Much like her father before her, who became The Queen’s first grandchild in 1977, Savannah Phillips has the honour of being The Queen’s first great-grandchild. Today, let’s learn more about the youngster who first made The Queen a great-grandmother.
Peter and Autumn Phillips were married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on 17 May 2008. The couple lived in Hong Kong in their early married years and announced their pregnancy in July 2010.
In a statement shared with the media, Peter said: “Peter and Autumn Phillips are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in December. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, as well as Autumn’s family, have been informed and are delighted with the news.”
Savannah was born at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on 29 December 2010, at the time 12th in line to the throne. Shortly after her birth, the Royal Family released a statement noting: “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, Captain Mark Phillips and Autumn’s family have been informed and are delighted with the news. The baby’s name will be confirmed in due course.”
Savannah’s name was leaked to the press in a slightly unusual fashion. In a church service on the Sandringham Estate, the rector reportedly made a public prayer for “Peter and Autumn Phillips and their daughter Savannah.” The news was reported mere days after her birth on 3 January. Savannah’s full name is Savannah Anne Kathleen—Anne in honour of her paternal grandmother, the Princess Royal, and Kathleen after her maternal grandmother.
She was christened on 23 April 2011 in a private service at the Church of the Holy Cross in Avening, near the Gatcombe Park house she grew up in. The Queen and Prince Philip attended her baptism. Savannah has one younger sister, Isla, who was born during The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.
Though she does not hold a title or style—as the granddaughter of the monarch through a female line—Savannah has started attending larger family events, including Trooping the Colour (making her balcony debut in 2017) and, more recently, the Service of Thanksgiving for her late great-grandfather The Duke of Edinburgh earlier this year.
Savannah lives a totally private life but made international headlines in 2018 at the Trooping the Colour flypast when she was videotaped covering her cousin, Prince George’s mouth, while he was talking. Later that year, she appeared as a bridesmaid at cousin Princess Eugenie’s wedding, the eldest of the bridal party.
Savannah is currently 19th in line to the throne.
