Latest news with #PeterPhillips
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Ascot 2025: Royals feel the heat as they face 32C temperatures at Ladies' Day on hottest day of the year so far
New royal favourite Harriet Sperling joked with the King on the hottest day of the year so far as she joined the family at Royal Ascot for the second time this week. But Peter Phillips ' NHS nurse girlfriend of more than a year kept her cool, despite Britain seeing highs of 32.2C at Kew, under an hour away, yesterday. Even King Charles was seen adjusting his tie in the tropical conditions as other racegoers cooled down with magnums of champagne and old-fashioned fans. And the going was stifling for the horses, who were doused in buckets of water as forecasters warned of a four-day heatwave set to see Britain turn hotter than Hawaii – with 34C (93F) expected in the South and East this weekend. Ms Sperling – who was honoured to join the monarch's carriage procession on Ascot's opening day – shone in a £725 'Sienna' lemon yellow dress from society favourite Beulah and a matching hat to keep the sun off. And all eyes were on her as she chatted easily with His Majesty, who looked delighted to see his nephew's girlfriend again. It will add fuel to rumours that an engagement may be on the cards – not least because Peter and Harriet were seen holding hands and kissing in the Royal Box. Paediatric specialist Harriet, 45, who has a daughter by a previous relationship, apparently met Princess Anne's son at a sporting event attended by both their children. She lives in Gloucestershire, as does Peter, 47, who has two daughters by Canadian ex-wife Autumn. There was certainly a family feel to yesterday's racing, with the King inviting the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – who were celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary – to join him in the royal carriage procession down from Windsor Castle, along with his sister, Princess Anne, her husband Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, niece Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, as well his other niece Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike. Queen Camilla looked coolly elegant in a silvery blue coat dress by Anna Valentine and matching hat by Philip Treacy, along with the Jardine Star diamond brooch. The Berkshire racecourse has been enjoying record figures this week, and the King's other guests in his carriage – the Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury – were so impressed at the sight of the huge crowds, that the latter pulled her phone from her bag and started filming them as their landau thundered down the course to cheers. It was Ladies Day at the meet, which attracted a host of celebrities and punters dressed to the nines, including former model Jerry Hall, who attended with her son Gabriel Jagger and daughter-in-law Anouk Winzenried. But as the mercury soared to temperatures in excess of 32C –almost 90F – racegoers clad in their finery, including full morning suits for the men, began dropping like flies. At least one person was taken to hospital and more than 40 treated for heat-related illness. As the Hawaii-topping highs of 34C were predicted for tomorrow, in contrast, Honolulu, capital of the US Pacific Island state, is only forecast to reach 29C (84F), while Barbados should hit 32C (89F). Ha-Bea-ness: Princess Beatrice watched on excitedly from the royal box The last time Britain reached 34C in June was almost six years ago on June 29, 2019, at Northolt and Heathrow. The record for the month is 35.6C (96.1F) on June 29, 1957, at Camden Square, central London. As The UK Health Security Agency issued a four-day amber heat health alert from noon yesterday until 9am on Monday, even Newcastle-upon-Tyne is forecast to hit 31C (87.8F) tomorrow. The agency warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 and over. An official heatwave is logged when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25-28C (77-82F) in different parts. Temperatures are set to fall back to the mid-20s by the start of next week.
