Newest Royal Family Member Harriet Phillips Speaks Warmly of Princess Catherine

Harriet Phillips, the newest member of the British royal family, has spoken about her life in the family in an interview with Hello! magazine, and she was particularly complimentary about Catherine, Princess of Wales, the wife of Prince William. Her comments have again drawn British media attention to the relationship between Catherine and Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, because Harriet's account differs from Meghan's recollections of first meeting Catherine.

Harriet's experience

Harriet, 46, married Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne and nephew of King Charles III, on 6 June this year in Gloucestershire, England. Peter is the eldest grandson of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Guests at the wedding included King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Catherine.

In the interview, Harriet said she has felt strong support from Catherine. She said she could turn to the princess for advice, describing her as open and warm. Her first meeting with William and Catherine took place on the Isles of Scilly, off England's south-west coast, where the two families happened to be staying at the same holiday spot. Harriet described the atmosphere as relaxed but respectful, with all the children jumping into the water at the same time.

She also spoke appreciatively of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who she said have been very kind to both her and her daughter Georgina.

Meghan Markle's recollections

In the 2022 Netflix documentary series Harry & Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex recalled the first time William and Catherine came to dinner at her and Harry's home. She said she was wearing ripped jeans and was barefoot, and admitted she had not been prepared for formality in a private setting. Meghan was surprised that the formal behaviour typical of royals at public events continued behind closed doors. Many interpreted her words as a suggestion that Catherine had been cold and reserved.

Work and charity

Before joining the royal family, Harriet worked for more than 20 years as a nurse in the UK's National Health Service. She met Peter in 2022, when their children played on the same hockey team. She has now become patron of the charity Home-Start Cotswolds, which helps families with young children, a field that fits Catherine's long-standing interest in early childhood development.