Peter Phillips ready to take relationship with nurse Harriet Sperling to the 'next level'

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling have become almost inseparable over the past few months with sources claiming that the couple are ready to take their relationship to the next level.

According to a well-placed source, Peter and Harriet have been spending an awful lot of time together over the summer and are planning a future together.

“Peter and Harriet have drawn incredibly close over the summer,” said the source. “They spend an awful lot of time together and have been discussing ways for their families to spend more time with each other.”

Harriet works as an NHS nurse and freelance writer and is a single mum. Her maiden name is Sanders.

Peter and Harriet made their public debut in May at the Badminton Horse Trials, to cheer on Phillips’ sister Zara Tindall.

Zara is said to have taken quite a shine to Harriet and the women have already formed a firm friendship. King Charles and Queen Camilla have also met Harriet on several occasions and are said to be equally as fond.

The couple made their second appearance at the Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire.

Harriet has also accompanied Peter to Ascot, one of the Royal Family’s favourite events of the year. They also attended Wimbledon together, as well as the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor.

The couple also made an appearance together at Tom Parker-Bowles’ book launch party earlier this month, alongside Queen Camilla and other society names.

However, Harriet did not join Peter and the two daughters he shares with ex-wife Autumn Kelly – Savannah, 13, and Isla, 12.- in Scotland this summer for the infamous “Balmoral test”.

Harriet was unable to join the family because she had to return to work. Sources stressed that it was not a sign of a “royal snub” as claimed.

A second source tells Express.co.uk that the couple’s relationship is still going strong.

“They’ve had a fantastic summer doing lots of things together and their relationship will continue in that vein,” said the source. “Peter is in Singapore at the moment for the Grand Prix with work but will be heading back to England soon to spend some time with Harriet.”