Pippa Middleton Uninvited Meghan Markle from Her Wedding Fearing She’d Steal the Spotlight, Claims Royal Expert
Kate Middleton’s sister, Pippa Middleton, reportedly uninvited Meghan Markle from her 2017 wedding to James Matthews. Royal expert Omid Scobie claims that Pippa was concerned Meghan’s presence would overshadow her big day, leading to the decision to rescind the invitation.
The wedding, held on May 20, 2017, was a significant event, attracting considerable media attention due to Pippa’s status as the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge. Pippa and James Matthews’ nuptials were expected to be a grand affair, and Pippa was keen to ensure the spotlight remained firmly on her and her groom.
According to Scobie, the decision to uninvite Meghan was not made lightly. The fear that Meghan, who was dating Prince Harry at the time, would draw too much media attention and potentially overshadow the bride was a significant factor. Meghan’s relationship with Prince Harry was already a topic of intense public and media interest, and her presence at the wedding could have diverted attention from the couple’s celebration.
Writing in his book Finding Freedom, Scobie said: “Harry and Meghan agreed that she couldn’t possibly turn up at the church, only fifty meters away from a specially arranged media pen, after such a crass cover story. “If they worried their arrival might create a media circus despite taking every precaution, now they had no doubt that it would. Meghan’s church outfit and Philip Treacy hat would have to be worn another time.”
Meanwhile, co-writer Carolyn Durand explained: “Sitting together in the custom glass marquee that has been erected on the eighteen-acre property should have been a fun night for the couple, but, per Pippa’s request, no couples sat together.”
Pippa’s concerns about being upstaged were not unfounded. The wedding of her sister Kate to Prince William in 2011 had placed the Middleton family under intense scrutiny, and Pippa herself had become a media sensation. For her own wedding, Pippa wished for a more personal and private celebration without the additional spectacle that Meghan’s attendance might bring.
The reported decision to uninvite Meghan highlights the complexities and pressures within royal and high-profile families, where public appearances and media coverage are meticulously managed. It also underscores the intense interest in Meghan and Harry’s relationship from its earliest days.
While Meghan’s absence was noted, the wedding proceeded without incident. The event was attended by many notable guests, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry. Despite the initial controversy, the wedding was celebrated as a joyous occasion for Pippa and James.