The new Mrs Peter Phillips made her official debut as a member of the Royal Family this afternoon, joining her husband in the traditional carriage procession at Royal Ascot.
Before the racing got underway, all eyes were on the newlyweds, who tied the knot during an ‘intimate’ ceremony in the Cotswolds less than two weeks ago, as they entered the Ascot paddock in bright sunshine.
Harriet Sperling, 45, and her new husband Peter Phillips arrived in the second royal carriage, with King Charles and Queen Camilla leading the procession in the first, on the opening day of the prestigious British racing event.
NHS nurse Ms Sperling looked the picture of elegance in a Suzannah London blue silk Biarritz dress and cream Jimmy Choo slingback heels as she took her place beside her new mother-in-law, Princess Anne, in the horse-drawn carriage.
Aside from the wedding ring on her left hand, the biggest hint at Ms Sperling’s recent nuptials came via the sky-blue Anya Hindmarch clutch bag she carried – embroidered with her new initials, HP.
Harriet Sperling – aka the new Mrs Peter Philips – made her royal carriage procession on the first day of Ascot
Swapping a bridal carriage for a royal carriage! The newlyweds, pictured on the right hand side of the carriage, were joined in the carriage by Ben Elliot and Princess Anne
Basking in the glow of being newly wed: Peter Phillips beamed as he joined his mother and new wife in the procession
Ms Sperling finished the look with a Mini Mena teardrop-style blue straw hat and a bracelet and earrings by esteemed jeweller Pragnell.
Meanwhile, Peter Phillips cut a dashing figure in his morning suit with top hat and tails – and looked delighted to be enjoying the royal summer calendar event with his new wife by his side.
In a break from royal tradition, the 48-year-old also wore a gold wedding band signifying his pride at his newlywed status.
Men in the royal family and aristocratic circles, including Prince William, tend to not always wear the rings exchanged on their wedding days.
Seated next to Peter Phillips in the carriage was the Queen’s nephew Sir Ben Elliot, former co-chair of the Conservative Party.
Princess Anne, 75, appeared to be enjoying the moment with her new daughter-in-law. The Princess Royal, dressed in a striking striped dress with a wide-brimmed green hat, chatted to Ms Sperling as the carriage made its way into the main paddock.
Also joining the just-married couple in the royal procession were the Duke and Duchess of Wellington, seated beside the King and Queen, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester who waved from the third coach.
It isn’t Ms Sperling’s first appearance at the summer racing event beloved by the Royal Family; with the King and Queen warmly welcoming the couple in 2025.
After arriving in the stands this afternoon, the happy couple shared a tender moment when they raised a glass of champagne.
Ms Sperling looked relaxed as she sipped Ascot’s favourite tipple ahead of an afternoon’s racing.
Animated: The couple looked thoroughly invested in the action playing out on the race course
Echoing the animated displays put on by the late Queen Elizabeth while watching the Ascot races, the newlyweds clearly took their flutters on the races seriously
The new Mrs Peter Phillips was also spotted chatting to her new sister-in-law, Zara Tindall, who was one of the first royals to arrive alongside husband Mike.
And once the racing began, Ms Sperling and her new husband appeared animated at the results below, following the horses closely as they charged for the line.
Ms Sperling couldn’t hide her emotion as she watched the runners and riders below.
The King and Queen also couldn’t hide their emotions as they cheered on their favoured horses, with Charles brandishing a racing guide in the direction of the course.
Queen Camilla, wearing a pale blue ensemble with statement millinery in the same shade, had earlier offered a cheery wave to those watching in the stands as the royals made their grand entrance.
Peter, 48, and Harriet’s outing comes after they wed in front of a host of royals and socialites at All Saints Church, in Kemble near Cirencester, not far from Princess Anne’s home at Gatcombe Park.