Prince William’s sister-in-law Pippa in star-studded wedding

ENGLEFIELD, United Kingdom: Pippa Middleton, younger sister of Kate, Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge, was married in a small English country church on Saturday surrounded by royals and celebrities but those hoping for a dash of Hollywood were left in the cold.

The event had been at risk of being overshadowed by the most high-profi le appearance yet of Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Meghan Markle. But the US actress failed to appear before cameras.

Three-year- old Prince George, third in line to the throne after grandfather Charles and father William, took a starring role with his younger sister as attendants to the bride.

Middleton, 33, who married fi nancier James Matthews, wore an elegant white lace gown with a cut- out in the back by British designer Giles Deacon and a full long skirt, worn with a veil by milliner Stephen Jones. She arrived in a Jaguar Mark V open-top car accompanied by her father, smiling broadly and waving to crowds gathered near St. Mark’s church in Englefield, about 50 miles west of London.

Matthews sported a threepiece morning suit with a pale waistcoat and tails.

The presence of so many senior royals means security around the village was tight, and no-fly zones banning aircraft including drones were imposed around the area.

Local residents were reportedly given wristbands and asked to carry identification.

Prince William walked up to the church accompanied by younger brother Harry. Celebrity guests included 18-times grand slam tennis champion Roger Federer and the fashion editor of British Vogue magazine.

Middleton took the spotlight by surprise when she acted as maid of honour at the 2011 wedding of her sister to William mainly due to her svelte fi gure, the back of which was captured by many a camera.

“Rear comes the bride,” joked the Daily Star newspaper.

Security was tight amid a media frenzy in which # PippasWedding was trending on social media but guests were forbidden from sharing pictures there.

After guests the church were invited service, to a reception at a nearby stately home, Englefield House, where a flypast by a World War II- era Spitfi re plane was reportedly planned.

A £ 100,000 ( RM563,000) temporary glass marquee has been installed in the garden of Middleton’s family home for the evening party, according to reports.

Pippa Middleton is the second of three children, a year younger than Kate and four years older than businessman James.

She graduated from Edinburgh University with an English literature degree, before working part-time for her parents’ party paraphernalia business.

She has published two books — a 2012 guide to party planning that was widely mocked for offering glaringly obvious advice, and a healthy recipes charity book. She also had a column for a supermarket magazine. Ferocious interest also centred on Markle, star of the TV legal drama “Suits”, whose relationship with Prince Harry was made public last November. — Reuters/AFP