Open Post: Pippa Middleton's Wedding!


Hello and welcome! I've received a number of requests from readers interested in a pre-wedding post. Due to the plethora of news articles, sightings and last-minute information rapidly available, I thought it a good idea to start an 'Open Post' which will allow for additions as they become available, similar to Live Blogs we've written in the past. We'll be chatting about various aspects of the wedding, from the dress to talking points and opinion pieces surrounding the event.  Please feel free to share any links you wish and to chat in the comments section. This post will be 'Open' from now until Saturday, including the morning of the wedding, where we will share images once they become available. You will find the most recent entries at the top of the post.


Thank You For Following the Live Blog

Thank you for following the live blog over the past couple of days. We're now closing this post and getting to work on the full blog post covering the wedding!


Congratulations James and Pippa!






Sweet Photos of Kate, George and Charlotte





The Happy Couple

Kate in McQueen

Kate's beautiful soft-pink dress is reportedly by Alexander McQueen. More from Harper's Bazaar: "The Duchess of Cambridge wore Alexander McQueen to Pippa Middleton's wedding today, the same designer she wore to her own wedding in 2011. She chose a somewhat less dramatic look for her sister's nuptials - an understated pale pink, ankle-length dress, which she paired with a matching fascinator. The Duchess visited McQueen's HQ in recent weeks to meet with Sarah Burton to discuss the design. Presumably the Duchess didn't want to overshadow her sister on her big day, thus the pared-down, yet elegant look. The decision shows Kate's ongoing loyalty to the British brand, which she's worn on multiple occasions since the royal wedding." Below we see Kate trying to keep the children quiet. :)



A Beautiful Father-Daughter Photograph



Arrival Video


The Duchess in Pink with the Page Boys and Bridesmaids





Pippa and Michael


A closer look.


The bride looked radiant.


George and Charlotte


George and Charlotte Adorable in Pepa & Co


HQ Photo

Pippa wore a bespoke veil by Stephen  Jones and the Maidenhair Fair Tiara with matching headpiece by Robinson Pelham.


The Bride Arrives


The back of Pippa's Giles Deacon gown. From Chris Ship: "The dress has a cap sleeve, high neckline, corseted bodice, and heart shape detail at the back."


Family Arrivals

Carole and James.


William and Harry greet best man Spencer Matthews.


James Middleton's girlfriend, Donna Air, in cream.


A hug upon arrival. 


Live Stream

Good news, two of the photographers we use James Whatling and Stephen Lock are on the ROTA today meaning we should have photos very quickly. In the meantime, The Telegraph has a live stream showing arrivals. 

The Cambridges Photographed Leaving KP

The Cambridges were photographed leaving Kensington Palace for Bucklebury earlier this morning. As you can see they are all ready, with the Duchess wearing her hair in an updo with a hat which looks to be peach or soft pink. I would have thought they would have been there this morning to get ready with Pippa, however perhaps they thought it best to prepare George and Charlotte at home. The Telegraph article with additional photos is here.

The Telegraph Twitter Feed

Sky News

There's live coverage currently airing on Sky News. Reporter Rhiannon Mills tweeted "A small number of tv cameras and photographers will film the guests and bridal party arrive and leave the church.".
Two Hours Until the Wedding

Hello and good morning! It's just two hours until the wedding begins. Roya Nikkhah shared this photo from St. Mark's.


The Night Before the Wedding

With many thanks for joining in over the past 24 hours! We'll see you in the morning when additional updates, arrivals and more will be added to this post. I'm sure it's a very exciting time in Bucklebury right now with mere hours until the alarm clocks go off and it all begins. :)


What aspect of the wedding are you most looking forward to? I am extremely excited to see George and Charlotte as page boy and bridesmaid tomorrow. They have both grown so much. Below, we see the family arriving at St Mark's on Christmas Day.


For Kate, I have no doubt it will be incredibly special to see her sister get married tomorrow. They have always been extremely close - throughout Kate's courtship with William, their brief split, the royal wedding and all of life's milestones along the way. Whilst Kate may not have a very visible role tomorrow, I'm sure she's been there every step of the way, from choosing the dress to rehearsals today.


I'll see you in the morning! :)

Wedding Jewellery

Pippa's art deco engagement ring is a vintage style design with a halo of diamonds surrounding an estimated 3.5-carat asscher-cut stone, estimated to be worth up to £200,000. It is thought the wedding bands will also be created by the jeweller.

