Peter Phillips is the only son of Anne, Princess Royal, and the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II. He was born on 15 November 1977 in London and, as of 2026, is 19th in line to the British throne. Unlike many of his cousins, he does not hold a royal title and has built a career outside the formal structures of the monarchy.
His private life made headlines in June 2026 when he married Harriet Sperling, an NHS nurse, in a low-key ceremony in Gloucestershire. The wedding marked a new chapter for the businessman, following his divorce from his first wife, Autumn Kelly, in 2021.
Phillips remains a subject of public interest because of his unique position: a direct descendant of the sovereign who chose a path away from official royal duties. His biography touches on family, sport, business, and the evolving nature of the modern British monarchy.
Who is Peter Phillips? A biography of the Princess Royal’s son
Overview of Peter Phillips
Peter Mark Andrew Phillips
15 November 1977
Anne, Princess Royal, and Captain Mark Phillips
Harriet Sperling (m. 2026)
Savannah Phillips (b. 2010), Isla Phillips (b. 2012)
Businessman, former rugby player
Estimated £1-2 million (unverified)
Key insights about Peter Phillips
- Peter Phillips is the only grandson of Queen Elizabeth II who does not hold a royal title. His parents declined the offer of HRH styles for their children.
- He married Harriet Sperling, an NHS nurse, in a private ceremony in June 2026, marking his second marriage after his divorce from Autumn Kelly.
- His daughters, Savannah and Isla, are 17th and 18th in line to the British throne but do not use HRH styles.
- Phillips had a brief career in rugby, playing for the University of Exeter and later for the Edinburgh Rugby academy, but injuries ended his professional hopes.
- He works as a managing director at SEL UK, a sports and entertainment management company, and has been involved in various business ventures.
Snapshot facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Mark Andrew Phillips |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1977 (age 48) |
| Place of Birth | St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London |
| Parents | Anne, Princess Royal & Mark Phillips |
| Siblings | Zara Tindall (sister) |
| Spouse | Harriet Sperling (m. 2026); previously Autumn Kelly (m. 2008–2021) |
| Children | Savannah Phillips (b. 2010), Isla Phillips (b. 2012) |
| Education | University of Exeter (BSc in Sports Science) |
| Occupation | Businessman (Managing Director, SEL UK) |
| Royal Title | None (declined HRH style) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £1–2 million (not officially disclosed) |
Who is Peter Phillips married to? His relationship with Harriet Sperling
Peter Phillips married Harriet Sperling on 6 June 2026 at All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire, according to several sources. Sperling, an NHS nurse, had been linked to Phillips since 2023, when she began appearing with him at royal family events. The couple reportedly became engaged in 2025.
This is Phillips’ second marriage. He was previously married to Autumn Kelly, whom he wed in 2008 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The couple separated in 2019 and their divorce was finalized in 2021. Kelly is the mother of his two daughters. The reasons for their separation have not been publicly detailed by either party.
Phillips’ wedding to Harriet Sperling was a private affair, in contrast to larger royal ceremonies. The choice reflects his general preference for a life away from the public eye, according to royal commentators.
Does Peter Phillips have children? His daughters Savannah and Isla
Peter Phillips has two daughters with his first wife, Autumn Kelly. Savannah Phillips was born in 2010 and Isla Phillips in 2012. The girls are 17th and 18th in line to the throne, respectively. Neither holds a royal title, as their parents declined the offer of HRH styles on their behalf.
The daughters are raised largely away from the formal spotlight of royal duties. They attend private school in Gloucestershire and are occasionally seen at major family gatherings such as Trooping the Colour and Christmas at Sandringham. Because their father is not a working royal, their public appearances are limited and carefully managed.
Savannah and Isla are among the few royal children in their generation who do not use HRH styles. They share this status with their cousin Mia Tindall, the daughter of Zara Tindall. This places them in a unique category: non-working royals who may take on limited patronages in the future.
What is Peter Phillips’ net worth and career?
Professional life
Peter Phillips has built a career primarily in the private sector. He worked for the Williams Formula One team, Jaguar, and the Royal Bank of Scotland early in his professional life. As of 2026, he serves as a managing director at SEL UK, a sports and entertainment management company.
Rugby career
Rugby has been described as his favourite sport. Phillips played for the junior international Scottish Schools team and toured South Africa with a Scottish rugby side in 1996. Another source notes he represented Scotland at youth and junior level while attending Gordonstoun School. Injuries ultimately prevented him from pursuing a professional playing career.
Net worth
There is no publicly verified figure for Peter Phillips’ net worth. Unofficial estimates, often cited in media reports, place it in the range of £1–2 million. Because these figures are not backed by official disclosures or audited financial statements, they should be treated with caution.
Is Peter Phillips still a working member of the royal family?
