The little stars of Auntie Pippa’s wedding
It was Pippa Middleton’s big day yesterday, but it was some of her smallest wedding guests who stole the show. Prince George and Princess Charlotte proved a huge hit at the ceremony in Englefield, Berks, as the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister tied the knot with James Matthews. The wedding appeared to be a great success, as guests settled in for a long night of celebrations
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 a stroke of luck with sunny weather, a brood of adorable bridesmaids and page boys, and a kiss for the camera, and Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’s wedding went off 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 watchful 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 and laughing as they larked about on the church steps. At one point Prince George seemed overexcited to the verge of tears before being firmly settled by his mother.
Guests included the Duke of Cambridge, Princess Eugenie and Prince Harry, who attended the church ceremony without his girlfriend Meghan Markle after much speculation that she would accompany him. Miss Markle, who is in London, is thought to have attended the private evening reception instead, although she avoided cameras.
The church path at Englefield, Berks, was turned into something of a catwalk, as guests walked in front of Royal-watchers, curious locals and the cameras.
The groom’s brother Spencer Matthews, star of Made in Chelsea, was best man and welcomed attendees, accompanied by Pippa’s brother James Middleton. The latter’s partner, Donna Air, was in attendance, while Spencer’s girlfriend Vogue Williams was omitted, although her spokesman confirmed she “wishes Pippa and James all the best on their special day”.
Although the event was private, well-wishers travelled from as far afield as America to see the newlyweds and their Royal guests in the flesh.
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 assembled 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, 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 boy were Casimir Tatos, Pippa’s godson and the son of Ari and Marie-Sophie Tatos, Edward Sebire, the son of one of James Matthews’s friends and business associates, and William Ward. Bridesmaids were Princess Charlotte, Pippa’s goddaughter Countess Philippa Hoyos, Lily French, and Avia Horner, daughter of James’ colleague financier Edward Horner and Lady Emily Compton.
The Rev Nick Wynne-Jones, who is the church’s resident priest, officiated. The couple’s hymns included Be Thou My Vision, Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken and I Vow To Thee, My Country.
The readings included Love Is An Adventure by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, read by Pippa’s brother James while Spencer Matthews read a passage from Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.
After the ceremony, which lasted nearly an hour, the new Mr and Mrs Matthews emerged as bells rang out just before 12.30pm. At Englefield House guests heard speeches and saw the cutting of the wedding cake. After toasts, Mr Matthews drove his new wife into the sunset – or at least to their reception – in an E-type Jaguar convertible, waving as well-wishers cheered from the side of the road.
Uncle Gary Goldsmith confirmed the ‘brilliant couple gave everyone time and attention’