Amid the pomp, pageantry and precision of Royal Ascot 2025, this year’s meeting offered more than just thrilling finishes and standout fashion. It also saw the formal debut of two royal romances.

The most eye-catching of these involved Peter Phillips, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest grandchild, who chose the royal meeting to appear publicly with his partner, Harriet Sperling. The pair had been linked for some time, but this marks their most high-profile outing to date.

Harriet not only accompanied Peter for the day’s racing but took part in the Royal Procession itself, riding in a carriage as part of the ceremonial arrival that opens each day of Ascot. The inclusion of a guest in the Royal Procession is no casual gesture; it is a rarefied honour, typically reserved for those held in high esteem by the monarch. Harriet’s presence in the procession, waved at by thousands of racegoers and broadcast around the world, sends a clear and unmistakable signal of royal approval.

Peter Phillips, 47, has previously kept his private life largely out of the spotlight, even amid significant public interest. The eldest son of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, Peter has never held a royal title but has often represented the family at key ceremonial moments. His decision to share the stage – or rather, the carriage – with Harriet at such a public venue as Ascot seems a deliberate step toward confirming the seriousness of their relationship.

But the Phillips-Sperling debut wasn’t the only romantic development at this year’s meeting.

Also turning heads was the appearance of David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon – the son of Princess Margaret and nephew to the late Queen – with Isabelle de la Bruyère. The pair were seen together throughout the day, prompting widespread speculation that they are now officially an item. Friends of the couple say their closeness has been known in private circles for some time, but their joint presence at Royal Ascot appears to be their first public affirmation of the relationship.

Isabelle, a well-known figure within aristocratic and royal social circles, is highly respected and well connected – her presence at David’s side only strengthens speculation of a committed pa