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Is Harriet Sperling the Royal family's new fashion darling?
Is Harriet Sperling the Royal family's new fashion darling?

Telegraph

time5 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Telegraph

Is Harriet Sperling the Royal family's new fashion darling?

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. 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). 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. 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. 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). '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.' 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.' 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.

Princess Anne's Son Just Made a Rare Public Appearance After Report William Has Plans For His Cousins When He's King
Princess Anne's Son Just Made a Rare Public Appearance After Report William Has Plans For His Cousins When He's King

Yahoo

time11-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Princess Anne's Son Just Made a Rare Public Appearance After Report William Has Plans For His Cousins When He's King

Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips, made a rare appearance at Wimbledon with his new girlfriend, Harriet Sperling. Peter, whom Princess Anne shares with her ex-husband Mark Phillips, attended the event in a navy blazer, khaki pants, white shirt, and a navy-and-red striped tie. Harriet, whom the royal has been dating for the past year, wore a light blue linen skirt set. Peter and Harriet met their public debut in May 2021 at the Badminton Horse Trials, where Peter's sister, Zara Tindall, was competing. More from StyleCaster Princess Anne Just Debuted a New Hairstyle For the 1st Time in Decades Princess Anne Is Making King Charles Face the 'Devastating Reality' of His 'Incurable' Cancer Peter's public appearance with his girlfriend comes after his divorce from his ex-wife, Autumn Phillips, whom he separated from in 2020 before finalizing their divorce in 2021. 'Mr Peter Phillips and Mrs Autumn Phillips are pleased to be able to report that the financial aspects of their divorce have been resolved through agreement, the terms of which have been approved and ordered by the High Court today,' a spokesperson for Peter said in a statement at the time. Whilst this is a sad day for Peter and Autumn, they continue to put the wellbeing and upbringing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla first and foremost. Both Peter and Autumn are pleased to have resolved matters amicably with the children firmly at the forefront of those thoughts and decisions. Peter & Autumn have requested privacy and consideration for their children as the family adapts to a new chapter in their lives.' Peter's public appearance also comes after The New York Post reported that Peter's cousin, Prince William, who is first in line for the crown after King Charles, is keeping his cousins on 'ice' ahead of his inevitable ascension to the throne. While the report specifically mentioned Peter and William's cousins, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice—who are the daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson—it's possible that William's plan could extend to other family members. 'They're valuable assets and I'm certain they'll get involved with royal duties when William becomes king,' Ingrid Seward, royal author and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, told Hello! magazine. Seward added that she was 'certain' Beatrice and Eugenie will 'get involved with royal duties' once William becomes king. (Currently, the sisters are not working members of the Firm.) 'It makes perfect sense, because he will need them,' Seward said. 'I see them as a sort of double act, working together in the same way as married couples do. Two gorgeous Princesses working together as sisters would be very powerful. I think it would be wonderful, and I think it will happen.' Buckingham Palace sources also told the New York Post that Beatrice and Eugenie are 'well aware' of William's plans for them. 'I think they would be open to doing more, because they like to give back,' Seward told Hello!, adding that the sisters are 'being kept on ice' until their new roles come. She added, 'They have always been close to William, and the King is very fond of them too. I see them taking on the sort of role that Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Kent had when they were younger, working very hard doing philanthropic work, but not taking center stage.' Seward also predicted that Beatrice and Eugenie will become 'much higher profile' once William becomes king. 'I think people see them as a couple of really charming young married women who are relatable and aren't entitled,' she said. 'And I think people feel for them because they've got this family problem, with their father, which is very embarrassing and difficult for them.' Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways

King Charles' indicates new royal family 'welcome' with move at Royal Ascot
King Charles' indicates new royal family 'welcome' with move at Royal Ascot

Edinburgh Live

time19-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Edinburgh Live

King Charles' indicates new royal family 'welcome' with move at Royal Ascot

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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. READ MORE - Heartbreaking reason Prince Harry changed policy on 'sharing photos of children' READ MORE - Hero rescuers rush to Edinburgh beauty spot as group with dogs 'waist deep in water' 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.

