Inside Peter Phillips’ divorce and new relationship with Lindsay Wallace – including when she first met the Queen

WALKING into Westminster Abbey for his grandfather’s memorial service today, Peter Phillips had his adorable daughters Isla and Savannah on either side of him.

But the new leading woman in The Queen‘s grandson’s life was noticeably absent.

In February 2020, Peter and his ex-wife Autumn Phillips announced they were splitting after 12 years of marriage.

The couple first met at the Canadian Grand Prix in 2003 – at the time, Autumn working for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. 

But just like Meghan Markle later did for Prince Harry, Autumn packed up her life in Canada and relocated to the UK.

The loved-up couple wed at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in 2008 and are proud parents to their daughters Savannah, 11, and Isla, 10.

Royal insiders have previously said that Peter – whose sister is Zara Tindall – is the Queen’s “favourite” grandson and Her Majesty was said to be “upset” when the marriage broke down.

In the months following the split, Peter and Autumn were expected to hold a court showdown as they tried to reach a settlement.

However in June 2021, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed they “resolved” their financial issues at the High Court.

Describing it as a “sad day” for the parents, the spokesperson added: “They continue to put the wellbeing and upbringing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla first and foremost.

“Both Peter and Autumn are pleased to have resolved matters amicably with the children firmly at the forefront of those thoughts and decisions.” 

Three months before his divorce was finalised, the dad-of-two was reported to have driven 460 miles from his Gatcombe Park home in Gloucestershire to visit his new girlfriend Lindsay Wallace in lockdown.

The 40-year-old is the daughter of an oil tycoon a school friend of Zara Tindall.

Lindsay and Zara both went to Gordonstoun, the £40,000-a-year school in Moray, Scotland, also attended by Prince Charles and Prince Philip.

The mum-of-two is reportedly still married to her husband, although they have reportedly been separated for a while.

A source said: “Her father worked in the oil industry and the family pride themselves on being a Christian family who are pillars of their local community.

“Lindsay keeps in touch with a few of the girls from Gordonstoun but really cherishes her friendship with Zara.”

Although she didn’t attend the Royal Family’s memorial to Prince Philip today, Lindsay accompanied Peter to the joint christening of Zara and Mike Tindall’s son, Lucas, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s son, August, in Windsor.

In January 2022, Peter decided to finally introduce Lindsay to his grandmother, The Queen, despite the controversy over her still being married.

A source previously told The Sun: “The Queen is one of the most important people in Peter’s life so it’s only right that he introduces Lindsay to her.

“It was a very warm meeting and the Queen was clearly delighted to meet someone who makes Peter so happy.

“It may still be early days but Peter wanted his grandmother to see he was happy.

“It is a clear sign that Lindsay has now been firmly welcomed into The Firm and a major first step if they were to ever choose to get married.

“The Queen just wants Peter to be happy.”