Cheers rang out across the tiny Gloucestershire village of Kemble on Saturday as the royal family descended on All Saints Church to watch Peter Phillips — the King's nephew and the late Queen Elizabeth II's eldest grandson — marry NHS nurse Harriet Sperling in one of the most warmly anticipated royal weddings in years.
The bride arrived to shouts of 'hip hip hooray' from well-wishers gathered behind metal barriers, stunning in a high-necked lace gown by Emilia Wickstead — the very designer beloved by the Princess of Wales — complete with a full veil, custom ivory satin Jimmy Choo heels, and a tiara and earrings by Mayfair jewellers Pragnell, who also crafted her engagement ring.
'We were blessed to have her here,' said one church official of the bride, who was local to All Saints Church — the very reason the couple chose the quaint, spire-topped village venue for their big day.
A Family Affair in the Cotswolds
The guest list read like a royal roll call. King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by cheers as they arrived, while Prince William and Princess Catherine — who left their three children at home — gave the crowds a quick glimpse before ducking inside under umbrellas as rain swept across the area. Zara and Mike Tindall were in attendance alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie arrived with their respective husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank.
Twelve-year-old Mia Tindall was spotted sheltering under an umbrella outside the church, while Phillips' own daughters — Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14, from his first marriage to Autumn Kelly — served as bridesmaids alongside Sperling's teenage daughter Georgina. It was a touchingly blended family portrait for the cameras.
The ceremony was led by the Rev Dr Steve Bullock, priest-in-charge of All Saints', with the address delivered by the Rev Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of the Alpha Course and retired former vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton. Sperling, by all accounts a committed Christian, is said to have been closely involved in every detail of the service.
From Kemble to Gatcombe — and On to Epsom
Once the ceremony concluded, the newlyweds beamed as Peter held a white umbrella aloft and the couple sped off to Gatcombe Park — Princess Anne's estate just a mile away — for the reception. The party, organised by society planners Bentley's Entertainment (founded by Peregrine Armstrong-Jones, half-brother of the late Princess Margaret's former husband), is expected to continue well into the night. The firm previously handled Phillips' 21st birthday at Windsor Castle and his 2008 wedding to Autumn Kelly, as well as the Beckhams' nuptials and Princess Eugenie's Windsor wedding.
The King and Queen, however, had to love them and leave them — dashing off to the Epsom Derby, where as joint patrons of The Jockey Club they were due to present the trophy to the winning connections of The Derby, the highlight of the flat racing season.
A Village Swept Up in Royal Excitement
For the residents of Kemble, the day was nothing short of extraordinary. Locals had been preparing for months — a special litter pick was organised, and bell ringers had been quietly practising in anticipation. After the guests had departed for Gatcombe, the church threw open its doors so villagers could step inside and see the stunning floral arrangements adorning the altar and pews, with blooms taken home as mementos and the rest donated to local community groups.
Well-wishers had travelled from far and wide. Pemil, originally from the Philippines but now living in nearby Malmesbury, arrived with her daughter Adrielle clutching flowers. 'We're very excited to be here,' she said. 'I'd like to give these flowers to any members of the royals, but particularly Kate.' Local resident Zoe Fraser summed up the village mood perfectly: 'It's very exciting having the royal family coming to your village.'
One notable absentee from proceedings was Prince Harry. Reports suggest the Duke of Sussex was not on the guest list — a reflection of the growing distance between Harry and his British family, including his cousin Phillips, with whom he was once close. Phillips, 48 and 19th in line to the throne, began dating Sperling in 2024 after his split from Autumn Kelly in 2020 following 12 years of marriage. Their engagement was announced in August 2025. Saturday, it's safe to say, was worth every moment of the wait.
