Pippa Middleton and James Matthews kiss after their wedding yesterday. Photo / AP
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews kiss after their wedding yesterday. Photo / AP
It had been designed with military precision, with several heirs to the throne on the guest list, the cream of high society in attendance and a picture-perfect English country setting.
Add sunny weather, adorable bridesmaids and page boys, and a kiss for the camera, and Pippa Middleton and James Matthews' wedding at St Mark's Church in Englefield, Berkshire, went as smoothly as could be.
The bride, wearing a Giles Deacon gown, beamed to the waiting world on the arm of her new husband, with a troupe of eight excitable youngsters stealing the show under the eye of a discreet Duchess of Cambridge.
The Duchess, who eschewed a formal role herself, marshalled her children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and their six companions in front of the world's cameras, shushing the noisiest as they larked about on the church steps.
Guests included the Duke of Cambridge, Princess Eugenie, and Prince Harry, who was without his girlfriend Meghan Markle.
For locals, the day began early when residents with special wristbands were invited into a pen on the church lawns. Tennis ace Roger Federer was cheered as he walked with his wife, Mirka, while Middleton uncle Gary Goldsmith waved to the press with his daughter Tallulah. He later praised the "brilliant couple" who he confirmed "gave everyone time and attention".
An eclectic guest list included ITV broadcaster Tom Bradby, Vogue executive fashion director Serena Hood, and Gabriella Windsor, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Image 1 of 18: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews kiss after their wedding at St Mark's Church in Englefield, England. Photo / AP
As the ceremony neared, the mother of the bride was escorted by her son James. Moments later, two vintage Jaguar Mk IV cars pulled up to cheers, with the Duchess of Cambridge and the eight youngest members of the party inside. Joining Prince George as page boys were Casimir Tatos, Pippa's godson and the son of Ari and Marie-Sophie Tatos, Edward Sebire, the son of one of James Matthews' friends, and William Ward. Bridesmaids were Princess Charlotte, Pippa's goddaughter Countess Philippa Hoyos, Lily French, and Avia Horner, daughter of James' fellow-financier Edward Horner.
The Rev Nick Wynne-Jones, the church's resident priest, officiated.
After a ceremony lasting nearly an hour, the couple emerged, kissing for the cameras as bells rang out just before 12.30pm.
At Englefield House, part of a private estate, guests heard traditional speeches and saw the cutting of the wedding cake. After toasts, the newlyweds drove off in an E-type Jaguar convertible to their reception.
Feast fit for a queen
Guests at Britain's big wedding yesterday dined on the bride and groom's favourite foods, from a cheese wheel to traditional fruit cake, with a special selection of finger food for the children.
Magnums of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc champagne were uncorked after the ceremony.
An array of canapes, said to number 20,000, included a muntjac carpaccio with mushroom, fresh langoustine served on langoustine claws, and asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce.
The bride's sister, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and daughter Princess Charlotte. Photo / AP
A table had been set up with chefs behind it slicing and serving serrano ham to order from huge legs. A second table was laid with foie gras, little toasts and sauternes jelly, with guests invited to help themselves.
In one corner there was said to be a whole wheel of parmesan, which guests were able to hack into, taking little shavings or chunks of salty cheese to taste with their champagne.
Unusually, the wedding cake was cut during the early afternoon reception. A four-tiered fruit cake covered in white icing, it was described by a guest as a "very simple, elegant affair".
The evening reception was expected to include dancing, a five-course sit-down meal and a Spitfire fly-past.
