The Duke of Sussex arrives at St George’s Chapel with Sophie Winkleman, who is married to Lady Gabriella Windsor’s brother Lord Frederick, alongside Princess Anne
The Duke of Sussex, Princess Anne and the Middleton family led the arrivals of friends and colleagues of bride Lady Gabriella Windsor and groom Thomas Kingston for their royal wedding this morning.
Prince Harry attended just 12 days after the birth of Archie, his first son with wife Meghan – and on the eve of their first wedding anniversary. He arrived with Peep Show actress Sophie Winkleman, who is married to Lady Gabriella Windsor’s brother Lord Frederick.
Pippa Middleton, a long-time friend of Mr Kingston, and husband James Matthews smiled as they approached St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle, along with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton.
James Middleton was also there, and walked into the chapel with his French girlfriend Alizee Thevenet.
Guests were ferried in vintage buses close to the chapel and then walked down the hill to take their seats for the ceremony in the 15th-century venue from noon.
Julian Fellowes, who is well known as creator of TV period drama Downton Abbey, was also among the first to arrive as he walked alongside two female guests.
The society event was a parade of hats, dresses and men in morning suits as everyone waited for the ceremony in the chapel to begin, conducted by Dean of Windsor the Right Rev David Conner.
The Queen will join other royal family members at the wedding, which will see Lady Gabriella, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, marry Mr Kingston.
Lady Gabriella, 38, is the Queen’s first cousin once removed, and the 52nd in line to the throne.
It is the third royal wedding at St George’s Chapel in less than a year after the star-studded nuptials of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex last May and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in October.
The Duke of Sussex, Sophie Winkleman and Princess Anne smile as they arrive at St George’s Chapel in Windsor today
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York speak to Dean of Windsor the Right Rev David Conner outside the chapel
Princess Michael of Kent with her son Lord Frederick Windsor (left) and Lady Amelia Windsor (right), 39th in line to the throne
The Duchess of York arrives with her daughter Beatrice with her boyfriend Edoardo Marpelli Mozzi for the wedding today
Pippa Middleton arrives with her husband James Matthews (left), along with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton (right)
Mr Kingston is a close friend of Pippa – the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister – with the pair often seen out and about together
James Middleton arrives at St George’s Chapel in Windsor this morning with his French girlfriend Alizee Thevenet
James Matthews (second left) and his wife Pippa (third left) arrive with the Middleton clan for the wedding this morning
James Matthews and Pippa Middleton arrive for the big day at St George’s Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle today
Buckingham Palace said the monarch would be joined by members of the royal family but they have not yet been revealed.
The Duke of Cambridge, president of the Football Association, is not expected to attend the wedding due to the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Watford this evening.
Lady Gabriella had been dating Mr Kingston for a number of years when he proposed last summer. Her father, Prince Michael, is the Queen’s cousin.
The daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, a minor royal who is the Queen’s cousin, Lady Gabriella Marina Alexandra Ophelia Windsor was born on April 23 1981.
Lady Gabriella Windsor and her fiancée Thomas Kingston will be married today at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
Mr Kingston (right) is a director of Devonport Capital, which specialises in providing finance for firms in ‘frontier economies’
Julian Fellowes, who is well known as creator, writer and executive producer of TV drama Downton Abbey, arrives today
Three women in flamboyant fascinators arrive for the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston today
Her mother, Princess Michael, has made headlines over the years for her outspoken comments, being dubbed ‘Princess Pushy’ by the press.
Her parents married in 1978 and she has one older sibling, her brother Lord Frederick, known as Freddie, who hit the headlines after admitting to using drugs at university.
Lord Frederick married Peep Show actress Sophie Winkleman in 2009 and the pair have two children together.
Lady Gabriella, who is known as Ella, studied at both Brown University in the US and the University of Oxford, with degrees in Comparative Literature and Social Anthropology.
