Royalty and tennis stars join family and friends at wedding of Duchess of Cambridge’s sister

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Pippa Middleton has married James Matthews in what has been called the society wedding of the year, in front of royalty, family and friends.

Saturday’s ceremony was a little less grand in scale than six years earlier, when Middleton was bridesmaid to her sister at the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Middleton in her Giles Deacon dress. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Middleton and Matthews tied the knot at St Mark’s church in the village of Englefield, near Reading, in Berkshire with the same mix of famous faces and public intrigue.

Middleton arrived at the church shortly before midday, accompanied by her father, Michael, and wearing a bespoke Giles Deacon dress. Designed to create the impression of being seamless, the dress was teamed with a Stephen Jones veil, a Maidenhair Fern tiara, and Manolo Blahnik ivory satin shoes.

Wedding bells rang out just before 12.30pm and the bride and groom emerged from the church following a service that had lasted around 45 minutes. The heavy downpour that started minutes after the beginning of the service ended a few moments before the church doors opened.

The couple walked hand-in-hand along the church path led by a group of young page boys and bridesmaids, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Kate marshalled the children into the classic cars that had brought them to the church as guests filed out and walked to nearby Englefield House, where it is believed a champagne reception was to be held.

Apart from Kate, William and their children, Prince Harry also attended.

Royal fans may have been disappointed though as the younger royal arrived without his girlfriend, Meghan Markle, although there was speculation she would attend the reception.



Matthews’ brother, Spencer, who is best know for his appearances on the reality show Made In Chelsea, was also at the ceremony.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Spencer Matthews (R) talks to Princes William (C) and Harry. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AP

Other guests included the tennis champion Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka, who walked past 100 members of the media camped out a short distance from the church and hundreds more royal fans who descended on Englefield for the wedding.



Facebook Twitter Pinterest Roger Federer and his wife Mirka arrive at the church. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Details of the service and reception had not been revealed, although Carole and Michael Middleton are thought to have hired a glass marquee for the reception.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, stands with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and other children in the wedding party. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Security was tight given the attendance of several senior royals, who were being protected by their Scotland Yard officers.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest People sit on a fence to watch the wedding guests arrive. Photograph: Tim Ireland/AP

No-fly zones, which banned aircraft including drones, balloons, kites and parachutes, were in force over Bucklebury and Englefield until tomorrow.