Pop quiz for anyone who remembers season four of The Crown: A fictionalized account of the infamous ‘Balmoral Test’ plays out with a young and idealistic Princess Diana (played by Emma Corrin) enduring an unofficial examination ahead of marrying then-Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor). Spoiler alert: Diana nails it. But does this “test” actually exist? If yes, reports are swirling that Peter Phillips’ fiancée Harriet Sperling is undergoing it as we speak, joining everyone from King Charles to Kate Middleton for their annual summer retreat in the Scottish Highlands and getting a first-hand look at off-duty royal life.
Peter Phillips’ Fiancée Harriet Sperling Embarks on ‘Balmoral Test’
Royal folklore...or real?
Published Aug 25, 2025
•7:31pm
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First things first, is the ‘Balmoral Test’ real? If it is, it’s entirely unofficial. As legend has it, the expectation placed on guests—which have ranged from Diana to Margaret Thatcher—is pretty much that they join in all the royal family fun on offer at the Scottish retreat. This includes outdoor sports, formal meals, even a range of outfit changes. (Per The Crown, shooting is also involved, though that’s more likely to happen during the royals’ annual Christmas jaunt.) The quarters are tight. The family time is extensive. It’s (supposedly) not for the faint of heart.
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How is Harriet likely to fare while there? According to media coverage so far, the mom-of-one has been actively joining in from the minute she arrived at the 53,000 acre estate. She’s already familiar with much of the royal clan having attended key summer events on the arm of Peter Phillips such as Royal Ascot and Wimbledon, so that’s helpful. Per The Sun, Harriet has bonded with Peter’s sister, Zara Tindall, in particular as the pair have enjoyed trips on electric-powered mountain bikes with Zara’s children around the estate. They’ve also gone horseback riding, a favorite activity for Zara, but also for Peter’s mother, Princess Anne.
Has a royal wedding date been set for Peter and Harriet? As of yet, nothing has been confirmed, but if you look at recent royal weddings—Prince William and Prince Harry included—they typically have taken place around six months after an engagement is announced. Given Peter and Harriet revealed their plans to marry in early August, does that mean we have something to look forward to in early spring? Time will tell.
Of course, a lot depends on the Balmoral Test, dun dun dun. (We joke, we joke.)