Peter Phillips is not a working member of the royal family. He does not carry out official royal duties, does not receive public funding for his activities, and does not use the HRH style. His mother, Princess Anne, made the decision when her children were born that they would not hold royal titles.
Despite this, Phillips remains part of the extended royal family. He attends major family events and is often photographed at occasions such as Trooping the Colour, royal weddings, and the annual Christmas gathering at Sandringham. His status as a non-titled grandson of a monarch is unusual and has drawn attention as the monarchy continues to modernise under King Charles III.
How old is Peter Phillips? A look at his life from youth to now
- 1977 – Born on 15 November at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, the first grandchild of a reigning monarch born at that hospital.
- 1990 – Attends Gordonstoun School in Scotland, following in his father’s footsteps.
- 1996 – Graduates from the University of Exeter with a degree in Sports Science.
- 2000 – Works in sports management and plays rugby for the Edinburgh Rugby academy.
- 2003 – A rugby injury ends his playing career; he moves into banking and asset management.
- 2008 – Marries Autumn Kelly at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
- 2010 – Birth of daughter Savannah.
- 2012 – Birth of daughter Isla.
- 2019 – Separates from Autumn Kelly.
- 2021 – Divorce from Autumn Kelly is finalized.
- 2023 – Introduces Harriet Sperling to the public at royal events.
- 2026 – Marries Harriet Sperling at All Saints Church, Kemble.
What is known and what remains unclear about Peter Phillips?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| His birth date, parents, and siblings are well-documented. | Exact net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary widely. |
| He married Harriet Sperling in June 2026 (confirmed by BBC and royal sources). | His future role in the monarchy after the death of Queen Elizabeth II is unclear. |
| He has two daughters, Savannah and Isla. | Whether he will have more children with Harriet Sperling is unknown. |
| He declined the HRH style and does not perform official royal duties. | Details of his business ventures after leaving SEL UK are not fully public. |
| He worked for SEL UK as a managing director. | His political views or personal opinions are not publicly known. |
What is Peter Phillips’ place in the modern monarchy?
Peter Phillips occupies a unique position in the British royal family. As the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, he was offered a royal title but chose to live a private life. This decision has shaped his public profile and career path.
His marriage to Harriet Sperling, an NHS nurse, reflects a broader shift toward marrying “commoners” that has become common among younger royals. The wedding was private and low-key, contrasting with larger royal ceremonies. His daughters, Savannah and Isla, are among the few royal children who do not have HRH titles. This places them in a similar position to their cousin Mia Tindall, as non-working royals with potential future roles.
As the monarchy modernises under King Charles III, Phillips’ non-title status may become a model for other distant royals seeking private lives. His rugby background and sports management career highlight an interest in athletics, though his business activities remain largely out of the media spotlight.
Sources and key coverage of Peter Phillips’ life
The most reliable information about Peter Phillips comes from established royal biographies and news organisations. BBC News covered his 2026 wedding to Harriet Sperling, providing details on the ceremony and the couple’s background. Wikipedia maintains a comprehensive biography with citations for his birth, education, marriages, and children. Britroyals offers basic family lineage and factual data. Hello Magazine provides recent updates and photographs. The official Royal Family website (royal.uk) supplies background on the Princess Royal and her children.
“King’s nephew Peter Phillips marries NHS nurse”
BBC News, June 2026
“Peter Phillips is the only son of Anne, Princess Royal, and Captain Mark Phillips.”
Wikipedia – Peter Phillips
What happens next for Peter Phillips?
Peter Phillips and his new wife Harriet Sperling may announce whether they are expecting children. He could become more involved in charitable work or business ventures connected to sports. His daughters may eventually take on limited royal patronages, though they are unlikely to assume full-time roles. The couple’s public appearances will be watched for clues about their integration into royal life. Readers interested in the broader history of the British monarchy may also find articles on Queen Victoria – The Monarch Who Defined an Era and Edward Confessor – England’s Saintly King and the 1066 Crisis relevant.
Frequently asked questions about Peter Phillips
Why is Peter Phillips not a prince?
His mother, Princess Anne, declined the offer of HRH titles for her children. Peter Phillips has never used a royal title.
Does Peter Phillips have a job?
Yes, he is a businessman. He has worked in sports management, banking, and currently serves as a managing director at SEL UK, a sports and entertainment firm.
Where does Peter Phillips live?
He lives in Gloucestershire, near his mother’s Gatcombe Park estate. His wife Harriet Sperling is also based there.
Is Peter Phillips close to the royal family?
Yes, he attends family events like Trooping the Colour and Christmas at Sandringham, but he does not carry out official royal duties.
What is Peter Phillips’ relationship with his sister Zara Tindall?
They are very close; both are non-titled grandchildren of the Queen and share a similar outlook on privacy and family.