Pippa & James
Society turns out for wedding of Duchess’ sister to financier James Matthews
It had been designed with military precision, with several heirs to the throne on the guest list, the cream of high society in attendance and a picture-perfect English country setting.
Add sunny weather, adorable bridesmaids and page boys, and a kiss for the camera, and Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ wedding at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, went as smoothly as could be.
The bride, wearing a Giles Deacon gown, beamed to the waiting world on the arm of her new husband, with a troupe of eight excitable youngsters stealing the show under the eye of a discreet Duchess of Cambridge.
The Duchess, who eschewed a formal role herself, marshalled her children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and their six companions in front of the world’s cameras, shushing the noisiest as they larked about on the church steps.
Guests included the Duke of Cambridge, Princess Eugenie, and Prince Harry, who was without his girlfriend Meghan Markle.
The church path became something of a catwalk as guests walked in front of royal-watchers, curious locals and, inevitably, the cameras.
The groom’s brother Spencer Matthews, star of Made in Chelsea,
was best man and welcomed guests, accompanied by Pippa’s brother James Middleton.
Although the event was a private one, well-wishers travelled from as far afield as America.
For locals, the day began early when residents with special wristbands were invited into a pen on the church lawns. Tennis ace Roger Federer was cheered as he walked with his wife, Mirka, while Middleton uncle Gary Goldsmith waved to the press with his daughter Tallulah. He later praised the “brilliant couple” who he confirmed “gave everyone time and attention”.
An eclectic guest list included ITV broadcaster Tom Bradby, Vogue executive fashion director Serena Hood, and Gabriella Windsor, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
As the ceremony neared, the mother of the bride was escorted by her son James. Moments later, two vintage Jaguar Mk IV cars pulled up to cheers, with the Duchess of Cambridge and the eight youngest members of the party inside. Joining Prince George as page boys were Casimir Tatos, Pippa’s godson and the son of Ari and Marie-Sophie Tatos, Edward Sebire, the son of one of James Matthews’ friends, and William Ward. Bridesmaids were Princess Charlotte, Pippa’s goddaughter Countess Philippa Hoyos, Lily French, and Avia Horner, daughter of James’ fellowfinancier Edward Horner.
The Rev Nick Wynne-Jones, the church’s resident priest, officiated.
After a ceremony lasting nearly an hour, the couple emerged, kissing for the cameras as bells rang out just before 12.30pm.
At Englefield House, part of a private estate, guests heard traditional speeches and saw the cutting of the wedding cake. After toasts, the newlyweds drove off in an E-type Jaguar convertible to their reception.