Pippa Middleton might not be marrying into royalty, but her wedding just might feel like it. The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister ties the knot to her longtime boyfriend next month. Here’s everything we know so far.
The Groom
James Matthews is the chief executive of Eden Rock Capital Management Group, which he founded about 10 years ago, according to the International Business Times. The hedge fund manager hails from a hotel-industry family (his parents own the Eden Rock Hotel in St. Barts) and he actually attended the same boarding schoolas Prince William and Prince Harry.
The proposal
Matthews popped the question on July 17, 2016. The couple was reportedly on a weekend getaway at England’s Lake District when he proposed. News of their engagement broke days later. Middleton’s engagement ring is an octagonal halo Asscher-cut diamond reportedly worth more than $260,000, according to People.
The couple first started dating in 2012, but broke up shortly after. They reunited in 2015 and have been together ever since.
The wedding date
May 20, 2017, according to The Telegraph.
The Venue
St. Mark’s Church Englefield, Berkshire. The church is located near the Middletons’ home. The family, and members of the royal family, were seen attending a service there on Christmas Day in 2016.
The Dress
We still don’t know. Giles Deacon was rumored to be making her bridal gown after he was seen carrying a garment bag while leaving Middleton’s London home in February 2017. However, he denied that he was designing her dress. “Until things are confirmed it’s just rumors,” he told Hello! Fashion.
The Bachelorette party
Kate recently joined her sister for a low-key skiing hen do in France last month (while her husband Prince William went on a separate ski trip with his friends and showed off his dance moves).
The Guests
About 150 guests are expected to attend, according to The Mirror, although some estimates expect 350 attendees.
Kate Middleton and Prince William are on the guest list, however it is unknown what Kate’s role will be in the wedding. It’s possible she won’t play Maid of Honor to avoid outshining her younger sister on her wedding day. Her children, however, do have big roles for the nuptials. Prince George will be a page boy and Princess Charlotte will be a bridesmaid.
Prince Harry is also on the list, but his girlfriend Meghan Markle might not be in attendance. Pippa reportedly has a strict “no ring, no bring” policy, which means guests can only bring spouses as a plus one. If that’s true, that rules out Markle’s chances of attending, and Vogue Williams’, who is dating Middleton’s brother-in-law Spencer Matthews.
The Queen will likely not attend, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The Reception
After the ceremony, the reception will take place at the Middletons’ home, where Pippa’s parents currently reside, which is just seven miles away from the church, The Telegraphreports. The festivities are expected to take place in the couple’s 18-acre garden.
The Honeymoon
The newlyweds will reportedly head to Kenya after tying to knot for a private honeymoon, according to the Los Angeles Times.