Advertisement
Home Royals

Now that’s a party! Pippa Middleton and James Matthews throw TWO wedding receptions

Plus the most talked-about guest finally makes an appearance!
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews

Following their picture-perfect wedding (seriously, it was like something out of a British rom-com), newlyweds James Matthews and Pippa Middleton drove out of St Mark’s Church in an E-Type Jaguar.

Advertisement

Waving to the crowd of well-wishers and guests in the vintage car gave us major flashbacks to Prince William and Duchess Catherine doing the same thing in an Aston Martin sports car on their big day back in 2011.

Following the formal ceremony in front of 100 loved ones, which began at 11:30am local time, the celebrations continued at Carole and Michael Middleton’s family home in Bucklebury.

Not leaving anything to chance, every guest had to show photo ID and say an approved password in order to gain entry into the Middleton’s sprawling manor, E! News reports.

Riding off into the future in an E-Type Jaguar.

Advertisement

Mobiles and social media were banned and according to The Mirror, the couple even enlisted the help of “phone police” to ensure no pics could be snapped from the party.

While Suits actress Meghan Markle didn’t score an invite to the nuptials, she attended the reception.

Earlier in the day, Prince Harry made a discreet arrival into the church via a back entrance with his older brother Prince William.

Advertisement

Pippa and James try out their own version of a royal wave.

Flashback: Prince William drove to his wedding reception in this vintage Aston Martin sports car in 2011.

Harry dashed back to London to pick up Meghan for the reception.

Roger Federer was the king of the ping pong tournament.

Advertisement

According to reports, doting boyfriend Prince Harry dashed back to London between the ceremony and reception to pick up his American partner, who looked stunning in a chic black gown a white jacket.

“Right now Harry and Meghan are leaning towards not wanting to attract extra attention, especially on a day that’s not about them. It takes the pressure off,” an insider explained to E! about their low-key approach to the day.

Around 3:30pm, the first celebrations in the incredible glass marquee began with a more traditional affair, which included a sit-down lunch and speeches.

The Mirror reveal Pippa’s father joked during his toast that he had lost both of his daughters to “great men”. In a tear-jerking moment, groom James paid tribute to his late brother Michael, who tragically passed away when he was 23 climbing Mount Everest, revealing in his speech that his brother would be looking down on them for their big day.

Advertisement

Guests were treated to canapes including scallops, smoked salmon and super posh beluga caviar worth a cool £40,000, which was reportedly donated by an anonymous Russian high-roller. There was also a nod to James’ Scottish heritage with haggis, lamb and whisky on offer.

Despite the pomp and ceremony of the celebrations, the after party was decked out with a ping pong tennis! According to The Mirror, tennis champ Rodger got very involved in the table tennis tournament.

The second reception signaled guests to change into their party clothes for an evening supper and a good old-fashioned boogy.

In a bid not to distract too much attention off the bride, Meghan snuck into the wedding reception.

Advertisement

What a finale!

Loading the player...

If dancing the night away in a glass marquee wasn’t enough, the couple also organised a royal-worthy flypast from a World War Two Spitfire plane.

Just as night fell, the plane could be seen performing acrobatic tricks over the estate.

Advertisement

Around 10pm things, the punters joined in on a huge Beatles sing-a-long to Shout.

It may not have technically been a royal wedding, but it was a day fit for a queen – congrats to the happy couple!

Relive all the best moments from Pippa and James’ wedding ceremony here!

Just as night fell, guests were treated to a World War Two Spitfire flyover.

Advertisement

A spectacular ending to the day!

Related stories


Unwind and relax with your favourite magazine!

Huge savings plus FREE home delivery

Advertisement
Advertisement