Prince Harry has been encouraged to attend Peter Phillips’ wedding as it could help boost his popularity, a branding expert has said. Harry, who has lived in the US since 2020, has become increasingly unpopular since he made the decision to step down as a working member of the Royal Family.
The 40-year-old, who has been feuding with his family for some time, could be set to make a return to the UK in support of his cousin. Peter, who has been dating Harriet Sperling since last year, announced their engagement on August 1.
A statement issued for Peter and Harriet by Gerard Franklin, read: “Mr Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips and Ms Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr Rupert Sanders and Mrs Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement.”
Peter was previously married to Autumn Kelly, with whom he shares two daughters, Savannah, 14, and Isla Phillips, 13. Harriet is also the mother of a daughter from her previous marriage.
Speaking to the Express, culture expert and television presenter Nick Ede said: “Prince Harry has always been close to Peter Phillips and Harry has been known to attend major royal occasions on his own.
“I think that it would be a good thing for his popularity if he attended the wedding. If he is looking to gain favour with his family this could be a nice way of starting to heal the rift.”
Discussing what it could look like if he didn’t attend, Nick added: “If he doesn’t attend it will look a bit petty and that he is not supporting his cousin on his special day.”
If Harry were to be in attendance, Prince William may not happy with his brother’s decision to join the family.
William has reportedly not spoken to Harry in years. Last summer Harry is understood to have slipped the Duke of Westminster’s wedding last year to avoid a brotherly feud.
It was previously reported that William had “no interest” in healing the relationship with Harry, according to a friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales.