It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly eight years since Pippa Middleton tied the knot with James Matthews.

Their wedding was nothing short of spectacular, a day filled with elegance, charm, and of course, a few behind-the-scenes dramas that only came to light years later.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and unpack the highlights and some surprising details from that unforgettable day in Englefield, West Berkshire.

A Picture-Perfect Bride and Adorable Royal Guests

Pippa, then 33, looked breathtaking in a delicate lace gown designed by Giles Deacon.

The dress featured a heart-shaped open back that perfectly matched her graceful style.

She carried a beautiful bouquet bursting with peonies, sweet peas, astilbe, freesias, waxflowers, and green bells, capturing the essence of a perfect spring wedding.

The little royals stole the show in their own way: Prince George was just three, and Princess Charlotte was two.

George wore a charming button-up shirt with beige trousers, while Charlotte was dressed in an ivory gown with a blush pink bow, complete with a flower crown and a basket for her role as mini bridesmaid.

Fun fact: Pippa apparently wasn’t a fan of calling Charlotte a “flower girl,” preferring something a bit more unique.

Tensions Behind the Scenes for Harry and Meghan

While the day looked flawless on the surface, reports say things were a bit more complicated for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Back then, their relationship was still fresh — less than a year in and not yet engaged.

Pippa and her mother, Carole Middleton, worried that Harry and Meghan’s presence might overshadow the event.

Because of this, Meghan was asked to avoid the church and the media frenzy.

According to royal authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, Harry and Meghan came up with a plan to still attend discreetly: Meghan stayed at a nearby Airbnb while Harry went to the church service with Prince William.

Afterward, Harry joined Meghan for lunch before they both headed to the reception at the Middleton family home.

An Extravagant Wedding Venue Like No Other

Pippa, known for her event planning skills, wasn’t settling for an ordinary marquee.

Instead, she had a custom glass orangery flown in from Belgium, setting the stage for a lavish celebration.

Experts estimate just the marquee itself cost around £35,000, but with lighting, heating, decorations, and all the extras, the total price likely doubled.

This wasn’t a traditional tent party — the venue was a glass-walled masterpiece on the sprawling 18-acre property, designed to impress every guest.

Seating Plans That Kept Couples Apart

Despite Harry and Meghan arriving at the reception together, Pippa’s seating plan was strict: no couples sat next to each other.

So Harry found himself sharing a table with ITV’s Tom Bradby, while Meghan dined with Roger Federer’s wife, Mirka.

It was a surprising twist that kept the new couple apart for much of the evening.

After dinner, Harry and Meghan managed to reunite near the dance floor.

Although the “old Harry” might have spent the night partying with friends, he instead chose to spend quality time catching up with Meghan.

The Lavish Details Extended Even to the Bathrooms

If you thought the marquee and flowers were extravagant, wait until you hear about the toilets! Pippa insisted on luxury “throne rooms” that looked like permanent high-end bathrooms rather than typical portable loos.

These bathrooms featured oak fittings, porcelain basins, full-length mirrors, and vacuum flush toilets — eco-friendly and elegant.

Reports say the cost for these luxury loos could have topped £6,000, and yet, ironically, even these posh restrooms reportedly caused some discomfort for Harry and Meghan.

Breaking Down the Jaw-Dropping Wedding Expenses

The scale of spending was truly eye-watering.

Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the estimated costs:

Glass Marquee: £100,000
Wedding Dress: £10,000 by Giles Deacon
Catering: Around £70,000 for over 350 guests
Champagne and Drinks: Nearly £18,000
Floristry: £16,000 for elaborate arrangements
Photography and Videography: £7,500 combined
Cake: £2,600 for a six-tier showstopper
Luxury Toilets: £4,000 for high-end mobile bathrooms
Music and Entertainment: Approximately £6,750
Wedding Rings: Almost £20,000 for Cartier bands
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: £2,250 total
Children’s Outfits: Nearly £1,700 for George and Charlotte
Decoration and Production: £6,000 to create a jaw-dropping atmosphere

In total, experts estimate the wedding could have cost over £337,000, making it one of the most lavish private parties in recent years.

Harry’s Own Reflections on the Lavish Loos

Years later, Prince Harry addressed rumors about their own wedding being inspired by Pippa’s extravagant bathrooms.

In his memoir Spare, he clarified that they didn’t notice anything unusual about the restrooms at Pippa’s and denied any involvement in choosing the Portaloos for his own wedding.

Still, he said they hoped everyone at their wedding would “do their thing in comfort and peace,” showing a down-to-earth side beneath all the royal glamour.

Looking Back with New Perspective

Pippa Middleton’s wedding remains a standout moment in the royal-adjacent social calendar, not only for its stunning visuals and luxury but also for the subtle royal tensions that unfolded quietly behind the scenes.

From bespoke glass marquees to luxe loo arrangements, it was a day where nothing was too extravagant — except maybe the seating plan that kept a certain royal couple apart.