Windsor is abuzz with excitement as guests arrive at St George’s Chapel ahead of the service, which begins at noon today
Designer Nicky Haslam (left) looks smart in a pinstripe suit, while two women (right) arrived wearing period-style outfits
Many guests arrived on green buses for the ceremony, with many donning tails and colourful dresses for the occasion
Guests arrive today on a vintage Green Line London-Grays bus adorned with a sign that reads ‘Wedding Day Special’
Guests arrive this morning for the third royal wedding in the 15th-century venue in Windsor in less than a year
A guest appeared to shun the usual wedding dressing rules and donned a white suit, a colour usually reserved for the bride
The 38-year-old works as an arts and travel director for brand company Branding Latin America, based in Knightsbridge, London.
Not a ‘working royal’, she is also board director for the Playing for Change Foundation, a non-profit organisation aiming to improve education through music.
Prior to her current relationship, Lady Gabriella dated journalist Aatish Taseer, who wrote a tell-all Vanity Fair article earlier this year which claimed they swam naked in the Buckingham Palace pool.
She had been dating Mr Kingston for a number of years when he proposed while they were on the island of Sark last summer.
St George’s Chapel is adorned in pink and white spring flowers ahead of the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor today
It is the third royal wedding at Windsor in a year after the star-studded nuptials of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (left) last May and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in October (right)
Her groom Mr Kingston, 40, is a director of Devonport Capital, which specialises in providing finance for companies in ‘frontier economies’.
The Bristol University graduate worked in Baghdad, Iraq, according to the Telegraph, working to procure the release of hostages after joining the Diplomatic Missions Unit of the Foreign Office.
His financial career credentials include roles at Voltan Capital Management and IDC Securities.
Mr Kingston is a close friend of Pippa Middleton – the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister – with the pair seen out and about together on numerous occasions.
He attended her wedding to James Matthews in May 2017, accompanied by Lady Gabriella.
Harry and Meghan are set for first wedding anniversary celebrations
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pose with their son Archie in Windsor on May 8
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrate their first wedding anniversary on Sunday – and are a family of three with the arrival of baby Archie.
Harry and Meghan have had a momentous 12 months since they wed on May 19 last year at St George’s Chapel in a glittering ceremony attended by royalty, celebrities and the public.
Their son’s birth came less than a year after the royal nuptials in the grounds of Windsor Castle, a wedding attended by A-list stars like Oprah Winfrey and George and Amal Clooney and the British monarchy led by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, got engaged following a whirlwind 16-month romance after going on a blind date in London.
A first wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with paper gifts – with couples sometimes exchanging presents featuring a paper ticket.
Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland – now a grandmother for the first time – is thought to be staying with the couple and could perform babysitting duties if the duke and duchess choose to have a romantic dinner to mark their anniversary.
Archie’s birth was registered yesterday, revealing the couple had their baby at London’s Portland Hospital, a private hospital favoured by celebrities wanting a money-no-object birthing experience.
The baby, who is the seventh in line to the throne and an eighth great-grandchild for the Queen and Philip, arrived at 5.26am on May 6, weighing 7lb 3oz.
He is believed to be the first mixed-race child born to a senior member of the royal family in centuries, and is a reflection of modern Britain with its culturally diverse population.
The birth certificate also showed Meghan may have been born a commoner but is now a ‘Princess of the United Kingdom’ as far as her occupation was concerned.
The Duchess of Sussex walks down the aisle at her wedding to Harry on May 19 last year
When Harry announced to the world his wife had given birth to a boy he could not hide his happiness at becoming a father for the first time, to a baby he said was ‘absolutely to die for’.
The royal baby, who was not given a courtesy title, met his uncle and aunt, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, for the first time on Tuesday, having already spent time with his royal great-grandparents, the Queen and Philip.
From a St George’s Chapel ceremony to a glittering guest list including a Peep Show star and the groom’s pal Pippa, Lady Gabriella Windsor’s big day is set to rival any royal wedding (but the Cambridges and Sussexes WON’T be there)
By STEPHANIE LINNING FOR MAILONLINE
Today all eyes will once again be on Windsor as the city plays host to yet another royal wedding.
Lady Gabriella Windsor, 38, the daughter of the Queen’s cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, will marry fiancier Thomas Kingston at St George’s Chapel, almost a year to the day from when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot at the venue.
The couple, who announced their engagement in September last year, will be joined by a congregation including the Queen and mother-of-the bride Princess Michael of Kent – sometimes dubbed ‘Princess Pushy’ for her imperious ways.
The bride’s actress sister-in-law Sophie Winkleman, who appeared on Peep Show, will also attend.
Pippa Middleton, 35, a long-time friend of the groom, and Princess Eugenie, 29, who wed Jack Brooksbank at the chapel in October, are also among the rumoured guests.
So to ensure you’re prepared for the big day, read on for our comprehensive guide covering everything from potential dress designers to a who’s who of the bride’s royal relatives…
THE BRIDE
The happy couple: Bride-to-be Lady Gabriella Windsor, 38, with fiance Tom Kingston in London in May last year. The couple will marry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Saturday
Lady Gabriella Windsor – full name Lady Gabriella Marina Alexandra Ophelia Windsor – is the only daughter and youngest child of the Queen’s first cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, and his wife, Princess Michael of Kent. She is 52nd in line to the throne.
Lady Gabriella, 38, known simply as ‘Ella’ to friends, is a member of the royal family but not a working royal, meaning she has always had forge a career independently of the monarchy.
However she has been seen at large royal events like Trooping the Colour.
Born on 23 April – St George’s Day and the same day as her distant cousin, Prince Louis of Cambridge – Lady Gabriella was educated at Queen’s Gate School in London and Downe House School in Cold Ash, Berkshire, where the Duchess of Cambridge also briefly attended.
Other former pupils of the independent girls’ school include model Sophie Dahl, BBC presenter Clare Balding and former Made In Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue.
Public debut: Lady Gabriella in the arms of her mother, Princess Michael, as she left St Mary’s Hospital, London, as a newborn with her father Prince Michael and brother Lord Frederick
Early memories: Lady Gabriella, right, watches Trooping the Colour from the balcony of Buckingham Palace with Zara Tindall, left, and Prince William, centre, in June 1985
Lady Gabriella was accepted at the prestigious Brown University, Rhode Island, where she graduated with a BA in Comparative Literature. The royal later obtained a MPhil in Social Anthropology from Linacre College, Oxford.
Lady Gabriella now works as a Senior Director at Knightsbrige-based firm Branding Latin America, a brand-positioning platform that specialises in the region, as well as a writer, contributing to The London Magazine, among other publications.
It is thought Lady Gabriella and Thomas met in 2015 and became engaged in August last year and the news was announced the following month.
Family ties: Lady Gabriella with her parents on her brother Lord Frederick’s first day of school at Eton in September 1992. Lady Gabriella attended Downe House School in Berkshire
Before her relationship with Thomas Lady Gabriella dated journalist Aatish Taseer who were often seen at society’s biggest parties. The pair parted ways in 2006 after three years.
In April last year Taseer penned a scandalous article offering an insight into his relationship with the royal.
In the piece for Vanity Fair, Taseer described how they ‘hung about’ Kensington Palace, where Lady Gabriella’s parents, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, live in a five-bedroom apartment, even claiming that they went skinny-dipping in Her Majesty’s swimming pool.
Lady Gabriella now keeps a low profile and according to friends is ‘happiest in the British Library.’
Happy news: Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston released this photo to announce their engagement in September last year. It was later revealed they would wed in Windsor
THE GROOM
For someone marrying into the British royal family, Thomas Kingston has kept a relatively low profile.
Mr Kingston is understood to have graduated with a degree in economic history from Bristol University before starting his career at the Diplomatic Missions Unit of Foreign Office.
In 2003 he moved to Baghdad, where he spent three years working as a project officer to help mediate conflicts. It is thought he also helped negotiate the release of hostages as part of his role.
