Peter Phillips, the "older brother figure" in the Royal Family, has just celebrated his 47th birthday, marking another milestone in a life lived largely out of the spotlight.
Known for his close relationship with his cousin, Prince William, Peter has been a key source of support for William during what has been described as "the hardest year of his life." Following the cancer diagnoses of both King Charles and Princess Kate, Peter stepped up, offering comfort and strength when his cousin needed it most.
Though Peter, the son of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, holds no royal titles, he continues to play a significant role in the family. He is expected to mark his birthday with his new girlfriend, Harriet Sperling, keeping the celebration more private than those of his titled relatives.
Throughout the years, Peter has often been described as an "older brother" figure to Prince William. A royal source shared with *The Telegraph* that Peter has filled this role even more since Prince Harry’s move to the United States, becoming a steady and reliable presence in William’s life.
Growing up alongside William, Peter and his cousin spent much of their childhood at Queen Elizabeth's royal residences, creating a deep and lasting bond. As adults, they have remained close, frequently attending significant royal events together, such as Trooping the Colour and the annual Christmas Day walk to St. Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
In a recent interview with *Sky News Australia*, Peter spoke fondly of William and Kate, offering praise for the Princess of Wales and reflecting on her remarkable character.
