She knows all about the risks of being upstaged at one’s own wedding.
So perhaps it’s no surprise that Pippa Middleton, who comprehensively stole the show at her sister Kate’s wedding in a figure-hugging McQueen bridesmaid’s dress, has reportedly banned Prince Harry’s girlfriend Meghan Markle from attending her own wedding next month.
The Sun reports that Pippa, 33, has officially instituted a “No ring, no bring” policy for her wedding in May to hedge-funder James Matthews, 41, that will only see the fiancés or the married partners of friends be invited.
Also likely to be excluded on this basis is Vogue Williams, the model girlfriend of her future husband’s brother, Spencer Matthews.
Spencer is a mini-celebrity in the U.K. thanks to his starring role in the the reality-TV series Made in Chelsea, which focuses on the lives of privileged young Londoners living in the eponymous and exclusive district.
Sources say Pippa, who famously upstaged her sister on her big day in 2011, was concerned about a reality-TV celeb attending alongside Prince William and his wife, Kate.
A wedding insider told The Sun: “Pippa’s view is that Vogue’s relationship with Spencer is still very new. It wouldn’t be appropriate for her to be there after just a few months of dating.
“But some people in the circle are pretty shocked because this is her future brother-in-law who’s going to end up attending on his own. It’s certainly raised eyebrows.”
However there is also speculation that the move is not simply a technical ruse to limit numbers but a measure specifically designed by the future queen’s sister to target any potential rivals for the title of belle of the ball.
A source told The Sun, “It’s clear Pippa doesn’t want to be outshone by any TV babes on her big day.”
The traditional wedding is set to take place at Pippa’s family's village church of St Mark's in Englefield, Berkshire and will then move onto her parents' back garden for the reception, with a relatively small invite list of 150 guests.