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Peter Phillips and NHS nurse girlfriend Harriet Sperling walk hand-in-hand at Royal Ascot as The Firm descend upon the racecourse - but still no sign of Kate
Peter Phillips was once again joined by his NHS girlfriend Harriet Sperling as the Firm descended on Royal Ascot for another day at the races. The King was joined by glamorous members of the Royal Family this afternoon as they stepped out for Ladies Day at the Berkshire races. After joining the carriage procession on Monday, Peter and Harriet once again turned heads as they put on another public display of affection. Taking part in the traditional royal procession, Charles, 76, sat next to Queen Camilla, 77, in the first carriage as it travelled past packed stands on the Berkshire course. Joining them in the second carriage was the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as well as Princess Anne, 74, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Charles' stylish nieces Zara Tindall, 44, and her husband Mike, 46, as well as Princess Beatrice, the daughter of Prince Andrew, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi featured in the third and fourth carriage. The King and Queen were driven onto the racecourse to the tune of the national anthem. And in a sign of changing times, the Marchionness of Salisbury, who had joined them in their carriage, was even seen with her phone out, appearing to take pictures to capture the moment. The royal procession is celebrating its 200th anniversary, a tradition which began during the reign of George IV in 1825 when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. His Majesty's appearance today comes after Princess of Wales sparked concern as she pulled out of attending the festival yesterday, apparently at the last minute. But royal sources insisted there was nothing to worry about and that it was simply a case of crossed wires. Aides also stressed that Catherine was continuing to 'balance her return to public life' following her cancer diagnosis last year, after which she made clear that she would resume her duties with a slow and measured approach. The mini-drama came as her husband, Prince William, handed out the prize for the Prince of Wales stakes at the racecourse in Berkshire. Executives at Ascot had expected the princess to join him, travelling down in the carriage procession from Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla. At 12pm they issued the procession list for the day, featuring the Prince and Princess of Wales in the second carriage after the King and Queen. But 22 minutes later, guidance was issued which said Catherine would not be attending. It is understood an 'inaccurate version' of the list was 'issued in error'. An updated list was circulated and Lord Soames – a good friend of the King – lost his seat to make way for William in the first carriage with Charles and Camilla. They were also joined by Saudi's Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud. Sources stressed there was 'no cause for alarm' and Catherine was following guidance palace aides have always given: that she would 'balance her return to public duties', following appearances at Trooping the Colour on Saturday and Monday's Order of the Garter service. They added that she was 'disappointed' not to attend but 'has to find the right balance'. Catherine, 43, had abdominal surgery last January, after which she was told cancer had been present, forcing her to undergo preventive chemotherapy. At the beginning of this year she revealed she was in remission and would begin a slow and measured return to royal life. While Catherine was not present at Ascot, Charles and Camilla were there for the second day running and plan to attend all week. Her Majesty wore an emerald crepe silk dress by Anna Valentine, with a matching hat by Philip Treacy and an emerald and diamond drop brooch which belonged to Queen Elizabeth. The Princess of Wales's mother Carole Middleton also attended, alongside her daughter-in-law Alizee Thevenet, the wife of Kate's brother James Middleton. The King hosted Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of his late aunt Princess Margaret and a favourite of the late Queen. She was joined on the fourth carriage by her artist husband Daniel Chatto. Also in the procession were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who sat in the second carriage. The royal procession is celebrating its 200th anniversary, a tradition begun in 1825 when George IV was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. The King and his wife have continued Queen Elizabeth's close association with the Berkshire race meet, but they had no luck when their horse Reaching High was beaten in the Ascot Stakes. The late Queen was a passionate owner of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
We've found Harriet Sperling's very expensive Ascot outfit on the high street - here's where to shop the royal look for as little as £130
As the partner of Peter Phillips, Harriet Sperling has become a familiar face at royal summer events. This week, she and Peter made a dazzling appearance at Royal Ascot, riding together in a carriage during the traditional procession. Harriet showcased her elegant style in a co-ord by Suzannah London, featuring a cream tweed cropped jacket paired with a matching A-line skirt. She completed the vintage-inspired look with a wide-brimmed hat by Awon Golding, along with an Emmy London clutch and coordinating court shoes. For those with a generous budget, Harriet's exact outfit is available to shop. But if you're looking for a more affordable option, we've curated a lookalike edit below. Shop Harriet's exact look Emmy London Claudia Mid Heels £495 Shop High street alternatives
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Peter Phillips' NHS nurse girlfriend wears £3,720 outfit to Royal Ascot - as she dresses head-to-toe in royal-approved brands
