King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Peter Phillips' wedding early - here's why

King Charles and Queen Camilla had to leave All Saints Church in Gloucestershire early today, as the late Queen's grandson, Peter Phillips, tied the knot with NHS nurse Harriet Sperling.Church bells pealed across the Gloucestershire village of Kemble shortly before 2pm this afternoon as the happy couple wed.The King's nephew, 48, emerged with his bride at approximately 2.05pm to enthusiastic cheers from the gathered crowd.Peter held a large white umbrella over the couple as they posed for photographs, with their bridesmaids carefully managing the dress behind them. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Villagers erupted in shouts of hip hip hooray as the newlyweds smiled for the press.The couple then departed in their wedding car, marking the beginning of celebrations that would continue at Gatcombe Park - the home of the groom's mother, Princess Anne, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.This represents a second marriage for both Peter, who works in sport management, and Harriet, a 45-year-old NHS paediatric nurse specialist.The King and Queen were the first guests to depart, leaving in a two-car convoy immediately after the ceremony concluded, at around 2pm.Their Majesties faced a journey of approximately 90 miles from Gloucestershire to Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, where they were due to present the trophy to the Derby winner.A helicopter is said to have been heard near the church, and is believed to have transported the King and Queen to Epsom.A Palace source said: “Their Majesties were eager to show support for one of the racing industry’s most important days, which as it turned out unfortunately fell on the same day as a family occasion they were equally keen to be a part of.“Thankfully, a workaround was evolved that meant it was just about possible to attend both, and I know they were very much looking forward to each element of a very special but very busy day; one that featured a bit of a race of their own.”As joint Patrons of The Jockey Club, King Charles and Camilla continue a tradition deeply associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Patron for 68 years.The Derby remains one of the most prestigious fixtures in the royal sporting calendar, and Queen Elizabeth rarely missed the famous race during her reign.Since ascending to the throne, the King has maintained this connection with British racing, attending all five days at Royal Ascot annually.LATEST ROYAL NEWS:Beatrice spotted at high-profile fashion party merely hours before bombshell rent deal was revealedPictured: Best moments from Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling's countryside weddingBeatrice and Eugenie attend first Royal Family gathering since arrest of AndrewThe Prince and Princess of Wales, however, are to remain for the entire celebration, attending both the church service and the reception at Gatcombe Park.This represents a marked contrast to Peter's first wedding in 2008, when William was absent due to a prior commitment in Kenya, leaving Catherine to attend the ceremony alone.It was at the ceremony where the princess met Queen Elizabeth II for the first time, without the prince, her boyfriend at the time.William and Catherine's presence at Gatcombe Park, the 700-acre estate where Peter now resides with Harriet and her daughter, Georgina, 13, sees them to participate in what is being described as one of the largest Royal Family gatherings of the year.The reception was organised by Bentley's Entertainment.The company previously organised David and Victoria Beckham's wedding, numerous events for Sir Elton John, and Princess Eugenie's Windsor nuptials to Jack Brooksbank.Bentley's also handled Peter's first wedding to Autumn Kelly at St George's Chapel in 2008.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter