Princess Anne's daughter-in-law shares devastating family news after wedding day

Princess Anne's daughter-in-law shares devastating family news after wedding day Harriet Sperling officially joined the royal family in June when she married Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, having first met him in early 2022 Princess Anne's daughter-in-law Harriet Sperling has opened up about a devastating period in her life, which came shortly before she met Peter Phillips. Harriet and Peter tied the knot at the historic Anglican All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire, in a ceremony attended by members of the royal family. The couple, who have been together for more than two years, initially met through their children and mutual friends before going public with their relationship in May 2024. Reflecting on their special day, the former NHS paediatric nurse specialist revealed how meeting Peter helped her navigate the grief of losing her father, Rupert Sanders. Asked by Hello! Magazine how she met Peter, she explained: "I always told myself that I would much rather meet someone naturally, and that's exactly what happened. "We knew of each other through our children and through mutual friends. We met properly in early 2022, when our three daughters were on the same hockey team. We met watching our children play hockey, chatting casually in a very ordinary way," she added. "My father had died just before I met Peter. I often think maybe that's why Peter came along." She went on to describe Princess Anne's son as her "best friend", adding: "We feel that we're meant to be together. Timing is a very funny thing." Reflecting on her Gloucestershire upbringing, Harriet shared fond memories of her parents and the lasting example they set through their marriage. "I was brought up in a village in the middle of fields. My parents celebrated an incredible 51 years of marriage, and sadly, my father died just before Peter and I got together," she added. In the same interview, Harriet reflected on what she considers the "biggest challenges in life", explaining: "Unexpected things that you hadn't imagined for your life. There is a beauty that comes out of difficult situations. A beautiful jewel is formed under pressure. "Difficulties in life enable you to relate to people and build empathy," she added. Harriet was previously married to fitness instructor Antonio St John Sperling, with whom she shares her daughter, Georgina. Peter was also previously married to Autumn Kelly. The former couple wed in 2008 but divorced in 2021, and share two daughters. In a 2004 article for Woman Alive, Harriet opened up about her experience of being a single mother. “In the earlier years of my journey as a single mother to my daughter, resources were scarce, and the future was uncertain," she wrote. "Yet, in the absence of material security, I discovered the strength and life that comes from true selfless love. A love that is able to be solely devoted to your child."