Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa Middleton reportedly did not invite Meghan Markle to her 2017 wedding to James Matthews. Royal expert Omid Scobie claims Pippa was worried that Meghan’s presence would overshadow her big day, leading to the decision to rescind her invitation.
The wedding, held on 20 May 2017, was a major event that attracted considerable media attention due to Pippa’s status as the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister. Pippa and James Matthews’ nuptials were expected to be a big deal, and Pippa was keen to ensure the spotlight stayed on her and her boyfriend.
According Scoby, the decision to disinvite Meghan was not made lightly. Fear that Meghan, who was dating Prince Harry at the time, would attract too much media attention and potentially overshadow the bride was a major 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.
In his book Finding Freedom, Scobie saying: “Harry and Meghan agreed that it was not possible for her to appear at the church, just fifty meters from a specially set up media pen, after such a rude cover story. “If they were worried that her arrival could create a media circus despite taking all the precautions, now they had no doubt that she would be like that. “Meghan’s church suit and Philip Treacy hat would have to be worn on another occasion.”
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 out for the couple, but, at Pippa’s request, neither couple sat together.” “.
Pippa’s worries about being upstaged were not unfounded. Her sister Kate’s wedding to Prince William in 2011 had put the Middleton family under intense scrutiny, and Pippa herself had become a media sensation. For her own wedding, Pippa wanted a more personal and private celebration without the extra spectacle that Meghan’s attendance could bring.
The reported decision to disinvite Meghan highlights the complexities and pressures within royal and high-profile families, where public appearances and media coverage are meticulously managed. It also underlines the intense interest in Meghan and Harry’s relationship from its earliest days.
Although Meghan’s absence was noted, the wedding took place 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 happy occasion for Pippa and James.
In the years following the wedding, Meghan and Harry’s relationship continued to attract global attention, culminating in their highly publicized wedding in may 2018. The couple’s subsequent departure from royal duties and move to the United States kept them in the media spotlight, continuing the narrative of their high-profile and often scrutinized lives.
The lack of a reported invitation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal desires and public expectations that members of the royal family and their associates must navigate. It also reflects the continued fascination with Meghan Markle and the impact of her presence within royal circles.