Peter Phillips set to get a new family member after major announcement

Peter Phillips has made a major personal announcement today that he will be marrying his girlfriend, Harriet Sperling. Princess Anne's son, who has been dating the NHS nurse for over a year, popped the question to his girlfriend recently, with the major event being announced on August 1.

A statement issued by the couple 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." As well as officially welcoming Harriet into his family soon, with no date for the wedding yet set, Peter, 47, will also be joined by her daughter Georgina.

Georgina, 13, is Harriet's only child from her previous marriage to private school-educated fitness instructor Antonio St John Sperling.

It is believed Peter is already well-acquanted with his soon-to-be stepdaughter, with them having been spotted out together as a family, alongside Peter's own daughters Savannah, 14, and Isla, 13.

Peter had his two daughters with his ex-wife Autumn Kelly, and is believed to be a doting father to them both.

Although his daughters are extended members of the Royal Family, they very rarely make public appearances. They are, however, regular attendees at the Sandringham Christmas Day walkabout.

On these occasions, Peter seems close with both of his daughters, and is likely to welcome Georgina with open arms.

A date for Peter and Harriet's wedding has yet to be set, however it is believed both families are happy for the couple, who made their first public debut last year.

They have made various appearances since, having stepped out together at Royal Ascot and Wimbledon just within the last few weeks.

It is believed Harriet gets on well with Peter's royal relatives, including his mum Princess Anne, 74, and his sister Zara Tindall.