Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips in races looks

On the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, Peter Phillips’ fiancée, Harriet Sperling, and her future mother-in-law were spotted catching up

rincess Anne and her future daughter-in-law put their ever-growing bond on full display on Friday as both ladies headed out on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Harriet Sperling, 45, was seen greeting the mother of her fiancé, Peter Phillips, with Princess Anne offering her a kiss on the cheek.

Princess Anne was pictured giving Harriet Sperling a friendly kiss© James Whatling
Princess Anne was seen offering Harriet a kiss on the cheek on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham Festival

Princess Anne and Harriet’s warm greeting

The NHS nurse, who announced her engagement to Peter Phillips in July 2025, seemed right at home with her future in-laws as she was also pictured with Peter’s sister, Zara Tindall, and brother-in-law, Mike Tindall.

Zara Tindall and Harriet Sperling posing for a photo at Cheltenham© PA Images via Getty Images
Zara Tindall and Harriet Sperling seem to have a blossoming friendship

The foursome was seen sharing a joke as they posed for photos, and Zara and Harriet put their chic outfits on full display as they posed for a ladies-only snap.

Harriet displays bond with Peter’s family

Harriet looked classically elegant in the ‘Winchester’ coat dress by Suzannah London, featuring a high Mandarin neckline, button-down front, and floaty skirt.

Zara Tindall, Mike Tindall, Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips sharing a laugh at Cheltenham© PA Images via Getty Images
Zara Tindall, Mike Tindall, Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips were spotted sharing a giggle at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival

She teamed it with the ‘Mortimer Clutch in Iceberg’ by Anya Hindmarch, as identified by Royal British Fashion on Instagram, as well as Penelope Chilvers’ ‘Sinatra’ boots and Jane Taylor’s ‘Selene’ hat. The brands she chose have previously been worn by the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Zara Tindall, proving her impeccable sense of style.

Harriet and Peter looked the epitome of a loved-up pair. They were seen walking hand in hand and were all smiles as they enjoyed private conversations.

Peter Phillips in a brown suit and Harriet Sperling in a checked coat© PA Images via Getty Images
Peter Phillips and his fiancee Harriet Sperling looked glamorous at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival

Though she made appearances at New Year’s Day Racing Meet at Cheltenham Racecourse and at Wimbledon last summer, Harriet was last pictured with Princess Anne, once again greeting each other with a kiss on the cheek, at Royal Ascot last June.

Harriet and Peter announce their engagement

Harriet and Peter are said to have met at a sporting event attended by their children and exclusively announced their engagement with HELLO!.

A statement issued for the couple by Gerard Franklin read: “Mr Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips and Ms Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr Rupert Sanders and Mrs Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement.

The King and Queen with Peter and Harriet at Royal Ascot 2024© Getty Images
Harriet is getting to know Peter’s family

“Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement. Their Majesties The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales, have been informed of the announcement. No date has been officially set for the wedding.”

Royal photographer James Whatling, who has photographed Peter and Harriet several times, including at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, tells HELLO!: “We were waiting for this news. You can’t watch this couple for too long without noticing how close they are, they’re so tactile and they’re clearly so in love. It was only a matter of time.”