King Charles welcomes new member to royal fold with telling Ascot move
King Charles welcomes new member to royal fold with telling Ascot move

Daily Mirror

time18-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mirror

King Charles welcomes new member to royal fold with telling Ascot move

Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips has made his public debut with his new girlfriend in the royal procession at the first day of Royal Ascot, being warmly welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla Peter Phillips has made his debut with his new girlfriend on the first day of Royal Ascot, with King Charles and Queen Camilla welcoming her into the Firm. The King and Queen led the procession into the Ascot racecourse yesterday to mark the first day of the five-day meet in Berkshire, arriving in the royal carriage. Closely followed behind them were three more carriages, transporting a select group of royals and their confidants. In the third carriage to enter the racecourse was Peter Phillips, Princess Anne's son, and his girlfriend, NHS nurse Harriet Sperling. The couple have been dating for over a year, but this is the first time the two attended a royal engagement together. ‌ ‌ At the end of the procession, those in carriages mingled on the race track before heading to the royal suite, where Harriet was warmly welcomed to the royal event by Charles and Camilla. Harriet, 45, dressed to impress as she wore an ivory jacket and matching skirt, accessorising with a woven hat. Peter, 47, donned his suit and top hat to keep with the event's strict formal dress code. Harriet and Peter have been dating for over 12 months, with rumours of their relationship emerging in the weeks after Peter broke up with his previous partner of three-years, Lindsay Wallace. Despite their relationship still being relatively new, by Harriet receiving an invitation to the royal procession, it seems she has been given the tick of approval by the Firm. The smitten couple have been spotted together at a number of social events, such as Wimbledon, the Badminton Horse Trials, and Cheltenham Races in January. ‌ While at Ascot, Harriet was seen getting on effortlessly with the royals, chatting with Princess Anne on the balcony of the royal suite, while Peter's sister Zara Tindall was at one point seen helping out by fixing her hat. In years past, the late Queen Elizabeth didn't include royal girlfriends in the procession unless they were engaged. However, with the inclusion of Harriet in the procession, it seems King Charles is welcome to include unmarried partners at royal events. Day one of Royal Ascot kicked off yesterday with the royal procession before the first race of the day commenced, as Charles and Camilla watched on in disappointment as their horse, Reaching High, placed a disappointing ninth place. ‌ Charles and Camilla, who are both fans of racing, wrote 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." Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign. Charles and Camilla have taken on her stable of horses and enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when their horse Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes. The tradition of Royal Ascot stems back to the early 1700s, with Queen Anne seeing the potential for a racecourse at East Cote, declaring that it looked an ideal place for 'horses to gallop at full stretch' while out riding. Her Majesty's Plate, which was a race open to any horse over the age of six, first took place on August 11th 1711, with Royal Ascot only growing from then, with this year marking the 200th anniversary of the royal procession, which was started during the reign of George IV in 1825.

Marcus Fairfax Fountaine Of Fairfax And Favor On His British Countryside-Inspired Label
Marcus Fairfax Fountaine Of Fairfax And Favor On His British Countryside-Inspired Label

Forbes

time02-06-2025

  • Business
  • Forbes

Marcus Fairfax Fountaine Of Fairfax And Favor On His British Countryside-Inspired Label

