Here comes Pippa: Kate’s sister has her big day as the bride
Second Middleton daughter’s wedding is likely British high-society event of the year
LONDON — She played a memorable supporting role at sister Kate’s 2011 wedding, but Pippa Middleton will take centre stage today at what looks to be the high-society event of the year.
The 33-year-old is marrying a wealthy financier at the 12th-century church of St. Mark’s in the village of Englefield, west of London — with a guest list of young A-list royals and realityTV stars looking on.
Prince William will be there with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their two children, Prince George, 3, and two-year-old Princess Charlotte.
If that isn’t enough to merit a few photographs, there is widespread speculation that Prince Harry will bring his girlfriend, American actor Meghan Markle, to showcase their budding romance.
Here’s what to look for at the almost-royal wedding that is kicking off England’s summer season in style:
Who is she marrying?
The groom is hedge-fund manager James Matthews, who proposed last summer during a trip to England’s scenic Lake District.
They had dated for less than a year — although had briefly been an item in 2012 as well — when he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
The wealthy Matthews has shunned the spotlight, but his brother, Spencer Matthews, has compensated for that with his role on the reality-TV show Made
in Chelsea. He is expected to be the best man.
British bookmakers are taking bets on whether Spencer Matthews will be removed from the ceremony, perhaps for making an off-colour speech. Paddy Power is offering 33/1 odds against that happening.
What roles for the Royal children?
Prince George will be a page boy and Charlotte — at the tender age of two — will be a bridesmaid.
It goes without saying that whatever outfits their parents come up with will be closely monitored, and copied by parents with young children for years to come.
Less clear is what will happen if George decides it’s tantrum-time or Charlotte turns her back on the wedding party.
The Duchess of Cambridge told a palace guest this week that she is hoping for the best but admitted she is a bit concerned her children might act up. Her husband, Prince William, is still being ribbed for his poor behaviour — he stuck out his tongue at one point — at his uncle Andrew’s wedding in 1986, when William was four.
Does the Queen have a role?
Palace officials say the Queen will not be at the wedding. Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, also plan to miss the event, which is drawing only the younger royals.
Will Harry bring Meghan?
Suspense is building over whether Prince Harry will use the occasion to spotlight his relationship with Meghan Markle, who plays an ambitious paralegal in the U.S. television drama Suits.
Though they have only rarely gone out in public together, Harry has made his feelings for Markle known. In November, he released an unusual letter calling for the press to stop intruding into her private life and saying he would do everything possible to protect her from unwanted scrutiny.
Escorting Markle to such a high-profile event would be seen as confirmation that the relationship is increasingly serious. Some expect Harry to attend the church ceremony solo, then bring Markle to the reception that follows.
What will Pippa wear?
She looked terrific in a formfitting Alexander McQueen dress at Kate’s wedding, almost but not quite upstaging the bride, but is likely to wear something more modest at her own.
A number of British-based designers are thought to be likely contenders for one of the most highly anticipated commissions of the year, including Jenny Packham, Erdem, Giles Deacon and Philippa Lepley. Middleton is expected to wear a traditional, embroidered gown, most likely with the spectacular beadwork and detailing that mark high-end British fashion.
Pippa is expected to change into something jazzier for the reception planned at her parents’ country estate in Bucklebury, 80 kilometres west of London.
Hatmaker to the stars Stephen Jones — also known for his veils — might also be involved.