Duchess Catherine to take back seat at Pippa's wedding?

20 July 2016

Duchess Catherine may take a back seat at Pippa Middleton's wedding.

Duchess Catherine

The 32-year-old socialite is set to wed hedge fund manager James Matthews next year after they got engaged over the weekend but her sister, the Duchess of Cambridge, is likely to be taking precautions so she doesn't upstage her younger sibling on her big day.

Veteran royals author Judy Wade commented to PEOPLE magazine: "Kate would upstage her sister. It's a tricky situation for Pippa. She would want her sister by her side, as who else would she trust to make things go well?

"But 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."

It is thought Duchess Catherine might just be a member of the congregation rather than a bridesmaid, which is similar to what Princess Diana did for Prince Andrew's 1986 wedding to Sarah Ferguson.

The 34-year-old royal - who has Prince George, two, and Princess Charlotte, 14 months, with Prince William - may do a reading during the ceremony like her brother James Middleton did when she wed William in 2011.

It is also thought Pippa and Catherine's brother James may be made an usher or even the best man.

Duchess Catherine and Prince William are "absolutely delighted" by news of the engagement.

A spokesperson said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are absolutely delighted with the news."

Whilst Pippa's father Michael Middleton added in a statement: "Carole and I are absolutely thrilled with the news. They make a wonderful couple and we wish them every happiness together."