Peter Phillips's wedding could turn into a 'media circus' if Prince Harry attends

Prince Harry may face a cold reception should he choose to attend his cousin Peter Phillips' upcoming wedding to Harriet Sperling, as a new poll reveals strong public sentiment urging the Duke of Sussex to stay away.

The engagement of Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne and the late Queen’s eldest grandchild, and Harriet Sperling was announced on August 1 via a formal statement shared by Gerard Franklin. 

The couple’s wedding date and venue remain unconfirmed.

Despite the joyous news, an Express UK poll conducted between August 5 and 6 revealed that a significant majority of readers believe Prince Harry should not attend the event. 

Out of 4,859 respondents, 90 percent (4,387 readers) voted for Harry to remain in California rather than travel to the UK for the family occasion. 

Only 373 readers (eight percent) supported his attendance, while two percent (99 readers) were undecided.

The comment section of the poll highlighted a widespread concern that Harry’s presence, alongside his wife Meghan Markle, could shift media attention away from the couple's wedding and back onto royal tensions. 

One respondent wrote: “Why would they even invite him? It’s a second wedding, and Peter doesn’t strike me as someone who wants the limelight. I wouldn’t want those two there, always taking over the show.”

Another echoed the sentiment: “Does Peter and his fiancée want the media circus that follows Harry and Meghan to overshadow their wedding? I doubt it.”

Several comments also questioned whether Prince Harry had even met Harriet Sperling, with one reader stating: “That depends on whether he gets an invite. Don’t think he will, though, as Peter’s bride hasn’t met Harry. And Meghan probably won’t show up anyway.”

RELATED: Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips announces engagement with Harriet Sperling