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Lesser-known royal who's 'like a brother to Prince William' celebrates birthday today

One of Prince William's cousins and a key royal figure who's supported the future King this year, is celebrating their birthday today.

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Prince William

Prince William is said to be very close to one of his cousins (Image: Getty)

Peter Philips, the son of Princess Anne, is celebrating his 47th birthday today and will undoubtly be marking the day with his nearest and dearest in a special way.

Peter, who's reportedly been a pillar of support for Prince William this year following Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis, will also probably include his new girfriend, Harriet Sperling in his celebrations.

The couple were snapped together earlier in the summer just weeks after Peter's split from Lindsay Wallace and the end of their relationship of three years.

Peter, who holds no royal titles, is the son of the Princess Royal with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips and is also the older brother of Zara Tindall.

Sources earlier in the year described him like as "an older brother" to the Prince of Wales after he tried to suport the Wales couple through Princess Kate's health woes.

Peter Phillips and Prince William

Peter Phillips is said to be a pillar of support for Prince William (Image: Getty)
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They told the Telegraph: "He’s always been that sort of slightly older brother to William, ever more so since Harry moved to America."

Another one told the outlet that Peter had a tough time following his split with Wallace, saying: "I think it’s fair to say Pete has had a pretty tough time."

At the time, the split was described as "amicable" with one source claiming the relationship had "run its course".

Wallace, an ex-classmate of Zara, met Peter at Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling

Peter Phillips and his new girlfriend Harriet Sperling (Image: Getty)

But they reconnected years later in 2019, at a school reunion after Peter's divorce from Autumn Kelly, his wife of 12 years.

The ex-couple began dating in 2021, with Lindsay meeting Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle in January 2022.

Another friend added: "Peter can have a laugh at himself – he’s not up his own backside."

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