They’ve hired royal party planner

OFFICIALLY, it is not a royal Wedding. But Pippa Middleton’s forthcoming nuptials to James Matthews are looking increasingly regal after the couple hired Buckingham Palace’s regular event organisers — and Princess diana’s favourite company.

London-based Fait Accompli, the Mail can reveal, is the first port of call for Palace functions. According to a friend of Miss Middleton, ‘numerous surprises’ are under way to ensure guests have the ‘best day and night imaginable’.

The firm, which pledges on its website to ‘quietly take care of any worries you might have to help create a deeply romantic occasion [and] the wedding of your dreams’, has also worked for numerous celebrities including Sir Elton John, Sir rod Stewart and Lionel richie.

it is understood Fait Accompli, whose founder Camilla Monckton was close friends with the late Princess of Wales and organised numerous events for her at Kensington Palace, has been tasked with events immediately proceeding the exchange of vows.

Last night, a friend said: ‘After the wedding there will be a formal champagne reception before guests are invited to a really fun private party back at the Middleton house. Pippa and James haven’t gone for celebrity bands or anything remotely cheesy, but want to make sure their guests have an incredibly fun night.’

The friend added: ‘Pippa has been surprisingly relaxed throughout the planning — as far from a Bridezilla as you can imagine.

‘She has obviously had an input — Pippa worked for an events company so she knows what she is talking about — but has let organisers get on with it.’

There is no mention of royal patronage on the firm’s website, but this declaration gives a hint: ‘Most of our clients rely on our discretion and these assignments are often highly confidential. We pride ourselves on protecting the privacy of our clients.’

A representative for Pippa declined to comment when contacted by the Mail.