Peter Phillips: A Detailed Look at His Life, Family, Relationships, and Net Worth

Who Is Peter Phillips?

Peter Phillips is a British businessman and a prominent, though non-working, member of the British royal family. He is widely known as the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, yet he has lived much of his life outside the formal royal spotlight. Unlike many royals of his generation, Peter does not hold a royal title, does not perform official royal duties, and has built a professional career in the private sector.

His position is unique: close enough to the monarchy to be instantly recognizable, yet distant enough to enjoy a relatively independent lifestyle. This balance has shaped his public image as a grounded royal figure who blends tradition with modern professional life.

Early Life and Background

Peter Mark Andrew Phillips was born on 15 November 1977 in London, England. From birth, he occupied a special place in royal history as the first grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Despite this status, his upbringing was deliberately kept as normal as possible.

His parents made a conscious decision that would define his future: Peter would not receive a royal title. This choice allowed him to grow up without the formal obligations that come with being a titled royal, giving him greater freedom in education, career choices, and personal life.

Peter was educated at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, an institution known for its emphasis on discipline, leadership, and outdoor education. Afterward, he studied at the University of Exeter, where he earned a degree in Sports Science. This academic background later influenced his early professional career in sports and motorsport-related industries.

Age and Public Standing

As of 2026, Peter Phillips is 48 years old. Over the years, he has transitioned from being the young royal grandson often photographed at public events to a mature figure balancing family life, business responsibilities, and ongoing public interest.

Though he remains in the line of succession to the British throne, his position is largely symbolic. He is not considered a senior royal, and his lifestyle reflects this distinction. Still, his presence at major royal events—such as jubilees, weddings, and memorial services—keeps him firmly in the public eye.

Net Worth and Career

Peter Phillips’s estimated net worth is around £14–15 million, accumulated primarily through his work in the private sector rather than royal funding. His career path reflects a strong interest in sports, branding, and corporate management.

Over the years, he has worked with:

• Jaguar Racing and Williams Formula One teams
• The Royal Bank of Scotland
• Sports and entertainment management companies

He has also held executive roles, including managing director positions, where he focused on sponsorships and brand partnerships. While some of his commercial ventures attracted media scrutiny due to his royal connections, Peter has consistently emphasized that he earns his income independently.

His financial standing places him among the wealthier non-working members of the royal family, though he does not receive a sovereign grant or public allowance.

Father: Captain Mark Phillips

Peter’s father, Mark Phillips, is a former Olympic gold medalist in equestrian sports. Captain Phillips married Princess Anne in 1973, and together they became one of the most high-profile couples of their era.

Although the marriage ended in divorce in 1992, Mark Phillips remained an influential figure in Peter’s life. From him, Peter inherited a love of sports, competition, and discipline. His father’s sporting legacy also helped shape Peter’s early exposure to elite athletic environments.

Mother and Royal Lineage

Peter’s mother, Anne, Princess Royal, is widely regarded as one of the hardest-working members of the British royal family. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Princess Anne played a crucial role in shaping Peter’s grounded upbringing.

His maternal grandparents were:

• Queen Elizabeth II
• Prince Philip

Being raised within this lineage exposed Peter to royal tradition, public service, and global attention from a very young age, even though he himself was not expected to serve as a working royal.

Family and Siblings

Sister: Zara Tindall

Peter’s closest sibling is his younger sister, Zara Tindall. Like Peter, Zara does not hold a royal title and has forged her own successful path. She is an accomplished equestrian and Olympic medalist, admired for her competitive spirit and down-to-earth personality.

The bond between Peter and Zara is widely regarded as strong. They are often seen together at family events, laughing and interacting naturally, reflecting the informal upbringing their parents encouraged.

Half-Siblings

Through his father, Peter also has two half-sisters. While they live largely outside the public eye, they remain part of his extended family network. Peter’s relationship with them is private, but their existence highlights the blended nature of his family life.

Marriage to Autumn Kelly

In May 2008, Peter Phillips married Autumn Kelly at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Autumn, a Canadian-born management consultant, became a familiar figure at royal events after their marriage.

The couple’s union symbolized the modern face of the monarchy—international, professional, and relatively informal. Together, they navigated royal expectations while raising a family largely away from the spotlight.

However, after more than a decade of marriage, Peter and Autumn announced their separation in 2019. Their divorce was finalized in 2021, with both emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting their children amicably.

Children: Savannah and Isla

Peter Phillips is the father of two daughters:

• Savannah Anne Kathleen Phillips (born 2010)
• Isla Elizabeth Phillips (born 2012)

Both children are part of the royal family’s extended circle and appear occasionally at public events. Savannah, in particular, has charmed the public with her playful personality during royal ceremonies.

Despite their royal heritage, Peter and Autumn have raised their daughters with an emphasis on privacy and normalcy. They attend school outside the palace system and are not styled as princesses, reflecting the same values that shaped Peter’s own upbringing.

Relationship and Engagement to Harriet Sperling

Following his divorce, Peter later entered a relationship with Harriet Sperling, a healthcare professional working within the UK’s National Health Service. Their relationship attracted positive public attention, as Harriet comes from a non-aristocratic background and maintains a career entirely separate from royal life.

The couple became engaged in 2025, signaling a new chapter for Peter. Their relationship is often described as low-key, supportive, and grounded—qualities that align with Peter’s long-standing preference for a private, balanced lifestyle.

Public Image and Role in the Royal Family

Peter Phillips occupies an interesting space within the monarchy. He is close enough to the throne to matter historically, yet distant enough to live independently. He does not carry royal titles, does not receive public funding, and does not represent the Crown officially.

This position has made him relatable to many members of the public. He represents a modern evolution of royalty—one where heritage coexists with professional independence and personal choice.

Legacy and Future Outlook

As the royal family continues to adapt to changing public expectations, Peter Phillips stands as an example of how royal descendants can live outside rigid traditions while still honoring their lineage. His life reflects continuity without constraint, tradition without obligation.

Looking ahead, Peter is expected to remain a familiar figure at family milestones and national events, while continuing to prioritize his career, relationships, and children. His story is not one of power or authority, but of balance, identity, and modern royal life.

Final Words

Peter Phillips’s journey—from royal grandchild to independent businessman and devoted father—offers a compelling portrait of life on the edge of monarchy. His story resonates with readers because it blends history with modernity, duty with choice, and privilege with responsibility. Articles like this help readers understand how royal lives evolve beyond titles and ceremonies, a theme regularly explored on fanzineblog, where culture, personalities, and real-life stories meet thoughtful analysis.