Dressing for the summer’s volatile weather and lengthy list of social events is never easy, but it must be all the more difficult for a woman becoming increasingly visible in the public eye.
One figure who has made this particular combination look easy of late is Harriet Sperling, the NHS pediatric nurse and girlfriend of Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne and eldest grandchild of Elizabeth II.
Since the couple made their public debut at the Badminton Horse Trials in May 2024, Sperling has displayed a seemingly effortless, consistently well-judged sense of style. For that first outing, she wore a blue Zara midi dress, conveniently aligning with – though far from outshining – the Queen, who wore a Samantha Sung dress in a more vibrant blue pattern.
Harriet Sperling (far right) wears a blue Zara midi dress at Badminton Horse Trials, May 2024 – Chris Jackson
But Sperling’s ensembles have had a definite upgrade since then, with a series of summer looks marking her out as a natural fit in The Firm – and one to watch for royal fashion fans. A number of factors are at play behind this evolution, but it’s her contentment that matters above all, according to Virginia (known as Ginnie) Chadwyck-Healey, the former Vogue editor and rumoured Princess of Wales fashion adviser who’s now running her own consultancy, VCH Style.
“I can vouch that [Sperling] is stunning in the flesh and charming too, so there is a genuine ease to her demeanour, allowing her to wear clothes well,” says Chadwyck-Healey.
“I truly believe she is also happy, and that brings so much to an outfit, a person’s stance and their confidence.”
The royal seal of approval
One key to Sperling’s recent dressing success is turning to brands that already have the royal seal of approval. In June, when making her official royal debut in the carriage procession at Royal Ascot, she wore a cream balloon-sleeved jacket and skirt by Suzannah London. This British label is a favourite among members of the royal family, including the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh (the latter also wore the label to Ascot this year).
The royal wore a cream balloon-sleeved jacket and skirt by British label Suzannah London at Ascot this year – Mark Cuthbert
Sperling’s ensemble also happened to align with the cream Self-Portrait dress Catherine wore to celebrate Garter Day at Windsor Castle the day before – further proof that stylish minds think alike.
Sperling’s most frequently spotted accessories, too, can be found in the Princess’s royal style playbook: Penelope Chilvers wedges, Anya Hindmarch bags, Finlay sunglasses, nude pumps. All suggest an awareness of fashion without rocking the boat.
The Princess of Wales wears a cream Self-Portrait dress to celebrate Garter Day at Windsor Castle last month – Getty
Beulah London is another shared favourite; Sperling wore a yellow dress from the socially conscious brand for Ladies’ Day at Ascot, matching the tone set by Princess Beatrice in a yellow Monique Lhuillier dress.
Last year, Sperling opted for a powder pink, bow-detail Beulah dress for Ascot, but she has also explored the brand’s more informal side, wearing a pretty floral midi dress for a charity polo match.
Beulah London is another favourite of Sperling’s – pictured with her partner Peter Phillips in a yellow dress from the socially conscious brand for Ladies’ Day at Ascot this year – Getty
Great British brands
Another style move that makes Sperling a natural fit among the royals is her taste for British brands, from well-known classics like Me+Em to more in-the-know names like Wiggy Kit and St Clair.
This has also allowed her to introduce a more relaxed sense of personality into her public appearances, with a mid-range price tag that makes her an appealing figure to emulate (before the pieces she wears begin to sell out in a flash, that is).
Sperling opted for a powder pink, bow-detail Beulah dress for Ascot last year (pictured with partner Peter) – WireImage
“The overwhelming feedback I have heard from many women is that they are really taken with Harriet – I think we may be looking at a style icon in the making,” says designer Wiggy Hindmarch, whose blue linen chambray co-ord allowed Sperling to bring breezy chic to the Wimbledon Royal Box this year.
“Her style feels effortless, yet considered – exactly what summer dressing should be,” continues Hindmarch. “She has a way of wearing pieces that are relaxed enough for warm days but still hold that polish and femininity we all want when we leave the house. She also has a great eye for colour, what suits her frame and what’s appropriate for each event.”
Sperling with Phillips at the Royal Charity Polo match in Windsor last year – Getty
Continuing a stylish streak at sporting events, Sperling wore a sleeveless midi shirt dress from London-based label St Clair to the recent Royal Charity Polo Cup at Guards Polo Club. Pairing the dress with Gucci sunglasses, diamond earrings and a red manicure, she injected a subtle touch of glamour into the summery look.
A style icon in the making
For now, Sperling seems to be enjoying the sartorial freedom of a figure gradually integrating into The Firm. That could change, of course. “She doesn’t have too much pressure on her, so she can wear what she’s probably always known works for her,” says Chadwyck-Healey.
“She might have a few more brands now wanting to offer her clothes to wear. That doesn’t make it easier per se; it can actually make it harder, so her discerning eye will have to do its best to seek out the true gems that allow her to shine, and not the other way round.”
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling at the Royal Charity Polo Cup in July — she paired her buttermilk St Clair dress with an orchid-pink Anya Hindmarch bag – Max Mumby/Indigo
If her recent looks are anything to go by, Sperling is more than up to the challenge. Many royal fans believe that an engagement could be imminent for the happy couple; whether or not they’re correct, a new royal fashion darling is already on the ascent.