Rebecca English Twitter Feed

Michael and Carole Middleton had earrings commissioned from London jewellers Robinson Pelham as a wedding gift for Kate. Their design is derived from the acorn and oak leaves which form part of the Middleton family coat of arms and they perfectly complimented the 'Halo' tiara echoing the scroll elements in the design. The £15K earrings are made of 18 karat white gold and diamonds in the form of a curled diamond set oak leaf top and a pear-shaped diamond set drop with a central articulated pave set diamond acorn. Pelham also made Pippa Middleton's floral motif earrings as well as the tourmaline and diamond pendant and earrings worn by Carole Middleton. Will we see the Middleton coat of arms implemented tomorrow? It would be very interesting to see Kate, Pippa and Carole wear those jewels again - the start of a family tradition.


I would also love to see Kate wear the jewellery from her engagement portraits again. The Links of London Hope Egg earrings in particular were a very feminine, striking pair. The white topaz earrings represent hope and new life and are considered a very attractive and important symbol in Russia, commonly given as birthday gifts. The earrings remain available (and very popular) at Links of London. 


Kate also chose the brand for her first engagement following the wedding - wearing the Links of London Effervescence Bubble Stiletto Earrings. "Lavender iolite stones echo the iridescence of bubbles, creating perfect jewellery for evening glamour. The Effervescence collection can be treasured by all women. It represents joy and celebration and will have a special bond with each woman who wears it."


Kate's Hairdresser Chosen for the Big Day

Kate's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker was photographed wheeling a suitcase into Pippa's London home earlier this week. The Mail reports "Mrs Cook Tucker styles Kate's hair for official occasions both in the UK and abroad and is a dab hand at creating elaborate up-dos. Sources have hinted to the Mail that Pippa is planning to wear her hair up on her big day - meaning the royal crimper is a perfect choice for the occasion. Mrs Cook Tucker's ex-husband Neville Tucker also has Royal connections. His Knightsbridge salon held the Royal Warrant from 1980 to 1994 and he worked closely with the Queen's longest-serving hairdresser, Charles Martyn."


Mother of the Bride

Carole Middleton chose a timeless Catherine Walker ensemble for the royal wedding in 2011. Will she opt for the designer again tomorrow? This photo of Carole, Camilla and the Queen is another memorable one from the royal wedding.


The Telegraph Shares Exclusive Details on the Reception


'Pippa Middleton has chosen to style the wedding of the year in line with the growing trend for a “two-tier” celebration. Her marriage to James Matthews will be a day of two halves. The first will be very much in keeping with the "relaxed country wedding" she is said to have always dreamt about, with the ceremony held at a tiny 12th century church on the sprawling Englefield estate. This will be followed by a reception of champagne and canapes - The Telegraph understands 20,000 have been ordered for the occasion - on the lawn in front of Englefield House (the palatial Elizabethan mansion which is home to the estate’s owner MP Richard Benyon). And while the adults enjoy exquisite canapes - including scallops, haggis and smoked salmon - it is thought Prince George and and Princess Charlotte will be tucking into some healthy snacks.
At this initial reception, Michael Middleton, James Matthews and his brother Spencer (who is expected to be his best man) will make the traditional wedding speeches and the happy couple will perform the ceremonial cutting of the cake. 
The guests will then be invited to return to wherever they are staying to freshen up and change into an entirely new outfit before the second event of the day. Children will be whisked away, as The Telegraph can exclusively reveal the later event is strictly a no kids allowed affair. In the morning, little Prince George and Princess Charlotte will follow their aunt down the aisle as her page boy and bridesmaid, but in the evening, the royal children are expected to either be kept amused inside the Middletons’ house while their parents dance the night away, or be taken back to Kensington Palace by their nanny. For the second celebration - which is to be held at the Middletons’ £6 million manor house, just a couple of miles from the church in Bucklebury - guests will be welcomed into a world of high glamour and decadence. A sparkling glass palace has been erected in the garden, which is expected to be filled with candles and flowers.


Pippa's Pre-Wedding Looks

Pippa has been photographed a multitude of times in the run up the wedding showcasing a variety of looks. I thought it might be fun to look a couple of my favourites. Last month Pippa and James attended the ParaSnow Ball at Hurlingham Gardens. It was the first time they posed together for photos as a couple.


Pippa chose a very pretty dress by one of Kate's favourite designers Erdem. The Heta Embellished-Organza Dress is from the designers Resort 2017 Collection. This textured slate-blue organza-cloqué Heta dress is embellished with tonal-blue and clear crystal floral motifs at the neckline and hips, and falls below the knee in a tiered ruffled panel. Pippa teamed the dress with distinctive Sandro Leather Sandals with Cut Outs.


