Harriet Sperling undertakes rare King Charles honour for the first time
The royals have started their annual getaway at Balmoral and Harriet Sperling has joined for the first time as a member of the Royal Family. Harriet married Peter Sperling in June this year in the Cotswolds - the event was attended by senior royals.
Peter is Princess Anne's eldest son, son of the late Captain Mark Phillips, and 19th in line to the throne. Harriet is an NHS paediatric nurse who has worked at Evelina London Children's Hospital. Their wedding is the only major UK royal wedding of 2026, and it also marked the first royal church remarriage of two divorced people in the modern era.
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According to reports, Zara and Mike Tindall, along with their three children, are also at Balmoral. Zara Tindall is Peter Sperling’s brother.
King Charles was received at the estate through his formal arrival ceremony on Tuesday.
He was welcomed by a Guard of Honour provided by the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. King Charles is the Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The King has been at Balmoral for most of the month, Queen Camilla was also spotted shopping in a village near Balmoral Castle with her sister Annabel Elliot, her daughter Laura Lopes, and her granddaughter Eliza.
Balmoral Castle is steeped in a rich history that began when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert acquired the estate in 1852.
It has been visited by many monarchs, world events and celebrations, making it a significant part of British heritage.
The castle was thought to be Queen Elizabeth’s favourite residence, and it was where she died in September 2022. King Charles has continued the tradition of spending part of August and September at the estate.
It is expected that throughout the week, more members of The Firm will make their way to the estate for their summer break.
Princess Catherine and Prince William usually bring their three children to Balmoral toward the end of August.
Today, the castle remains a treasured retreat for the Royal Family.