King Charles' indicates new royal family 'welcome' with move at Royal Ascot
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Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, made his first public appearance with his new girlfriend at the opening day of Royal Ascot, where King Charles and Queen Camilla warmly welcomed her into the Royal fold. The King and Queen led the procession into the Berkshire racecourse yesterday, marking the start of the five-day meet as they arrived in the royal carriage.
Following closely behind were three additional carriages, carrying a select group of royals and their close associates. Among them was Peter Phillips and his girlfriend, NHS nurse Harriet Sperling, who were in the third carriage to enter the racecourse.
The couple have been together for over a year, but this marked their first royal engagement as a pair.
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After the procession, those in the carriages mingled on the race track before heading to the Royal suite, where Harriet was warmly received by Charles and Camilla.
Harriet, 45, looked stunning in an ivory jacket and matching skirt, complemented by a woven hat. Peter, 47, adhered to the event's strict formal dress code in his suit and top hat, reports the Mirror.
Rumours of Harriet and Peter's relationship surfaced weeks after Peter ended his three-year relationship with Lindsay Wallace. Despite their relationship still being relatively new, Harriet's invitation to the Royal procession suggests she has received the Royal seal of approval.
The love-struck pair have been turning heads, appearing together at high-profile gatherings such as Wimbledon and Cheltenham Races, with their latest outing at the January's Badminton Horse Trials.
Harriet has been fitting in splendidly with the royals—seen exchanging pleasantries with Princess Anne on Ascot's Royal suite balcony, while Zara Tindall lent a hand by adjusting Harriet's hat.
(Image: PA)
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
Previously, it was unheard of for Royal girlfriends to participate in the procession if they weren't betrothed; nonetheless, Harriet's presence signals that King Charles seems open to having unmarried partners partake in regal occasions.
Yesterday marked the commencement of Royal Ascot with the traditional Royal procession before the day's racing began, where Charles and Camilla looked on, their spirits dampened as their entry, Reaching High, finished in a disappointing ninth.
Avid racing enthusiasts Charles and Camilla shared in the official Royal Ascot programme: "Having experienced the thrill of victory at Royal Ascot ourselves in 2023, we can only wish all those competing this week the very best of luck and that everyone watching has a most enjoyable five days."
The late Queen Elizabeth II's dedication to racing saw her thunder to victory with over 20 Royal Ascot champions throughout her reign. Taking up her prestigious mantle, Charles and Camilla celebrated their initial Royal Ascot triumph in 2023 when Desert Hero galloped to success in the King George V Stakes.
Royal Ascot's prestigious legacy dates back to the early 18th century when Queen Anne identified East Cote as a perfect spot for "horses to gallop at full stretch" during a ride.
The inaugural Her Majesty's Plate, welcoming horses aged six and above, was held on August 11th, 1711, setting the stage for Royal Ascot's expansion, with this year celebrating the bicentenary of the Royal procession initiated in George IV's era in 1825.
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