Pippa Middleton weds as the world looks on
James Matthews and Pippa Middleton, the newlyweds, leave St Marks Church. Photo: Getty
Pippa Middleton has married a wealthy financier as two likely future British kings and other members of the royal family, including her sister, looked on.
In what was seen by many as the society wedding of the year, Middleton and hedge fund manager James Matthews, 41, said their vows in a ceremony at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, west of London. Before the wedding, a crowd of well-wishers and reporters gathered outside the church grounds, hoping for a glimpse.
The freshly-wed Mr and Mrs Matthews were snapped by the world’s media amid a wedding party that included three-year-old Prince George, a page boy, and two-year-old Princess Charlotte — accompanied by their mother, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Sealed with a kiss. The newly married couple pose for the cameras after the ceremony. Photo: Getty
Pippa Middleton and the wedding dress which was the focus of speculation in the lead up to the wedding. Photo: Getty
Prince William and Prince Harry arrived together wearing formal morning suits. They seemed relaxed as they strolled into the church.
Matthews, 41, smiled broadly and sported elegant formal wear set off by a blue vest.
Middleton, 33, came to the church accompanied by her father Michael in a vintage Jaguar convertible. Father and daughter had a quiet moment together before entering the church.
She wore a custom wedding gown designed by Giles Deacon, a long veil by prominent hat-maker Stephen Jones, and a sparkly tiara.
“(It was) a privilege to show the craftsmanship that my team produces in London and a real testament to Pippa’s support of British fashion,” Deacon said.
Pippa Middleton married James Matthews at St Marks Church, Englefield, Berkshire. Photo: Getty
Kate smiles at her daughter Princess Charlotte after the wedding. Photo: AP
Prince Harry and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the wedding. Photo: UK Press Pool
Prince Harry leaves the church after the ceremony. Photo: Getty
Roger and Mirka Federer leave the church. Photo: UK Press Pool
Tennis star Roger Federer and wife Mirka were also among the guests.
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, while not a maid of honour, helped her sister with her train and her dress as she entered the church and helped muster page boys and flower girls.
The bride’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, had an elaborate glass marquee built on the grounds of their estate in nearby Bucklebury for the lavish wedding reception Saturday night. Guests were advised to bring two outfits so they could change after the wedding ceremony.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, right, arranges the train of her sister Pippa Middleton as she arrives with her father Michael Middleton for her wedding Photo: Getty
Mr Matthews’ brother and reality television personality Spencer Matthews was also at the church, while Pippa’s controversial uncle Gary Goldsmith and Princess Eugenie were also spotted in the crowd.
Well-wishers and hordes of reporters gathered outside the church grounds on a day that saw a downpour shortly beforehand, but clear weather by the time the ceremony was over.
The airspace above both villages was closed to prevent intrusive press crews flying overhead or launching drones to get video footage.
There was speculation Harry would bring his American girlfriend, actress Meghan Markle, to the reception.
Their relationship has become serious in recent months, with Harry speaking out to ask the press to respect their privacy.
Prince George of Cambridge waves to onlookers. Photo: Getty