Campaign imagery Established in 2013 by childhood friends Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker, lifestyle brand Fairfax & Favor celebrates all things British. Drawing inspiration from the countryside, the label is loved for its handcrafted tall boots, accessories and outwear that combines practicality with field-to-town fashion. Having built a loyal customer base, the brand likes to keep busy with events in the U.K. and abroad, most recently at the Badminton Horse Trials and The Defender Kentucky, and this year slo announced Zara Tindall as an official ambassador. xx Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founding director of Fairfax & Favor discusses the evolution of his brand, and what's next for British lifestyle label. Marcus Fairfax Fountaine: My business partner Felix and I have always been passionate about footwear. My mother would always tell us that girls judge boys on their shoes, so creating the highest quality and uniquely stylish products is something that has always resonated with us. We both come from a British rural background and found it frustrating that when you were out in the countryside, wellies really were the only practical option. There was just not any option for looking stylish and being practical at same time. So it just seemed obvious to us that there should be something that let you look the part, feel great but be practical for a rural way of life. This is where Fairfax & Favor was born. What started in 2013 with our iconic boot, the Regina, has since evolved into an award-winning luxury lifestyle brand of quality, timeless and versatile footwear, accessories and outerwear designed for modern rural living. Campaign imagery MFF: Fairfax & Favor is a luxury lifestyle brand. We are aspiring to create effortlessly stylish pieces that blend both heritage and modern rural style - timeless, elegant products with a contemporary take. We very much design the full silhouette for a rural lifestyle but with both town and country living in mind. The great thing about this is that at Fairfax & Favor we are, to a certain degree, designing for ourselves, we are our own customer. Where this might begin is thinking of concepts around problems that we could be trying to improve. So for example, our Explorer Boots were born out of conceptualising our super stylish suede Regina to make elegant yet practical and waterproof boots. We are a rural British brand so will often look to heritage, nature, our equestrian roots and the countryside as inspiration for our collections and colour palettes. After concept, the next stage is sketch and from there we will work with our factory partners to get the product development and any technology in place. In the case of the Explorer, we worked with Sympatex who manufacture the waterproof lining and produce first samples. We'll receive leather swatches with the boot and this process is repeated until we have achieved the final sample. Our products go through rigorous testing to include BLC testing for durability, compliance and safety. Our team will be on site at the factory in Portugal to sign off every individual product that comes off the line. The finishing and packaging of the product is as important to us as its development. As a B-Corp registered company, it's crucial that our materials and factories are all ethically sourced and compliant. The essence of the Fairfax & Favor brand is Rural Vogue, creating luxury heritage pieces but with a contemporary take. We take time to engage with our customers whether that is through research of our Facebook community to understand their needs and what they are looking for. We are a young company with a fresh and modern outlook and keen eyes on seasonal trends that we seamlessly entwine with our quality classics. Campaign imagery From our and a customer point of view, our most important pillars are quality, longevity and timeless style. We want people to invest in products that are not going to be in and out in one season, but are timeless in their design and luxurious in their quality. We work with the best factories in Portugal to handcraft artisan products that will stand the test of time – we want customers to wear our products for years to come. The second is delivering a unique experience for our customers. Whether that's an in-store experience in one of our nine U.K. stores where you're offered a glass of bubbles as you explore the range or a one-on-one private appointment where you can order products in advance and have the exclusive attention of one of our fabulous store team. At our show stands, we love to bring the brand to life. We have a saxophonist and a free bar when you try something on that all adds to the unique experience for the customer. The third would be our excellent customer service. We have a fantastic customer service team that we really invest in because we want our customers to feel reassured and special. It's very much what you'd expect but if you have a great experience, you'll tell those you know and you'll come again. We reflect this service ethos that across all parts of our business. There is such a broad range of customers for Fairfax & Favor as we are truly cross generational. We have a wide range of ages that shop with us and this has expanded from a quite young age base when we first started the brand and as the range and our offer has developed. We are predominantly a female led brand, although our men's share is growing. I'd say ultimately our customer is anyone with a passion for style and adventure. They don't buy into fast fashion, they buy better and so they seek something with longevity and comfort but without compromising on style. Campaign imagery My favorite piece is probably our Mini Windsor handbag. Zara Tindall has worn this many times. It's a really versatile crossbody bag, which is so popular because it is so versatile, beautiful and functional, it has just always been a staple. We're proud to have recently announced Zara Tindall as a brand ambassador. Zara has worn our products for many years and I believe she has a genuine appreciation for our values as a brand - quality, longevity and distinctive styles. We feel very honoured to be working with her. In the last six months we have opened another three stores in the U.K., which now takes us to nine. We know how important it is for customers to be able to see, feel and try on products and so we invest in offering them a multi-channel experience with physical stores and of course our easy to use website. We have just finished Badminton Horse Trials which is one of our biggest events of the year. We had a grand stand with a saxophonist, engaging team and a free bar when customers tried on any item as well as an exclusive lake side area where guests could immerse themselves in the action of the event. Oliver Townend of Great Britain aboard Cooley Rosalent on day four of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials 2025 at The Badminton Estate, Gloucestershire. Picture date: Saturday May 10, 2025. (Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images) In the U.S. we have just exhibited at Defender Kentucky which is a huge event in the Fairfax & Favor events calendar. We're now getting ready for the next big shows, The Game Fair, an event that was pivotal in our business growth, and The Defender Burghley Horse Trials where we will be paying homage to some of our most iconic pieces. We are expanding well in the U.S. and now have a store located at the Tryon International Equestrian Centre in North Carolina and a presence this year at 23 shows. Our U.S. share of global sales has grown from 3% to 10% in two years, testament to our dedication to nurturing our U.S. consumer and we are very excited to see where this growth takes us in the future.

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