Peter Phillips and fiancée Harriet Sperling attend Sandringham church service after missing Christmas Day with royals
The couple announced their engagement in August
Peter Phillips and his fiancée, Harriet Sperling, turned heads at Sandringham on December 28, as they joined King Charles and other senior royals for a church service.
The couple did not join the royal family for the traditional Christmas Day church outing or the walkabout to greet well-wishers.
However, their appearance on Sunday offered a glimpse of their growing presence within the royal fold.
Peter Phillips and fiancée Harriet Sperling join royal family at Sandringham
Peter and Harriet announced their engagement in August. They reportedly spent Christmas Day with Harriet’s family but made the journey to Norfolk to take part in the remaining festivities with his relatives.
It was a particularly special occasion, as it marked Harriet’s debut at the royal family’s private Christmas retreat.
“They both enjoyed Christmas Day with Harriet’s family and today went to Sandringham for the day to enjoy the rest of the festivities with the royal family and doing the more formal part of things there,” a source close to the couple told HELLO!.
“Harriet effortlessly fits in and is at home in that whole environment. They are both enjoying spending time with his family.”
The pair were all smiles as they arrived at the church.
Harriet, an NHS nurse and mother of one, turned heads in a chic houndstooth coat and matching skirt, cinched at the waist with a tie belt. She completed the look with knee-high suede boots, a burgundy clutch, and a headband.
Peter walked proudly beside her in a classic dark suit.
Royal protocol once dictated that unmarried partners could not attend Sandringham for Christmas. However, this tradition has relaxed in recent years.
This marks Harriet’s second high-profile debut of the year. Back in June, she made her first appearance in the Royal Ascot carriage procession. Harriet and Peter rode alongside author Anthony Horowitz and his wife, film producer Jill Green.
Royal family attend Sunday church service
Meanwhile, King Charles looked in good spirits as he arrived for the Sunday service wearing a smart overcoat and tan suede shoes.
By his side was his sister, Princess Anne, in a rich chocolate-toned ensemble with fringed boots and a small fur hat. Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, accompanied her.
Also in attendance were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Sophie chose an oatmeal wool coat, paired with camel-toned boots and a fedora hat.
Members of the extended royal family also joined the service, including David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and his daughter, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones.
The Earl is the son of the late Princess Margaret and a cousin of King Charles.
Prince William and Princess Kate, along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, did not attend the Sunday mass, having taken part in the official Christmas Day service earlier in the week. Queen Camilla was also absent.
Read more: Peter Phillips’ wedding tipped to be ‘private ceremony’: ‘They’ll get it done and dusted’
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