Peter Phillips' girlfriend Harriet Sperling misses infamous 'Balmoral test' this summer

Contrary to reports, Harriet Sperling will not be joining Peter Phillips at Balmoral this summer, Express.co.uk can reveal.

According to a well-placed source, Peter Phillips is currently on the Scottish estate with the rest of the Royal Family and the two daughters he shares with ex-wife Autumn Kelly - Savannah, 13, and Isla, 12.

However, Harriet will not be joining them because she has had to return to work.

"Harriet and Peter have spent a lot of time together over the summer and Harriet has had to go back to work," said the source.

"Peter has taken his girls to Balmoral and is spending time with the family as he does every year."

Society magazine Tatler published a piece on Thursday stating if Harriet were to go to Scotland, she would face the three words that strike fear into the heart of any potential royal partner: "The Balmoral test."

However, our source says Harriet has already gone far beyond that stage and has met King Charles and Queen Camilla on several occasions. Her Majesty is said to have taken quite a shine to her.

"Harriet doesn't need the Balmoral test because she's already met Charles and Camilla and they are quite fond of her," said the source.

"She [Harriet] didn't go to Balmoral simply because she had to work. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong there. In fact, they [Peter and Harriet] have been spending a lot of time together in recent months."

Harriet works as an NHS nurse and freelance writer and is also a single mum. Her maiden name is Sanders.

Peter and Harriet made their public debut in May at the Badminton Horse Trials, to cheer on Phillips' sister Zara Tindall.

The couple made their second appearance at the Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire.

Since, Harriet has accompanied Peter to Ascot, one of the Royal Family's favorite events of the year. They also attended Wimbledon together, as well as the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor.