the throne — though he held the fifth spot at birth, before the arrival of his cousins William, Harry and beyond. He and Autumn Phillips announced their divorce in 2020, with the split finalised in 2021. The couple share custody of their daughters.

His engagement to Harriet was announced in August, after the pair began dating in 2024. The fact that King Charles — as head of the Church of England — was present at the remarriage of his divorced nephew speaks volumes about how far royal attitudes have shifted in half a century. In the 1950s, Princess Margaret was effectively barred from marrying a divorcé. On Saturday, the whole family turned out to cheer Peter on.

There was, however, a bittersweet note to the weekend. Buckingham Palace announced the death of Lady Pamela Hicks, King Charles's first cousin once removed, who had served as a bridesmaid at the late Queen's own wedding and as one of her ladies-in-waiting. In a statement, the Palace said: 'His Majesty was greatly saddened to learn of the death of Lady Pamela Hicks, a sorrow tempered by the fondest memories and deepest gratitude for her long life and loyal service to Queen Elizabeth.'

As for the King himself — he and Queen Camilla were expected to head straight from the church to Epsom for the Derby, where Charles was due to present the trophy. Even on a family wedding day, royal duty calls.