Peter Philips’ fiancé Harriet faces ‘Balmoral test’ ahead of wedding

Princess Anne’s son Peter Philips’ fiancée undergoes the “Balmoral test”

Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

The King and Queen have been enjoying their holidays at Balmoral over the past week, continuing a cherished summer tradition established by the late Queen Elizabeth.

Selected members of the Royal family have accompanied them, with Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson even travelling to Scotland for the family retreat.

Reports now suggest that Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips and his new fiancée Harriet Sperling have also arrived at the Aberdeenshire estate, where Sperling is experiencing the renowned “Balmoral test”.

Phillips and Sperling revealed their engagement at the start of August, and with a Royal wedding now in the planning stages, Sperling is being introduced to Royal customs as she accompanies the family on their yearly getaway before returning to Royal responsibilities in September.

This comes as the Royal family are eager to present a unified appearance whilst attending Sunday church service.

Sources have disclosed that Harriet, an NHS nurse, has been participating in the customary family assessment during her time at Balmoral, in readiness for joining the Firm through marriage.

She has allegedly been forming connections with her future sister-in-law Zara Tindall and her children whilst enjoying excursions on electric-powered mountain bikes across the grounds.

She also accompanied the royals during horse-riding activities on the estate, whilst spending additional individual time with each Royal family member for important relationship-building opportunities.

The Balmoral Test is a well-known tradition within Royal circles, with Princess Diana’s successful charm offensive on the late Queen and Prince Philip even being depicted in the Netflix series The Crown, reports the Mirror.

Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips (Image: Getty Images)

An insider revealed to The Sun: “Everyone knows Peter is smitten and his family have accepted Harriett into the set up so she will likely pass the infamous Balmoral Test with flying colours.”

Royal commentator Omid Scobie previously characterised the Balmoral Test as more of a “royal initiation”, telling Harper’s Bazaar prior to the death of Queen Elizabeth: “Out of those privileged enough to have been invited to Balmoral Castle during the summer, not everyone has passed. Diana famously flew through it, thanks to her aristocratic background and upbringing, but the likes of Cherie Blair [the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair] and Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, have not.

“If you’ve scored an invite, prepare to brush up on your royal protocol, have a wealth of talking points at the ready, an outfit for EVERY occasion (from hunting to black tie) and, most importantly, be on your best behaviour at all times. Social etiquette is a must!

“If you don’t like the food, eat it anyway. If you don’t like trampling through the Highlands in the wind and rain, tough! Unlike a visit to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, this is the queen’s private residence and a front row seat within her inner sanctum.”

Peter and Harriet revealed their engagement on August 1st following just twelve months of courtship.

A statement issued on the couple’s behalf said: “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.

“Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement.

“Their Majesties The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales have been informed of the announcement. No date has been officially set for the wedding.”

Images from Hello! feature the recently-engaged pair beaming for photographers, with Harriet displaying her sparkling diamond engagement ring.

During July, the duo attended Royal Ascot together, where Harriet made her first appearance in one of the carriages throughout the Royal procession – with this gesture being interpreted as a notable indication of her integration into the Royal circle.