Meghan was causally chic during a visit to Santi Spa earlier this week.

Rebecca English Mail Online Twitter Feed

Pippa wore the Kate Spade New York Scallop Tweed Jacket. It is described as "Contrast embroidery accents the whimsically scalloped edges of a tailored tweed jacket with classic collarless styling." Coincidentally it looks very similar to the jacket Kate was wearing driving in London earlier today. Pippa teamed it with the Kate Spade New York Eyelet Embroidered Top, which is available at Nordstrom and carried the gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Medium Textured Leather-Tote

.
With many thanks to Middleton Maven for identifying the look.

Meghan Markle Photographed in London Today

There is significant interest in one guest at the wedding in particular - Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle. Meghan was photographed leaving a Soho spa earlier today ahead of her appearance at the wedding tomorrow, which promises to be a significant moment for the couple. If interested, you can read more over at our Meghan blog.


A Scottish Theme

Rebecca English reports: "The Mail can reveal one of the most fascinating aspects yet – the big day is going to have a Scottish theme. Pippa’s links to God’s Country are a little unclear – although she did go to Edinburgh University. Groom James Matthews, however, is better connected and it would seem this has driven the plan for the nuptials. James’s father, David, a former mechanic who made a fortune through the car trade, owns a castle and 10,000-acre estate 15 miles from Loch Ness in the Highlands. His acquisition of the property in 2008 also bought him the courtesy title of the Laird of Glen Affric, which will be inherited by his eldest son, hedge fund boss James. That would make Pippa Lady Glen Affric one day. Friends say Pippa and her fiance have a deep love of Scotland and often spend time at the Matthews family estate, where they hold annual shooting parties at the Glen Affric Lodge. As a result the 300 guests at the wedding are set to enjoy a wealth of food sourced from the region around Glen Affric, including haggis canapés and lamb, all washed down with local whisky. The couple have even brought in a bagpiper."


I was chatting with the lovely Susan from What Kate Wore who correctly noted, given the Scottish theme, there's a possibility page boys could wear kilts as Peter Phillips did for his aunt Sarah Phillips' wedding in 1981. You can read Susan's post here.


The Telegraph posted a delightful 90 second video of royal page boys and bridesmaids over the years.


The Scene in Bucklebury

ITV's royal reporter Chris Ship shared these images from the Middleton family home in Bucklebury. "In the end, it wasn't exactly hard to spot Pippa Middleton's glass marquee. This was taken from a road on a hill on the other side of a valley from the Middleton's Bucklebury home in Berkshire. Small, it is not."


A video report from Chris Ship.


Kate Spotted Driving Through London

The Duchess of Cambridge has been spotted driving a Range Rover through London this afternoon. The Mail Online reports Kate attended rehearsals for Pippa's wedding at St Mark's this morning (likely the same rehearsal Mike Middleton was photographed leaving). 


Nanny Maria Teresa Borrallo was also at the rehearsal with the Middleton family. You can view images on the Mail Online. I expect William, Kate, George and Charlotte will all return to Bucklebury later this evening ahead of the wedding tomorrow.



Kate wore a white and black jacket and her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch. We'll update if the piece is found.

Michael Middleton Photographed at St Mark's Today

Father of the bride Mike Middleton has been spotted with wedding planners at St Mark's Church today for final rehearsals and preparations. The event is being overseen by the Royal family's party planners of choice, Fait Accompli (they organised 'Party at the Palace' at Buckingham Palace most recently). Founder Camilla Monckton was a close friend of Princess Diana and organised an array of events for her at Kensington Palace. The catering is being looked after by society favourite Table Talk; Pippa Middleton worked for the company before the royal wedding.


Tomorrow, Mike Middleton will walk his youngest daughter down the aisle. The photos of Kate and Mike arriving at Westminster Abbey remain some of my favourites from the day. I think he's very much the rock of the family and has been such an enormous source of support. William affectionately refers to him as "Dad".


A video.


Whilst looking through photos of the royal wedding, I came across this one of Kate leaving The Goring. It's such a great image - encompassing the excitement of the day. 


