Bridesmaid to bride: Middleton marries as royals take back seat

ENGLEFIELD, United Kingdom - Two likely future British kings were there, along with one of the world's most photographed women, Prince Harry, a multilingual tennis legend and a reality TV star.

But all eyes were on Pippa Middleton on Saturday as she walked down the aisle of a 12th-century church wearing a custom hand-embroidered gown with a tiara and long veil to marry hedge fund manager James Matthews.

Reporters, photographers and camera crews invaded the small village of Englefield west of London, home to St. Mark's Church, and nearby Bucklebury, where a lavish reception was being held on Saturday night at the estate of the bride's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.

Middleton, 33, may not be royalty, but the star-studded occasion took on some aspects of a royal wedding, with well-wishers gathering outside the church grounds hoping for a glimpse.

Prince William and Prince Harry, decked out in formal morning suits, seemed relaxed as they strolled into the church and were greeted by the groom's brother, Spencer Matthews, a star on the TV show Made in Chelsea.

Matthew and Pippa briefly dated in 2012 but became serious last year. He proposed during a visit to the Lake District, setting in motion what is being called the society wedding of the year.

The wedding plan was not without risks including having such young children in the wedding party. But George and Charlotte, the children of William and the Duchess of Cambridge, and the rest of the page boys and bridesmaids did well, winning hearts along the way in their custom-made outfits.

Roger Federer and his wife Mirka were among the guests, reflecting Middleton's keen interest in tennis.

Kate, so often the center of attention as she performs her royal duties or poses for the cover of Vogue, gracefully ceded the spotlight to her younger sister.

She focused on making sure the young page boys and bridesmaids behaved, once raising her finger to shush the youngsters.

Harry did not bring his girlfriend, US actress Meghan Markle, to the crowded church ceremony. She may attend the private reception.

The airspace above both villages was closed to prevent intrusive press crews from flying overhead or launching drones to get video footage.

Middleton was relatively unknown until her figure-hugging bridesmaid gown attracted attention at the 2011 royal wedding of Kate and Prince William. That sparked unfounded rumors that she was dating Prince Harry.

She has written a book about entertaining and columns for Vanity Fair while also working at her parents' lucrative "Party Pieces" business.

Associated Press