Royals given surprise role in Pippa’s wedding

She might not be an official member of the royal family, but that hasn’t stopped the speculation and public interest in Pippa Middleton’s wedding.

The UK media have been speculating about whether Duchess Catherine would be in her sister’s wedding party, with many outlets such as the Telegraph and Daily Mail believing the Duchess would be a bridesmaid or maid of honour.

But an announcement by Kensington Palace has cleared up the rumours with some unexpected news.

It turns out Duchess Catherine won’t play an official role in the wedding, instead her daughter Princess Charlotte, 2, will be a bridesmaid.

That’s right, a 2-year-old bridesmaid.

“Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr. James Matthews are pleased to confirm their wedding will take place at St Mark’s Church, Englefield, on the morning of 20th May,” a Kensington Palace spokesman announced, according to the Telegraph.

“The service will be attended by close family and friends, including The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Prince George will be a page boy, and Princess Charlotte will be a bridesmaid.”

However, the palace’s announcement hasn’t settled UK media speculation about whether Prince Harry’s girlfriend Meghan Markle will attend.

The Telegraph reports the palace was unable to confirm whether Prince Harry would have a plus-one, prompting further speculation that Markle won’t be at the wedding.

As you would expect with any wedding in the public eye, details about Pippa’s guest list and her dress are being kept private.

What do you think about the royal announcement? Is a 2-year-old an unusual choice for a bridesmaid?