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The Duchess of Cambridge has made the shock decision to pull out of sister Pippa’s wedding party, in a surprise move that’s left the Middleton family stunned.
While many have been quick to assume that rising tension between the sisters led to Kate’s announcement, friends tell New Idea this couldn’t be further from the truth.
It’s since been revealed the duchess is desperate to ensure she doesn’t steal Pippa’s thunder during her sister’s May nuptials to billionaire James Matthews, 41 – which has been dubbed the ‘wedding of the year’ – so she’s chosen to gracefully bow out of any official duties.
‘During dinner at Pippa and brother James’ house a couple of weeks ago, Kate announced her decision to not be in the bridal party,’ says a Middleton family friend.
‘Kate knows that if she was a bridesmaid, the whole wedding would be about her, and Pippa won’t get a look in. She knows how important this day is to her sister and how Pippa has planned her fairytale wedding her whole life.
‘The thought of taking any attention away from the bride on her special day just doesn’t sit well with Kate, so she made the gracious decision to walk away from any formal responsibilities. There’s no drama about it – just a kind decision from a loving sister.’
Friends of the 35-year-old duchess reveal how she made the decision with husband Prince William, 34, after a few lengthy discussions about how to approach the big day.
‘The truth is, Kate knows what it’s like to have someone else upstage you on your wedding day,’ says the source. ‘More than 300 million people watched William and Kate walk down the aisle together, but all talk was about Pippa and that dress, and that bum!
‘Kate wasn’t angry because it was her dream day and everything was perfect, but it was a little awkward and left her a little upset.
‘She doesn’t want the same thing to happen to Pippa – she just wants it to be her perfect day. Kate has already told Pippa she’s planning to wear something very plain, arrive via the back entrance and keep photo opportunities to a minimum.’
For the full story, see this week’s New Idea – Out now.
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