Divorces and blended families can present a plethora of problems, and it is incredibly common for children to clash with their new step-parents. But it seems that, in one branch of the Royal Family tree, things are going swimmingly for two Royal children and their new stepfather, according to a body language expert.
Savannah and Isla Phillips' parents, Peter and Autumn Phillips, separated in 2019 before reaching a divorce settlement last year. Their decision to divorce and share custody of their two children was made on the grounds that it would be best for their kids, according to a statement released at the time.
Canadian-born Autumn is now dating property tycoon Donal Mulryan, GloucestershireLive reports, with the couple recently attending an equestrian event in Gloucestershire, which Zara Tindall was competing in. According to body language expert Judi James, Princess Anne's grandchildren, Savannah and Isla, have a new 'relaxed stepfather' in Mulryan.
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In a series of photographs taken at the event, Isla, 10 can be spotted sitting comfortably on the shoulders of her mother's new beau, whilst 11-year-old Savannah is talking to him. Mulryan, 52 was also seen speaking to Zara and Mike Tindall's children, the cousins of Isla and Savannah. Eight-year-old Mia carried her little sister, Lena as she and Mike, who was pushing Lucas in a pram, spoke to her aunt's new partner.
According to Judi, Mulryan has mastered the art of successful step-parenting, as he has a caring relationship with Autumn's two children whilst still focusing on her. The 43-year-old mother appeared 'smitten' with her new partner at the event.
Autumn and Peter have co-parented Isla and Savannah since they made the decision to go separate ways in February 2020, after 12 years of marriage. The pair divorced in June 2021, and assured the public that the split was 'amicable' in a statement released at the time, stating that the couple's first priority is the 'well being and upbringing of their wonderful daughters'.
Just after they split, Autumn and Peter were spotted enjoying each other's company at Cheltenham Festival. Autumn is still living at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, alongside Princess Anne, Zara Tindall, and her ex-husband, Peter. It is clear that Princess Anne's grandchildren are all very close.
After perusing the recent photographs of Autumn and her new partner, Judi told Femail: "Donal’s relationship intentions look clear from his body language here. As he pays Autumn flattering and rather intense eye-attention to illustrate what looks like his attraction and affection for her, he also suggests he’s more than filling the role of relaxed stepdad to her daughters, wearing one on his shoulders while the other smiles happily beside him.
"The trio look so comfortable and bonded here that it almost looks as though it is Donal who is the dad introducing his girls to their future stepmum."
Judi also claimed that it is obvious from the body language that the equestrian event meeting was not a one-off. She added: "The key message from these poses though is that Donal, Autumn and her girls look like a relaxed and happily bonded family unit."
Peter has also entered a new relationship, and is currently dating Lindsey Wallace, who is friends with his sister, Zara, and there is no doubt she has met his children, too. Wallace went to the same school as Peter and Zara, attended Lucas' christening last year, and even met Her Majesty after a shooting event.
The amicable separation between Peter and Autumn is certainly not the first time that Princess Anne's family has let bygones be bygones. The Princess Royal herself lives on the same estate as her current husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, and her ex-husband, Captain Mark Phillips, and his family.
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