King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen joining the royal family at the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling, but as the party headed to Princess Anne’s home of Gatcombe Park for the reception, the pair were forced to miss out.
Just minutes after Peter and Harriet said ‘I do’ in Kemble, the monarch and his wife were whisked off to the Epsom Downs Racecourse by helicopter. The royal pair were clearly in a rush to get to the races, opting to wear their wedding outfits, with Charles looking suave in his suit and Camilla looking beautiful in her cream dress and yellow-brimmed hat.
The King also wore a Royal Artillery tie pin in tribute to Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan. Ciara sadly lost her life following a fall from their horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show last month. At the time, part of a statement released by Buckingham Palace read: “The King was greatly shocked and saddened to have learned subsequently of the Troop member’s death, and will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences.”
The Derby Day is a major racing event on the royal calendar, always taking place on the first Saturday of June. The late Queen was known to be such a fan that she only missed the event twice during her 70-year reign.
Camilla now serves as the patron of the Jockey Club, like Queen Elizabeth did, necessitating the royal couple’s appearance at the prestigious event, which they have missed since Charles acceded to the throne in September 2022.
The monarch was on hand at the trophy presentation after the event was won by Christmas Day, ridden by jockey Ronan Whelan.
Wedding and reception
The rain did not dampen the newlyweds’ spirits as they posed for photographs outside All Saints Church, which is located in Kemble, Cirencester, close to where bride Harriet grew up.
The blushing bride, 45, chose a column-style dress with a lace neckline and sleeves, and a dramatic train designed by Emilia Wickstead. Harriet also looked stunning in the Pragnell family tiara.
© Getty ImagesAlthough Charles and Camilla won’t be a part of the reception, it sounds like the wedding entourage are in for a treat, with the event being curated by Peregrine Armstrong Jones of Bentleys Entertainment.
Peregrine, who is the half-brother of the late Princess Margaret’s ex-husband Antony Armstrong-Jones has worked with Peter in the past, organising his 21st birthday celebrations, which were held at Windsor Castle.
© Getty ImagesHe has also organised parties for Princess Anne as well as Peter’s sister, Zara Tindall’s wedding to Mike Tindall. Away from royal parties, Peregrine has also done David and Victoria Beckham’s wedding, as well as Hugh Grant’s wedding to Anna Elisabeth Eberstein.
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