Peter Phillips quietly broke with tradition this Christmas, choosing love over lineage by spending the festive day with his fiancée’s family rather than heading to Sandringham.
Princess Anne’s son celebrated Christmas away from the royal spotlight, opting for a low-key celebration with Harriet Sperling’s loved ones.
The decision raised eyebrows for some royal watchers, as many expected the NHS pediatric nurse to make her first Christmas appearance at the Norfolk estate alongside the extended family.
Instead, the newly engaged couple intentionally kept things low-key.
Friends of the couple suggested the choice was partly influenced by Harriet’s demanding work schedule last year, prompting them this time around to prioritize time spent together outside of formal royal duties.
Their relationship slowly accelerates. Harriet first appeared alongside Peter at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024, before joining him in the carriage procession at Royal Ascot a month later.
News of the engagement followed in August, confirming that the romance had become serious.
Although wedding plans remain under wraps, the couple are expected to tie the knot next year, with speculation suggesting a private ceremony in line with Peter’s preference for life outside the corporate world.
Back in Sandringham, the tradition continued when 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, joined by Zara and Mike Tindall and their daughters.
