Kate Middleton's younger sister, Pippa Middleton, is tying the knot soon with her partner, hedge fund manager James Matthews, but it appears that the Duchess of Cambridge won't serve as Pippa's bridesmaid. Kate's marriage to Prince William in 2011 had the world's attention but Pippa also stole the spotlight at the royal wedding when she walked down the aisle assisting her sister's train. Now it's Pippa Middleton's turn, everyone would assume that the Duchess will be part of the entourage, but it doesn't seem to be the case.
Following the etiquette, Kate Middleton shouldn't act as Pippa Middleton's since the former is already married. Traditionally, bridesmaids should be composed of unwed women. But if the Duchess of Cambridge is to become the principal bridesmaid, she would be called "matron of honor" in that case, as reported by Mirror. However, royal experts believe that Prince William's wife shouldn't be included in the wedding at all.
Kate Middleton and Pippa Middleton have always been close and it's easily assumed that one would be there for each other during the biggest day of their lives. However, according to royals author Judy Wade in a report by People, Kate should not be at the party because she would "upstage" Pippa. Pippa would definitely want Kate around during the important event but as Wade put it, "If your sister is a future Queen, she is going to upstage the bride and draw attention. Kate would want to be in the background as much as possible."
At this time, it remains unclear what role Kate Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge have to play in Pippa Middleton's wedding. Meanwhile, Kate's children with Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, will be the page boy and flower girl, respectively. It is reported that Kate would be content to have the royal children as her representatives. Pippa and James' wedding will be in May next year and they will be surrounded by close friends and family at their local church.