What Kate Middleton Is Like Behind the Scenes, Revealed by New Royal Family Member Who Vacations With Her

The newest member of the royal family, Peter Phillips’s wife Harriet Sperling, has revealed what the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is like behind the scenes, after vacationing with her, Prince William, and their three children.Harriet opened up about their newly formed but seemingly already close bond in an interview with HELLO! magazine, during which she spoke about how her life has changed since marrying Princess Anne’s son. Explaining that she first met the Wales family while in the Isles of Scilly, Harriet said she has had “an incredible experience being welcomed in” by the senior royals.Speaking about their shared holiday in particular, she added, “It was great because the children were all jumping into the water at the same time. It was very casual, but there is a clear level of respect there.” In addition to having a teenage daughter of her own (Georgina, born from her previous marriage to fitness instructor Antonio St. John Sperling), Harriet is now stepmother to Peter’s two children Savannah and Isla, whom he shares with his ex Autumn Kelly.Karwai Tang//Getty ImagesHarriet even went on to say that “I can look to Catherine for advice and guidance. She’s very open-hearted, and I would always feel comfortable asking her if I needed advice about something.”Harriet and the Princess of Wales have plenty in common too, with both sharing a passion for raising awareness around infant mental health. Until recently, Harriet worked as an NHS nurse supporting children and their families, but after 24 years, she’s starting a new role focusing on early childhood development.“Over time, I’ve become increasingly passionate about the importance of promoting healthy brain development,” she told HELLO! of the career change. “If we can support parents during this critical early period, we have an opportunity to make a lasting difference for children.”According to the magazine, Harriet is now a patron for Home-Start Cotswolds, a charity offering “support, friendship, and practical help for families with young children.” The cause is reminiscent of Kate’s charity work with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, such as her most recent project highlighting the importance of children spending time in nature.