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It was billed as the wedding of the year, and Pippa Middleton certainly didn’t disappoint as she wowed the world on her big day.
Officially tying the knot with her banking beau James Matthews at St Marks’s Church in Englefield, the 33-year-old said her ‘I do’s’ in front of 150 guests.
An hour before Pippa made her grand entrance, guests were spotted arriving for the big day.
Prince William and Prince Harry made their way together across the courtyard of the church. And while William’s wife, Kate was on her way with her sister, Harry’s Hollywood girlfriend, Meghan Markle was a disappointing no-show – despite having been expected to attend the intimate ceremony.
Princess Eugenie and her boyfriend Jack Brooksbank were also spotted.
Eugenie – daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York – wore a navy blue knee-length dress, believed to be by French designer Paule Ka.
Other high-profile guests included tennis star roger Federer and his wife Mirka, Spencer Matthews – TV star, best man and brother to groom, James – and TV personality Donna Air, who is also the partner of Pippa’s brother, James.
Both sets of in-laws were spotted in fine form. James Middleton accompanied his mother, Carol Middleton to the church, while James’ parents, David and Jane Matthews, who run the Eden Roc hotel group, were pictured waving to wellwishers after the ceremony.
As royal watchers and guests waited patiently for the bride to arrive, Kate Middleton somehow slipped into the hall without making a fuss and waited patiently for her sister to arrive.
The 35-year-old looked elegant and understated in a blush pink, puff-sleeved dress by Alexander McQueen, which she paired with Kiki McDonough earrings and her trusty nude court shoes.
While Kate did not play an official part in the big day, she was on hand to wrangle the young children involved in the bridal party into line….and of course fussed over her sister’s dress.
And of course, Prince George and Princess Charlotte totally stole the show. Wearing bespoke outfits by Spanish designer Pepa & Co, the royal tots melted hearts as they giggled and fidgeted whilst waiting for Pippa to arrive.
In fact, at one point, Kate was even spotted giving the assembled children a gentle shush before they made their way into the church.
After the ceremony the young prince was left in tears after he got a stern telling off from his mum outside the church.
However, thankfully, George was back to his cheeky best as he was spotted waving from a car after the ceremony.
However, the highlight was of course the arrival of blushing bride, Pippa, who drew gasps upon her arrival with her father, Michael.
Wearing a spectacular lace-bodiced, high-necked wedding gown created by Giles Deacon. Her face was covered with a delicate bespoke tulle veil dotted with pearls and made by milliner Stephen Jones.
The bride also wore a Maidenhair fern tiara by Robinson Pelham, and ivory satin pumps by Manolo Blahnik.
‘I was thrilled to work with Pippa on her wedding dress,’ Giles Deacon said of his collaboration with Middleton. ‘The dress is constructed with a cap sleeve, high neckline and features a corseted bodice with draping to the front and a heart-shaped detail at the back.’
‘The bespoke silk cotton lace was hand appliqued to create an illusion of the dress having “no seams”.’
‘The lace bodice is embroidered with pearl detailing over an organza and tulle underskirt, which has layer upon layer to enable a floor-sweeping movement.’
‘It’s a privilege to show the craftsmanship that my team produces in London and a real testament to Pippa’s support of British fashion,’ Deacon added.
After the hour-long ceremony, Pippa beamed with happiness as she left the church with her new husband, James – with the pair pausing to steal a quick kiss before waiting cameras.
After saying their vows surrounded by their friends and family, the happy couple waved to the crowds as they drove in a Jaguar E-Type from the Englefield estate to the Middleton mansion for the evening reception in the ‘portapalace’ they’ve constructed in their garden.
The party is expected to carry on all evening with an estimated 350 high-profile guests.
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