Vibrant past: Mr Kingston, pictured with Lady Gabriella at Royal Ascot in 2017, spent three years working in Baghdad before continuing his career in the UK
Society friends: Mr Kingston with Pippa Middleton at Cheltenham Racecourse in March 2013
Following his stint in the Middle East, Mr Kingston moved into finance, working as an analyst for asset management firm Schroders.
He later landed a role as managing director of Voltan Capital Management.
Mr Kingston is now a director of Devonport Capital, which specialises in providing finance for companies in so-called ‘frontier’ economies.
It is not known how exactly Mr Kingston and Lady Gabriella met but he has been moving in royal social circles for several years.
Indeed he was once rumoured to be romantically linked to Pippa Middleton, 35, after the pair met in 2011 following the end of her relationship with cricketer Alex Loudon.
A relationship has never been confirmed but the pair remained friends and have previously been spotted hitting the town and attending Cheltenham races together.
It is thought Pippa and her financier husband James Matthews will be among the guests.
Mr Kingston proposed to Lady Gabriella in August 2018 on the Isle of Sark.
THE PROUD PARENTS
While Lady Gabriella Windsor might not be a household name, members of her immediate family certainly are.
Father of the bride Prince Michael of Kent, 76, is the paternal cousin of the Queen.
His father, Prince George, Duke of Kent, was the younger brother of King Edward VIII and the Queen’s father, King George VI.
Mother and father of the bride: Prince and Princess Michael of Kent in Austria in August 2018
Prince George, Duke of Kent died in 1942 aged 39 when the RAF aircraft he was travelling in crashed in Scotland. Prince Michael was just seven weeks old at the time.
At just five years old Prince Michael served as page boy at the wedding of the then Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten.
After graduating from Sandhurst, Prince Michael embarked on a 20-year military career that saw him serve in Germany, Hong Kong and Cyprus, and included a number of appointments on the Defence Intelligence Staff.
In 1978 Prince Michael married divorcee Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz in Vienna. She was given the title Princess Michael of Kent but is sometimes dubbed ‘Princess Pushy’ for her imperious ways.
Proud brother: Brother of the bride Lord Frederick Windsor, 40, who is married to actress Sophie Winkleman. The couple have two daughters, Maud, five, and Isabella, three. Pictured, Frederick and Sophie at the Christening of Maud at St James’s Palace in December 2013
She has also been involved in a number of embarrassing public missteps. In 2017 Princess Michael arrived at the Queen’s Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, where the guests included Harry’s new fiancee Meghan Markle, displaying a Blackamoor brooch.
She was seen wearing the distinctive and controversial piece of jewellery — which depicts the head of a black man — on her coat as she drove into the Palace, where she was to be introduced to Meghan, whose mother is black, for the first time.
Prince and Princess Michael, who do not receive any official funding, raised their children in an apartment at Kensington Palace.
Lady Gabriella Windsor also has a brother, financial analyst Lord Frederick Windsor, 40, who is married to Peep Show actress Sophie Winkleman. The couple have two daughters, Maud, five, and Isabella, three.
WELL-HEELED GUESTS
Leading the congregation: The Queen will attend the nuptials, it was announced earlier this month. Princess Eugenie is also a potential guest. Pictured, the pair in Windsor last month
Details of the guest list remain under wraps, but it has been confirmed that the Queen will be among the congregation when Lady Gabriella and Mr Kingston exchange vows at St George’s Chapel this Saturday.
Buckingham Palace announced the monarch, 93, will attend the nuptials in a statement released earlier this month.
The statement also revealed the Queen would be joined by ‘other members of the royal family’ although further names were not released.
The bride’s uncle the Duke of Kent, his wife the Duchess of Kent, and their three children – Lady Helen Taylor, George Windsor and Lord Nicholas Windsor – are among the most likely. Lady Gabriella served as bridesmaid to Lady Helen in 1992.
Starry sister-in-law: Lord Frederick’s wife Sophie Winkleman, pictured in 2018, will be there. The actress, who married into the Windsor family in 2009, appeared on Peep Show
Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are also among the likely attendees.
