Vital role 'normal' royal who was one of late Queen’s favourites plays for William and Kate
Topics: Royal Family, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Wedding
Greg Harris
Featured Image Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Topics: Royal Family, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Wedding
Peter Phillips is marrying Harriet Sperling on Saturday (6 June) at All Saints Church in Cirencester, in what has been described as an ‘intimate but deeply significant’ ceremony.
Phillips' mother, Princess Anne, and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence are on the guest list, as well as King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Despite being the King’s nephew, Phillips, 48, is not a working royal, which suggests the ceremony will not feature the traditions we’ve seen in previous royal weddings.
Phillips has been hailed as one of the Royal Family's most important behind-the-scenes figures. He was famously a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II and was her eldest grandson and has long been valued for his down-to-earth nature and close bond with senior royals.
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Ahead of his wedding, a royal expert has shed light on the important role he plays privately, revealing why his famously ‘normal’ upbringing and easy-going personality make him a favourite among senior royals, including Prince William and Princess Kate.
“Let’s face it, the royals have had a tough time of it lately - both privately and in the headlines,” explains royal butler Grant Harrold via CasinoHawks. “Whenever there is a royal occasion like a wedding or a christening, people get really excited about it. There is a real positive and happy vibe - which is just what the Royal Family needs at the moment.
"We see the royals looking amazing, all dressed up. And we’ll hopefully see them interact as a family, getting a rare glimpse into the personal relations they share away from the media eye. Little things like seeing them greet each other outside the church with kisses and hugs, just that little reminder that they are a real family - while of course very unique.”
Harrold adds: "Peter was a real favourite of the late Queen, and he’s really cherished by the rest of the family. He and his sister Zara Tindall are really fun, easy-going and down to earth. Princess Anne worked hard to raise them away from the royal world as she knew they would never become senior or working royals.
“This has resulted in them being very 'normal' which is a real attraction to Prince William, Kate, the King and other members of The Firm.
“It’s set to be a very special occasion, I think it will be a beautiful day. I know the King will be really looking forward to it."
Phillips’ more down-to-earth approach is said to be particularly valued by William and Kate, who have increasingly sought to present a more relatable image of royal life. Harrold previously claimed the Prince and Princess of Wales are deliberately moving the monarchy in a more modern direction, pointing to their decision to make a family home in Windsor their long-term base rather than a traditional royal residence.