For most NHS nurses across the country, a hat costing just shy of £950 is out of the question. But Peter Phillips ' girlfriend, Harriet Sperling, stepped out of the royal carriage at Ascot yesterday in an outfit totting up to £3,720 - all from royal-approved brands. Harriet, 45, played the part perfectly in a Suzannah London ivory ensemble featuring a cropped jacket with puffed sleeves and matching skirt, costing £890 and £995 respectively. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was dressed by the same designer yesterday in an ivory appliqué daisy lace ensemble costing £3,780. Harriet paired her look with a £395 clutch and £495 mid heel pumps, both by Emmy London, a brand which has been worn by both Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Zara Tindall. While the clutch and heels were repeats, the rest of her outfit was new for Ascot. The most eye-watering cost of all was £945 Awon Golding Millinery hat she wore, a designer previously worn by Meghan Markle. Peter, 47, who is King Charles's nephew, has been dating Harriet for over a year, after breaking up with his previous partner of three years, Lindsay Wallace. Peter, 47, who is King Charles's nephew, has been dating Harriet for over a year, after breaking up with his previous partner of three years, Lindsay Wallace. And the invitation to join the prestigious procession can be seen as a seal of approval from the King and a very high honour. According to royal reporter Ian Lloyd, the late Queen Elizabeth didn't include royal girlfriends in the procession unless they were engaged. In 2022 Peter's ex-girlfriend Lindsay Wallace broke royal tradition with her Ascot appearance as she rode in a carriage despite the couple not being engaged. Harriet is reported to live in Gloucestershire and works as a Paediatric Nurse Specialist for the NHS. The average salary for this role can range between £37,000 to £58,000 per year. Last year, the couple packed on the PDA before meeting with the King and Queen, embarking on their new romance just weeks after his split from Lindsay. The smitten pair have since attended an array of high society events together, including Wimbledon and the Badminton Horse Trials - as well as Cheltenham Races in January. Yesterday, she appeared to be getting on swimmingly with the royals, chatting with Princess Anne on the balcony, while Peter's sister Zara Tindall was at one point seen helping out by fixing her hat. Zara - often regarded for her gregarious manner and popularity among the royal family - was seen exchanging casual greetings and hugs and kisses with the rest of the family. In 2010, Harriet was a key member of a team of medics, doctors and clinicians who helped save the life of a critically ill baby, named Phineas, after he was struck down by a deadly virus aged just three weeks. She featured in a unique tribute, created by Phineas' photographer father Michael Cockerham, which was published in the Guardian Weekend Magazine. The pediatric nurse is related to the Duke of Gloucester through her late father, The Telegraph reported previously. But her curious family ties do not stop there, as the paper also revealed that Harriet's second cousin once removed is Christopher Courage, 61, a descendant of the Courage Brewery's founder John Courage. While no information is available about her ex-husband, Harriet has a daughter, thought to be around the same age as Peter's girls, Savannah, 14, and Isla, 12, whom he shares with ex-wife, Autumn. Peter and Autumn ended their 13-year marriage with a divorce in 2020, but continue to co- parent their daughters. It seems that Harriet may have won the royal seal of approval with her pricey Ascot look. How to win royal approval at Ascot While no dress code rules apply in the Windsor Enclosure, although the majority of guests choose to dress up regardless, a strict dress code operates across the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures. Hats are a must in both Royal enclosures. Alternatively, a headpiece or 'hatinator' with a minimum base diameter of four inches (10cm) is also acceptable. Dresses must be knee length or longer and forget spaghetti straps - all shoulders must be a minimum width of one inch (2.5cm). Strapless, off-the-shoulder and one shoulder items are also banned. Shorts of any kind are not permitted. But having been included in the dress code since 1971, trouser suits remain a popular choice - although they mustn't be mismatched. From 2017 onwards, jumpsuits have also been accepted as Ascot worthy, while men must stick to black dress shoes worn with ankle socks, but there are no footwear specifications for women.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
King and Queen welcome Peter Phillips' girlfriend to Royal Ascot
The King and Queen enjoyed a day at the races as they welcomed the girlfriend of the Princess Royal's son to the royal fold. Charles and Camilla hosted guests in the royal box on the first day of Royal Ascot including the King's nephew Peter Phillips and his partner, NHS nurse Harriet Sperling. She made an appearance for the first time in the carriage procession the royal family make onto the famous Berkshire racecourse to signal the start of the day. The royal procession is celebrating its 200th anniversary, a tradition begun during the reign of George IV in 1825 when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. The King and Queen rode in the first carriage with Prince Faisal, a member of the Saudi royal family, and Lady Sarah Keswick, one of the Queen's official companions. Behind them travelled the Princess Royal with Camilla's sister Annabel Elliot and the Duke and Duchess of Wellington and they were followed by a coach carrying Anne's son Peter Phillips and his girlfriend. Other royals spotted among the crowds included Princess Beatrice and her mother Sarah, Duchess of York and Zara and Mike Tindall. The head of state and his wife have continued Queen Elizabeth II's close association with the Berkshire race meet but they had no luck with the sport of Kings when their horse Reaching High was well beaten in the Ascot Stakes. The late Queen was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign. Charles and Camilla have taken on her stable of horses and enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when their horse Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V states.
