Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips in September this year (Image: Getty)
, the brother of and son of , stepped out with his daughters Savannah and Isla in Sandringham on Christmas Day – however his girlfriend was conspicuously absent.
Harriet Sperling, 44, was not in attendance despite being in a relationship with the royal 47-year-old.
However, Ms Sperling’s absence from the side of the 18th-in-line to the throne was reportedly for a very understandable reason.
Ms Sperling was reportedly not in attendance in Norfolk on Christmas Day because of the demands of her day job.
The mum-of-one is believed to be a Paediatric Nurse Specialist for the NHS and has reportedly been working over the festive period.
Lena Tindall, Zara Tindall, Isla Phillips and Peter Philips attend the Christmas Morning Service (Image: Getty)
magazine reported that the health worker has used the little free time she does have at Christmas to be with her family.
However, she was also said to have plans with Mr Phillips and his children too.
Ms Sperling has been with Mr Phillips, who does not have a royal title, since at least May after the pair were seen together at the Badminton Horse Trials.
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Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling enjoy an intimate moment at the Royal Charity Polo Cup (Image: Getty)
Walking alongside Zara Tindall and her daughter Lena, Mr Phillips appeared with his daughter Savannah, who turns 14 on December 29, and Isla, who is 12.
Savannah was dressed in burgundy, and now is almost as tall as her father, while Isla, said to have been “the image” of her mother Autumn, turned out in a khaki green coat.
Mr Phillips wore a refined light brown coat, white shirt, a blue tie and dark trousers, as he walked with the senior royals.