Peter Phillips’ Fiancee Is Undergoing Balmoral Test with Royal Family

Before marrying into the royal family, Harriet Sperling is taking on the “Balmoral Test.”

Harriet, who got engaged to Queen Elizabeth’s grandson Peter Phillips earlier this summer, is reportedly in Scotland with the royals as they spend time at their beloved Balmoral estate, an annual summer tradition. Since she’s visiting the castle for the first time, Harriet is undergoing the “Balmoral Test” — the unofficial initiation into the family.

A source told The Sun, “Everyone knows Peter is smitten and his family have accepted Harriett into the set up, so she will likely pass the infamous Balmoral Test with flying colors.”

The “Balmoral Test” essentially involves fitting into the royal family, from following protocol to keeping up with them during their outdoor adventures. It even inspired an episode of The Crown, following Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher as they visit Balmoral Castle for the first time.

Tobias Menzies, who played Prince Philip in the series, told the Hollywood Reporter, “Diana gets it and therefore passes with flying colors, [which] is a big part of why that relationship is championed by the family going forward. Whereas Thatcher is out of her depth and doesn’t understand the hidden, unspoken rules, and sets up the rest of the series about her kind of animosity to the privilege of this class.”

Harriet has previously joined Peter on several outings with the royal family, including mingling with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Royal Ascot, further hinting that she’s already been welcomed into the fold.

King Charles’ nephew, 47, announced his engagement to Harriet, an NHS nurse, after a year of dating. Hello! magazine was the first to report the news and share new photos of the couple, featuring Harriet sporting her engagement ring, on August 1.

“Mr. Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips, and Ms. Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr. Rupert Sanders and Mrs. Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement,” a statement issued for the couple by Gerard Franklin said, according to the outlet.

“Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement. Their Majesties The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales have been informed of the announcement,” the statement continued, adding that no date has been officially set for the wedding.

Peter has two daughters, Savannah and Isla, whom he shares with ex-wife, Autumn Kelly. The pair, who wed in 2008, announced their separation in February 2020 and finalized their divorce in June 2021.

Harriet also has a daughter named Georgia, according to Hello!

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Each summer, the royals head to the Scottish Highlands for a private getaway. Balmoral has been their go-to spot for the annual retreat since the reign of Queen Victoria, whose husband, Prince Albert, purchased the property in 1852. 

Over the weekend, members of the royal family — including Kate Middleton, Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — were photographed heading to church.