Why Kate Middleton might not be a bridesmaid at Pippa's wedding

It's uncertain whether the Duchess of Cambridge will feature in  her younger sister's bridal party when she weds hedge fund manager James Matthews next year. The socialite and hotel heir became engaged earlier this month after he popped the question during a romantic stroll in the Lake District.

But according to royal expert Judy Wade, it's unlikely the future Queen of England will act as matron of honour for Pippa so as to not steal the spotlight from her sister.

"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," she told People.

"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."

Wade speculates their youngest brother James will step up as a groomsmen and Pippa's niece and nephew Princess Charlotte and Prince George might feature as well.

After speculation of an engagement, the pair confirmed the news to the Press Association tn a statement, saying they will wed in 2017 in what will undoubtedly be the celebrity and society wedding of the year.

"Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday 17th July and plan to marry next year," they said in the statement.

Pippa and James have only made two public appearances together during their eight month courtship - during a ski trip in Lillehammer and at Wimbledon earlier this month.

The Matthews family own the exclusive Eden Rock Hotel & Villa resort on the island, frequented by wealthy jet-setters, while James' younger brother is reality tv lothario Spencer, who is confirmed for the upcoming season of I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!