Who Is Peter Phillips
Peter Phillips is the elder child of Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, and Captain Mark Phillips. Born on 15 November 1977 at St Mary’s Hospital in London, he is the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and first in line to the throne at birth, until the birth of his cousin William in 1982. He is not a working royal in the constitutional sense, has largely stepped back from public duties, and maintains a private professional life focused on business and consultancy. He is married to Autumn Kelly and they have two daughters.
Lineage and Birth Circumstances
Parentage and Succession Significance
Peter Phillips is the son of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips. His birth in 1977 made him the Queen’s first grandchild and placed him immediately in the line of succession. His parents divorced in 1992, and he has maintained a low public profile relative to royal contemporaries, avoiding intense media scrutiny by pursuing a career outside official royal duties.
Family Relationships
- Father: Captain Mark Phillips (married Princess Anne 1973–1992; joint custody of Peter and his sister Zara.
- Mother: Princess Anne, Princess Royal, the King’s only daughter and Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter.
- Siblings: Sister Zara Tindey (née Phillips); half-sister Felicity Wade (from Mark Phillips’s later marriage).
- Spouse: Autumn Kelly (married 2008).
- Children: Savannah Phillips and Isla Phillips.
Professional Background and Career
Peter Phillips has pursued a private career in business and motorsport sponsorship, reflecting an interest in commercial and sporting ventures. He has worked in sponsorship roles, notably with prominent automotive brands, and has held advisory positions related to motorsport and brand strategy. Unlike some royal family members who retain public roles, Phillips has kept his professional life largely outside the spotlight, emphasizing operational roles rather than public-facing engagements.
Career Milestones
- Early roles: Involved in sponsorship and brand representation in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Motorsport: Associated with Jaguar Racing and other motorsport entities in advisory and sponsorship capacities.
- Corporate consultancy: Worked with firms providing strategic consultancy to consumer brands.
Public Profile and Media Presence
Media attention on Peter Phillips peaked around his marriage to Autumn Kelly in 2008, which was followed by a deliberate reduction in public appearances. He does not hold royal office or carry out official engagements on behalf of the monarchy. His legal surname and everyday presentation typically align with his professional identity as Peter Phillips. Reliable summaries of his activities are best sourced from reputable biographies and verified institutional records rather than speculative reporting.
Personal Life and Marriage
Marriage to Autumn Kelly
Peter Phillips married Autumn Kelly on 17 May 2008 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Autumn Kelly, born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, converted to Anglicanism ahead of the wedding to satisfy traditional requirements. The couple’s choice of venue and modest approach to the ceremony reflected a preference for privacy. They have two daughters, Savannah and Isla, who, while members of the extended royal family, are not in the line of succession due to changes in succession rules.
Status, Residence, and Current Affairs
Peter Phillips continues to live a private life with his family and remains outside formal royal duties. He is not a working royal and does not perform public engagements on behalf of the monarchy. No authoritative statement indicates a change in this stance. Rumors about potential shifts in status should be treated with caution until confirmed via official channels. He maintains familial ties with his sister Zara and other relatives while prioritizing family and commercial interests.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Mark Phillips | Official records |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1977 | Birth certificate |
| Place of Birth | St Mary’s Hospital, London, England | Hospital records |
| Parents | Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips | Biographies |
| Siblings | Zara Tindey; half-sister Felicity Wade | Family statements |
| Spouse | Autumn Kelly (m. 2008) | Royal household announcement |
| Children | Savannah Phillips; Isla Phillips | Family announcements |
| Profession | Business and motorsport sponsorship/consultancy | Corporate and media disclosures |
| Official Royal Role | Not a working royal; no official duties | Monarchy.uk and royal office statements |
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Peter Phillips in the line of succession?
Yes, Peter Phillips is in the line of succession by birth, but he and his children do not hold active royal duties or styling that depend on proximity to the throne under current conventions.
Does Peter Phillips have a royal title?
He holds the courtesy title that his father used before inheriting his peerage (Captain Mark Phillips was created Earl of Snowdon for life in 1999 for the Princess Royal’s husband, but Peter uses Peter Phillips professionally and socially).
What does Peter Phillips do for a living?
He has worked in business, sponsorship, and motorsport consultancy, with no current official royal engagements or public appointments.
Are his children in the line of succession?
His daughters, Savannah and Isla, are members of the extended royal family but are not in the line of succession due to updated rules and their gender and birth order at the time.
Has Peter Phillips given interviews about royal matters?
He has granted few interviews and generally avoids public commentary on royal matters. Available summaries are drawn from controlled and verified sources.