And of course the speech will have been months in the planning. More from Hello:

'But if Michael's first speech at the royal wedding is anything to go by, the doting father need not worry. He has been heavily involved in Pippa's wedding preparations, and will have spent weeks, if not months, crafting the perfect father-of-the-bride speech. He will focus on the happy couple Pippa and James, and surely talk about his pride for his daughter, sharing anecdotes from Pippa's childhood. We can expect a heartwarming speech, full of emotion that will bring a tear to, at least, the bride's eye. 
Michael, 67, may also recall how Pippa and James met and started dating, and how James asked him for his daughter's hand in marriage. He'll no doubt say just how much the couple are suited to each other, and how Pippa will be in safe hands with her new husband. There will be anecdotes and funny stories to share, just as he did at William and Kate's royal wedding. Back then, Michael joked about the Prince landing his helicopter in the grounds of their family home in Berkshire. "He mentioned… how it nearly blew his roof off, and spoke of how brilliantly William fitted into his family," said one guest.
Another guest revealed: "Mike's speech was all about Kate, and he did very, very well – what a difficult speech to do, but it was very well delivered. He talked about her childhood, how the couple met and what a wonderful couple they make."

The Reception

After the church ceremony, guests will reportedly make the two-minute walk to a champagne reception at Englefield House. Englefield House is an Elizabethan country house with surrounding estate at Englefield in Berkshire, owned by the Benyon family. The gardens are open to the public all year round on particular weekdays and the house by appointment only for large groups. For those who think it looks somewhat familiar, it may be because the house has featured in a host of television shows and movies. From The King's Speech and Great Expectations to X Men: First Class and the reality series "I Wanna Marry Harry". A large canvas tent has been constructed on the Estate grounds in recent days for the wedding.


From there, guests will be taken to the Middleton family home in Bucklebury for the reception. A huge glass marquee has been set up in the garden to host the wedding breakfast and evening reception. The conservatory-style structure can be seen from the road.


A look inside a similar marquee, Pippa's is expected to house 350 guests at the reception.



'Some 17lb of beluga caviar has been given from an anonymous Russian donor costing £40,000, which will also be incorporated into the canapés, our sources say. Pippa has, by all accounts, been intimately involved in every aspect of the menu and has chosen all the food herself, with some inspiration from her book of tips about entertaining, Celebration.
Pippa is understood to have personally vetted all the waiters and waitresses. All staff have been forced to sign confidentiality agreements and will have to give up their phones before entering the site. The bride has also been planning a host of surprises for her guests, including table tennis tables in the glass marquee because it is her favourite sport. A huge sound system with ‘mega speakers’ was yesterday being installed for a ‘surprise act’ who will perform at an after party.
The Middleton family have been given a fleet of up to 50 top-of-the-range cars by Jaguar Land Rover to ferry around their guests, it is understood. In return for the publicity the event is expected to generate, the car giant has loaned them dozens of Range Rovers to transport guests from the village hall in Bucklebury, Berkshire, to the family house. '

Met Office Predicts Rain for Tomorrow

If there's one element of the big day brides wish they could control it is the weather. Pippa and James will be hoping forecasters are wrong to predict showers and rain. The Telegraph reports: "The Met Office is predicting rain for the area on Saturday - the same time Pippa and her new husband are likely to pose for wedding pictures." Hopefully skies will remain clear!

The Telegraph

Another interest portion of the article reveals the ceremony is due to begin at 11:30 a.m.

Who is James Matthews?




"Mr Matthews is the CEO of investment advisory firm Eden Rock Group. Tatler notes: "He went to Eton so is happiest when in a blazer and suede loafers." The former racing driver did not go to university but decided to trade as a finance trader. Mr Matthews' family owns a manor house in Nottinghamshire and his father bought the Glen Affric estate in the Highlands in 2008. His parents David and Jane also have a hotel called Eden Rock on the idyllic Caribbean Island of St Barts, also known as St Barths. In September 1995, David and Jane Matthews arrived on the island of St Barths accompanied by their four children,” the hotel website says.
“The family had purchased Eden Rock from legendary island aviator and local adventurer Rémy de Haenen, moving the family from London to the Caribbean in pursuit of a more adventurous life – and sunshine too.” 
James’ brother Michael Matthew tragically died at the age of 22 while descending from the summit of Mount Everest in May 1999. The Michael Matthews Foundation (MMF), set up in his memory, said that the cheerful and modest man was then the youngest Britain to have summited the mountain. The foundation website says: “To date, MMF’s income has resulted largely from the fund-raising endeavours of Michael's brothers, James and Spencer, their friends, and other family members.” 

The Guest List

The Telegraph takes a look at the guest list set to include society friends Camilla Campion-Awaad, Old Etionian George Percy and Sam and Annabel Waley-Cohen.

