Royal sister-in-law Pippa takes spotlight in star-studded British wedding

Three-year-old Prince George took a starring role with his younger sister as attendants to the bride.

May 20 Pippa Middleton, younger sister of Kate, Britain's Duchess of Cambridge, was married in a small English country church on Saturday surrounded by royals and celebrities but those hoping for a dash of Hollywood were left in the cold.

The event had been at risk of being overshadowed by the most high-profile appearance yet of Prince Harry's girlfriend, Meghan Markle. But the US actress failed to appear before cameras.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews smile after their wedding at St Mark's Church in Englefield PHOTO: REUTERS

Pippa Middleton, the sister of Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives for her wedding to James Matthews at St Mark's Church in Englefield, west of London, on May 20, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

Three-year-old Prince George, third in line to the throne after grandfather Charles and father William, took a starring role with his younger sister as attendants to the bride.



Britain's Prince George stands with other flower boys and girls after the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews at St Mark's Church in Englefield, Britain May 20, 2017. Pippa Middleton is the sister of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pippa Middleton, the sister of Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives with her father Michael Middleton for her wedding to James Matthews at St Mark's Church in Englefield, west of London, on May 20, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

Middleton, 33, who married financier James Matthews, wore an elegant white lace gown with a cut-out in the back and a full long skirt. She arrived in a open-top car accompanied by her father, smiling broadly and waving to crowds gathered near St. Mark's church in Englefield, about 50 miles west of London. Matthews sported a three-piece morning suit with a pale waistcoat and tails.

Pippa Middleton, the sister of Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives for her wedding to James Matthews at St Mark's Church in Englefield, west of London, on May 20, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

 

Pippa Middleton, the sister of Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives with her father Michael Middleton for her wedding to James Matthews at St Mark's Church in Englefield, west of London, on May 20, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

Prince William walked up to the church accompanied by younger brother Harry. Celebrity guests included 18-times grand slam tennis champion Roger Federer and the fashion editor of British Vogue magazine.



Middleton took the spotlight by surprise when she acted as maid of honor at the 2011 wedding of her sister to William mainly due to her svelte figure, the back of which was captured by many a camera. "Rear comes the bride," joked the Daily Star newspaper.

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (R) arranges the train of her sister Pippa Middleton as she arrives with her father Michael Middleton for her wedding to James Matthews at St Mark's Church in Englefield, west of London, on May 20, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

Security was tight amid a media frenzy in which #PippasWedding was trending on social media but guests were forbidden from sharing pictures there.

Tabloids have focused on details such as a rumored Spitfire flypast and a 100,000 pound ($130,000) glass marquee erected specially for the reception at the Middleton's home in the nearby village of Bucklebury.

Ferocious interest also centered on Markle, star of the TV legal drama 'Suits', whose relationship with Prince Harry was made public last November.