Peter Phillips quietly broke with tradition this Christmas, choosing love over descent by spending the festive day with his fiancee’s family instead of going to Sandringham.
Princess Anne’s son marked Christmas away from the royal spotlight, opting for a low-key celebration with Harriet Sperling’s relatives.
The decision raised a few eyebrows among royal watchers, as many had expected the NHS pediatric nurse to make her first Christmas appearance at the Norfolk estate with the wider family.
Instead, the newly engaged couple deliberately kept things understated.
Friends of the couple have suggested the choice was partly influenced by Harriet’s demanding work schedule last year, which led them to prioritize time together away from formal royal duties this time around.
Their relationship has quietly taken off. Harriet first appeared in public with Peter at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024, before joining him in the Royal Ascot carriage procession a month later.
Engagement news followed in August, confirming that the romance had turned serious.
While the wedding plans remain secret, the pair are widely expected to tie the knot sometime next year, with speculation suggesting a private ceremony in line with Peter’s preference for life outside the firm.
Back at Sandringham, the tradition continued as King Charles and Queen Camilla led the family to St Mary Magdalene Church for the annual Christmas Day service.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attended with their children. Princess Anne arrived with Sir Tim Laurence along with Zara and Mike Tindall and their daughters.
