The not-so-posh relatives left feeling a little bruised

FOR any ambitious hostess, there is no issue more vexing than the guest list, especially when it comes to long-distance family eager for an invitation.

And here, it seems, Carole has hurt a few feelings. Relatives have told The Mail on Sunday that the 62-year-old has not felt able to invite some of her own family to Pippa’s wedding.

In an exclusive interview, Jean Harrison, a cousin of Carole’s late mother Dorothy, revealed the family’s disappointment.

‘I think it is extremely sad that so many close relatives have not been invited,’ said Jean, who attended the wedding of Kate and Prince William in 2011.

‘It would never have happened if Dorothy was still alive.’

Jean, 78, a retired clerical worker who lives in Dorset, added it was particularly a shame that Dorothy’s sister Ruth, Carole’s aunt, had not made it on to the strictly limited guest list.

‘Ruth and Dorothy were very close and she must be heartbroken. I simply can’t understand why Carole hasn’t kept in touch with her. It defies all reason. But we just have to accept that is the way it is. I’ve written Carole a couple of letters – I even invited her and husband Mike to come and see us – but got no response.’

Jean said Carole’s only cousin, Alison Callen, with whom she used to spend holidays and Christmas, had also not been invited, despite also attending the Royal Wedding.

In stark contrast, Jane has delighted her relatives by apparently inviting them all.

The 70-year-old grew up in a bohemian family in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Her brother Paul Parker, who lives in South Africa, said his son was hiring morning suits for everyone.

Mr Parker told The Mail on Sunday: ‘We really want to go and are so excited, but with the pound against the [South African] rand it is very, very expensive for us. It is shocking for us. We are staying in a Knightsbridge hotel and it is so expensive, even just to go out to eat.’

He said he was in close contact with his sister, but that she hadn’t visited them in South Africa ‘for ages’.

Winner: Jane Matthews