Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling join Royal Ascot procession with Princess Anne

Newlywed Peter Phillips and his bride Harriet Sperling made their first major public appearance as a married couple at Royal Ascot, riding in a carriage alongside Princess Anne — Phillips' mother — on the opening day of the prestigious race meeting.

Newlyweds join the Royal Procession

Also seated in the carriage was Sir Ben Elliot, Queen Camilla's nephew, as the group formed part of the celebrated Royal Procession that traditionally opens the five-day event. King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the procession, which draws top racehorses from around the world to compete in races worth up to a million pounds.

A royal wedding days before Ascot

The Ascot appearance came just days after the royal family gathered in the village of Kemble, near Cirencester in south-west England, on Friday to witness Phillips wed Sperling in a private ceremony at All Saints Church. Princess Anne attended alongside her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

The wedding also brought together some of the most senior members of the royal family. King Charles and Queen Camilla were present, as were Prince William, Princess of Wales Kate, and other senior royals, marking a rare and intimate family occasion away from the public eye.