Pippa Middleton’s modest family wedding in local church will contrast hugely with Kate’s lavish Westminster Abbey do
Younger sister will marry banking tycoon James Matthews in her local village church in May next year
PIPPA Middleton is to marry in her local village church — in stark contrast to sister Kate’s Westminster Abbey extravaganza.
The younger sibling — whose pert bottom was a huge hit at the Duchess of Cambridge’s royal wedding — has chosen pretty St Mark’s Englefield for her marriage to tycoon James Matthews in May next year.
And the party will be held at her parents’ £6million home in nearby Bucklebury, Berks.
Her 17-month-old niece Princess Charlotte and nephew Prince George, three, are expected to be a flower girl and page boy.
A friend said: “There’s been a lot of speculation that Pippa would get married at her fiancé’s hunting lodge in Scotland or have a massive bash in London. But she’s a traditional girl and just wanted to get married at home.
“Her mum has been very involved in all the wedding planning and she wants to show off their house to all their friends.
“Plus, how can you compete with Kate who got married at Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace? This way, Pippa can keep it private and very personal.”
Pippa, 33, is planning for around 150 guests at the church with more invited to the reception in a marquee at Bucklebury Manor.
Along with William and Kate, Prince Harry is also expected to be invited.
Pippa’s brother James Middleton and girlfriend Donna Air will be there along with uncle Gary Goldsmith, who was caught offering cocaine to undercover reporters.
The groom’s brother Spencer, of I’m A Celeb and Made in Chelsea, is understood to be best man.
Carole, 61, and Pippa were seen shopping for wedding invitations at posh Mount Street Printers in Mayfair, central London, this week.
And the pair have been seen shopping for dresses at top-end stores including Suzanne Neville.
related stories
Pippa is said to favour a lace design with full skirt — completely different from the slinky bridesmaid dress that propelled her to fame at the Royal Wedding in 2011.
Pals say she wants something more “demure” for her own big day. One said: “Pippa found all the attention on her bottom really embarrassing.
“She works out a lot and loves sport, but couldn’t understand all the fuss.
“With her dress, she wants something classic and demure and very different from her sister’s.
“She realises comparisons will be made, but is very excited about her own big day.”
Former racing driver James, 41, made his millions by launching City hedge fund Eden Rock Capital Management, named after his parents’ hotel in the Caribbean.