Stephen Glover Opinion Piece: Yes, they're in love but this oh-so lavish wedding won't endear Pippa to the public - or help the Royals

A much discussed topic on the blog of late has been how much coverage there has been surrounding the wedding with many feeling it has very much gone from a private event to a very public wedding. Stephen Glover writes:

'This has become a public wedding. All the more regrettable, then, that many people will see the well-publicised antics of the Matthews and Middleton clans and their guests as proof of Jeremy Corbyn’s contention that the rich occupy a different planet, and should be brought back to earth with a bump.
It is true, of course, that the Middletons have made their fortune out of planning parties, and they must have brought many of their skills to this wedding. No doubt they want to impress their guests, as parents are apt to do on these occasions. But is this flaunting of wealth wise or necessary?
Wouldn’t it have been more seemly to have an old-fashioned English country wedding with a straightforward marquee and perfectly adequate Portaloos? The Middletons have made money, and good for them. Few would complain if they displayed a proper degree of modesty. They are not, in fact, members of the super-rich, though James and his parents (who may well be sharing the stonking bill) probably are. Yet this would seem to be a grotesquely opulent and rather unEnglish affair.
The odd thing is that there is so much to admire about the Middleton and Matthews families. Both have worked hard and are self-made. Both are said to be close and tightly knit. On the assumption that they have all paid their taxes and that everything has been above board, I don’t see why any of us should begrudge them a single penny of their fortunes. They have, it seems to me, epitomised the best of middle-class values, which many people less fortunate than them would naturally admire. Why, then, must they risk the charge of behaving like vulgar Russian oligarchs — or at any rate give rise to the belief that they should be viewed in that light? Why the need to make a mark with such tacky displays of wealth?

Preparations Firmly Underway

Preparations are very much underway with a flurry of activity at St Mark's, Englefield. With less than 48 hours to go until the couple say their vows, workmen have been making last-minute improvements to the church and gardens. From meticulously mowing the lawns to adjusting signage, it's quite the operation.


A chair delivery company dropped off a huge order of chairs at the church. Deliveries from Starlight Design were seen arriving, too. The company website reads: "Specialising in set design, lighting, sound, AV, fireworks, power distribution and event production using the very latest technology with our own blend of creative input and experience to guarantee results that exceed our client's expectations."


A sign from the Englefield estate noting the permissive path will be closed on Saturday.


A Giles Deacon Dress?

One of the major questions surrounding the wedding is the designer of Pippa's wedding dress? The Mail reports it's Giles Deacon. Rebecca English says: "She has chosen a couture dress made by Giles Deacon, who has designed clothes for Ann Summers and New Look. He is famed for his dramatic Gothic creations but Pippa's dress has been described to the Mail as 'classic with a progressive twist'. It is a relatively contemporary, progressive design but is completely in keeping with the occasion. Pippa will look absolutely beautiful." Below we see Pippa and James superimposed onto a wedding photo of Abbey Clancy (who wore a Giles Deacon dress) and footballer Peter Crouch.


If correct, Giles Deacon is an interesting choice. Deacon was employed by the fashion houses Bottega Veneta and Gucci, before founding his own label, GILES, in 2003. He launched his first collection for GILES at the 2004 London Fashion Week and was named "Best New Designer" at the British Fashion Awards. Below, a look at the his current collection.


The Mail also reports Pippa will be wearing custom Manolo Blahnik pumps. Below, a look at the brand's 'Hangisi' point toe pumps: "An ornate crystal embellishment sparkles at the toe of a quintessential stiletto pump done up in feminine floral mesh."


Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the wedding? We know the wedding will take place "on the morning of Saturday, 20 May". The Telegraph reports the ceremony will begin at 11.30 a.m.

Will we see photos? Yes we will. Kensington Palace organised a media facility with a small, select group of photographers. Presumably, these images will be distributed via the "ROTA" system, whereby photos are syndicated to various agencies. We don't know how many or how varied they will be, however, I expect there should be a good portion of arrival and departure photos. It's possible an official portrait or two will be released.

How many members of the Royal family are attending? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge naturally; Prince George and Princess Charlotte will serve as page boy and bridesmaid. Prince Harry will also be in attendance with his girlfriend Meghan Markle, but it remains unknown for certain whether Meghan will be at the entire event or just the reception.

Will Kate have a formal role at the wedding? According to various reports, the Duchess will not have a formal role at the wedding, although I wouldn't rule out some part.