Middleton in her Giles Deacon dress. Six years after being maid of honour for her older sister, Pippa Middleton is to marry James Matthews.
Saturday’s ceremony was to be a little less grand in scale. While Kate and Prince William married in Westminster Abbey, the new couple were tying the knot at St Mark’s church in the village of Englefield, near Reading in Berkshire.
Middleton arrived at the church shortly before midday, accompanied by her father, Michael, and wearing a bespoke Giles Deacon dress. Designed to create the impression of being seamless, the dress was teamed with a Stephen Jones veil, a Maidenhair Fern tiara, and Manolo Blahnik ivory satin shoes.
There was plenty of royalty attending what was being called the society wedding of the year. The congregation included the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, whose children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were a page boy and bridesmaid.
© Provided by Guardian News Roger Federer and his wife Mirka arrive at the church.
Royal fans may have been disappointed as Prince Harry arrived without his girlfriend, Meghan Markle. There was speculation she would attend the wedding reception at the Middleton family home in nearby Bucklebury.
Matthews’ brother, Spencer, who is best know for his appearances on the reality show Made In Chelsea, was reported to be the best man.
Other guests included the tennis champion Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka, who walked past 100 members of the media camped out a short distance from the church and hundreds more royal fans who descended on Englefield for the wedding.
Details of the service and reception had not been revealed, although Carole and Michael Middleton are thought to have hired a glass marquee for the reception.
Security is expected to be tight given the attendance of several senior royals, who will be protected by their Scotland Yard officers.
© Provided by Guardian News Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, stands with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and other children in the wedding party.
No-fly zones, which banned aircraft including drones, balloons, kites and parachutes, were in force over Bucklebury and Englefield until tomorrow.