Eugenie attended the wedding of the bride’s brother Lord Frederick, and Lady Gabriella and Mr Kingston attended Eugenie and Jack’s wedding in October last year.
European royalty could very well be represented. Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece was among those invited to Lord Frederick’s 2009 wedding and it could be that his sister has returned the favour.
Even if royals are in short supply, there will be plenty of glamour in the congregation with society beauties, actresses and musicians all among possible invitees.
Leading the way is likely to be Pippa Middleton, a long-time friend of the groom, who is expected to attend with her husband James Matthews, 43.
Lady Annabel Goldsmith is also among rumoured attendees. The socialite, 84, is a friend of the family and godmother to Lord Frederick.
… AND LIKELY ABSENTEES
New parents: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not thought to be attending the nuptials. Pictured, introducing son Archie to the world at Windsor Castle last week
Royal watchers hoping for a large turnout of senior royals might be left disappointed on Saturday, although again nothing has been confirmed.
The Duke of Cambridge, 36, is likely to miss the event as he will be attending the FA Cup final at Wembley.
As president of the FA, Prince William will be on hand to watch the match between Manchester City and Watford and will present the trophy to the winner.
He had to miss last year’s final as it fell on the same day as the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Conflicting engagements: The Duke of Cambridge, pictured with his family and Prince Louis’ Christening last July, will be attending the FA Cup final in Wembley on the same day
While it is possible his wife the Duchess of Cambridge, 37, will attend alone, this is thought the be unlikely.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are similarly expected to be absent from proceedings. The couple welcomed son Archie together last Monday, making it unlikely Meghan, 37, will make a public appearance.
Meanwhile Prince Harry, 34, has honoured royal commitments in the days since his son’s birth, meaning he might want to take the opportunity to spend time at home with his wife and child.
Lady Gabriella and Mr Kingston were also not present for the royal wedding in May last year.
THE VENUE
Popular venue: Lady Gabriella and Mr Kingston will become the third royal couple to marry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in less than a year. Pictured, St George’s Chapel
Royal precedent: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex married at the chapel in May last year, pictured. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank followed suit with their wedding in October
Lady Gabriella and Mr Kingston will become the third royal couple to marry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in less than a year.
It is understood that St George’s Chapel was chosen by the couple as Gabriella, 37, has a particular affiliation with the royal residence.
Friends say she has fond memories of childhood Christmases at Windsor, before the Queen moved her festivities to Sandringham, and she was also a bridesmaid for her first cousin, Lady Helen Taylor, there.
Like Harry and Meghan, Lady Gabriella will hold her reception at Frogmore House (although there will be no pre-drinks at the castle).
THE DRESS
In keeping with custom, details of the wedding dress will not be released until the day itself.
However it is thought Lady Gabriella will follow the Duchess of Sussex and Princess Eugenie by plumping for a British designer.
As Hello! noted, one favourite is Giles Deacon, who Lady Gabriella has chosen to wear on several high profile occasions, including the British Fashion Awards in 2006.
The following year the royal turned out for an event launching his collaboration with Mulberry.
Royal approved: Lady Gabriella in Beulah, a British brand loved by the Duchess of Cambridge. The label also offers a bespoke bridal service that could be perfect for the wedding
Inspiration? Lady Gabriella could also plump for a dress by Giles Deacon, the British designer behind the lace gown worn by Pippa Middleton for her wedding to James Matthews in 2017
Deacon, 50, who is married to Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie, has plenty of experience designing wedding dresses for well-to-do clients.
Indeed he was behind the stunning lace gown rumoured guest Pippa Middleton wore in 2017.
Another on the list is Beulah London, a brand popular with royals including the Duchess of Cambridge, who looked stunning in a dress from the label this year.
Once again Lady Gabriella has been seen in their creations on several occasions and has publicly shown her support by attending a store opening.
Handily, Beulah offers a bespoke bridal service… which might just prove the perfect choice for a woman who knows what she wants.