The Middleton sisters have always been close, and with Pippa memorably making her mark as a bridesmaid for Kate’s royal wedding to Prince William back in 2011, many might be expecting Kate to return the favour.
However, royal author Judy Wade says the Duchess of Cambridge could be taking a step back in order not to upstage Pippa during her big day.
Pippa’s upcoming wedding with financier James Matthews is said to be a much smaller affair than her sister’s. Photo: Getty
“It’s a tricky situation for Pippa. She would want her sister by her side, as who else would she trust to make things go well?” Ms Wade told People.
“But if your sister is a future Queen, she is going to upstage the bride and draw attention. Kate would want to be in the background as much as possible.”
It’s understandable, given the spotlight Pippa was thrust into after her own turn as bridesmaid at Kate and William’s nuptials. The 34-year-old hit headlines around the globe after the highly anticipated wedding, even earning the title “her royal hotness” from some observers.
Pippa memorably made her debut as bridesmaid for Kate in 2011.
However, Pippa’s own wedding to 41-year-old financier James Matthews looks set to be a much more intimate affair, with reports that the two will wed at Pippa’s local church of St Mark’s Englefield.
The guest list is said to be capped at around 150 guests in total, with more invited to the reception at the Middletons’ home of Bucklebury Manor.
The wedding will take place in May next year, according to People.
Pippa’s wedding will reportedly include just 150 guests. Photo: Getty
As an alternative to Kate being the bridesmaid, there are rumours the Duchess could do a reading at the ceremony instead. In addition, People reports that her brother James could also be tapped to step up as best man, as he did for the royal wedding in 2011.
No matter what happens on her special day, there’s no doubt the wedding will be a magical moment for the couple – and Pippa’s already getting down to business!
“Of course she is super excited and already planning everything,” a friend of Pippa’s told People, adding that she and James have “a lot in common”.
“Everyone thinks he’s quite the catch.”
