- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
She played a memorable supporting role at sister Kate’s 2011 wedding, but Pippa Middleton will take center stage Saturday at what looks to be the high society event of the year.
The 33-year-old is marrying a wealthy financier at the oh-so-English 12th century church of St. Mark’s in the village of Englefield, west of London — with a guest list of young A-list royals and reality TV stars looking on.
Prince William, a future king, will be there with his wife Kate, now formally known as the Duchess of Cambridge, and their two children, 3-year-old Prince George and 2-year-old Princess Charlotte.
If that isn’t enough to merit a few photographs, there is widespread speculation that Prince Harry will bring his girlfriend, American actress Meghan Markle, to showcase their budding romance.
Here’s what to look for at the almost-royal wedding that is kicking England’s summer season off in style:
WHO IS SHE MARRYING?
The groom is hedge fund manager James Matthews, who proposed last summer during a trip to England’s scenic Lake District.
They had dated for less than a year — although had briefly been an item in 2012 as well — when he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
The wealthy Matthews has shunned the spotlight, but his brother Spencer Matthews has compensated for that with his role on the reality TV show Made in Chelsea. He is expected to be the best man.
British bookmakers are taking bets on whether Spencer Matthews will be removed from the ceremony, perhaps for making an off-color speech. Paddy Power is offering 33/1 odds against that happening.
WHAT ROLES FOR PRINCE GEORGE AND PRINCESS CHARLOTTE? WILL THEY BEHAVE?
Prince George will be a page boy and Charlotte — at the tender age of 2 — will be a bridesmaid.
It goes without saying that whatever outfits their parents come up with will be closely monitored and copied by parents with young children for years to come.
Less clear is what will happen if George decides it’s tantrum-time or Charlotte turns her back on the wedding party.
The Duchess of Cambridge told a palace guest this week that she is hoping for the best but admitted she is a bit concerned that her children may act up. Her husband Prince William is still being ribbed for his poor behavior at his Uncle Andrew’s wedding in 1986 — he stuck out his tongue at one point — when William was just 4.
DOES THE QUEEN HAVE A ROLE?
Palace officials say Queen Elizabeth II will not be at the wedding. Prince Charles and his wife Camilla also plan to miss the event, which is drawing only the younger royals.
WILL HARRY BRING MEGHAN?
Suspense is building over whether Prince Harry will use the occasion to spotlight his relationship with American actress Meghan Markle, who plays an ambitious paralegal in the U.S. television drama Suits.
Though they have only rarely gone out in public together, Harry has made his feelings for Markle known. In November he released an unusual letter calling for the press to stop intruding into her private life and saying he would do everything possible to protect her from unwanted scrutiny.
Escorting Markle to such a high-profile event would be seen as confirmation that the relationship is increasingly serious. Some expect Harry to attend the church ceremony solo, then bring Markle to the reception that follows.
WHAT WILL PIPPA WEAR?
She looked terrific in a form-fitting Alexander McQueen dress at Kate’s wedding, almost but not quite upstaging the bride, but is likely to wear something more modest at her own.
A number of British-based designers are thought to be likely contenders for one of the most highly anticipated commissions of the year, including Jenny Packham, Erdem, Giles Deacon and Philippa Lepley. Middleton is expected to wear a traditional, embroidered gown, most likely with the spectacular beadwork and detailing that mark high-end British fashion.
Pippa is expected to change into something jazzier for the reception planned at her parents’ country estate in Bucklebury, 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of London.
Hatmaker to the stars Stephen Jones — also known for his veils — also may be involved.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day