Royal Sister-in-Law Pippa Takes Spotlight in Star-Studded British Wedding

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5/20/2017

Updated:

5/20/2017

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 U.S. actress failed to appear before cameras.

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.

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 and her new husband James Matthews leave St Mark's Church in Englefield, west of London, on May 20, 2017 following their wedding ceremony. (Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

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.

Britain's Prince Harry (R) and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge walk to the church for the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews at St Mark's Church in Englefield, west of London, on May 20, 2017. (Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

Middleton took the spotlight by surprise when she acted as maid of honor at the 2011 wedding of her sister to William. Security was tight amid a media frenzy in which #PippasWedding was trending on social media but guests were forbidden from sharing pictures there.

Pippa Middleton (R) is escorted by her father Michael Middleton as she arrives for her wedding to James Matthews at St Mark's Church on May 20, 2017 in Englefield Green, England. (Justin Tallis - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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.