Truth behind Harry's '100-mile dash': Prince didn't leave Pippa's wedding to pick Meghan up because she was already WAITING in a private suite at Engelfield House to join the party

  • Harry and Meghan drove to Engelfield House, Berkshire, on Saturday morning
  • Prince then attended ceremony and couple reunited after wedding breakfast
  • Meghan attended reception with Harry and stayed with him until early hours

Her appearance as his ‘plus one’ was almost as hotly anticipated as the bride itself.

So from the moment it emerged that Prince Harry was taking Meghan Markle, his increasingly serious girlfriend of almost a year to Pippa’s wedding, the royal was determined that no-one would catch a glimpse of her by his side.

His reasons were not as petulant that might at first seem.

Meghan Markle was pictured beaming alongside her boyfriend Prince Harry as they drove into Pippa Middleton and James Matthews' wedding reception on Saturday evening

Meghan Markle was pictured beaming alongside her boyfriend Prince Harry as they drove into Pippa Middleton and James Matthews' wedding reception on Saturday evening

Harry, fifth in line to the throne, knew that their appearance as a couple at a semi-official event in front of the world’s press would send the rumour mill in overdrive.

As one seasoned royal watcher said: ‘That would be tantamount to putting a ring on her finger and Harry wants to do this at his own pace.’

So following the US actress’s arrival in UK on Tuesday from Canada, where she is currently based, a plan was put into place (only marred by the fact that she was snapped by a photographer visiting a Soho fitness studio on Friday).

Harry, 33, and his 35-year-old girlfriend drove down to Berkshire early on Saturday morning and immediately headed for Engelfield House, the grand privately owned Elizabethan home where the wedding breakfast would be taking place.

According to well-placed sources, he and Meghan were given a private suite in the sprawling country house in which to refresh and change (contrary to reports which suggested that the prince made a 100-mile dash to London later in the afternoon to collect her from Kensington Palace).

Harry then made his way to the wedding ceremony at St Mark’s Church, also situated on the Engelfield estate, with his brother, Prince William, who had joined him along with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their two children.

Boys: Harry attended Pippa's wedding earlier on Saturday without Meghan (pictured arriving at the ceremony with William) before she joined the reception

Harry attended Pippa's wedding earlier on Saturday without Meghan. Pictured arriving at the ceremony with William

A beaming Pippa Middleton, 33, married millionaire hedge-fund manager James, 41, in an intimate ceremony at a 12th-century church with Prince George and Princess Charlotte among the page boys and flower girls (pictured)

A beaming Pippa Middleton, 33, married millionaire hedge-fund manager James, 41, in an intimate ceremony at a 12th-century church with Prince George and Princess Charlotte among the page boys and flower girls (pictured)

Walk down the aisle in style like Pippa in Giles Deacon

After all the planning and preparation, it's finally happened. Pippa Middleton and James Matthews tied the knot.

We've been speculating for months as to who Pippa might pick to design the all-important dress. Emilia Wickstead, Alice Temperley and Jenny Packham were in the mix, but Giles Deacon was the frontrunner after being spotted at the bride-to-be's house.

She had a lot to live up to. After all, her sister's iconic Alexander McQueen gown is one of the most copied wedding dresses of all time. And with Giles' help she didn't disappoint.

Not to be outdone by Kate, the blushing bride looked beautiful in a floral lace dress with a pretty high neck and flattering little cap sleeves. When teamed with a dramatic veil and the best accessories a bride could ask for, adorable bridesmaid Princess Charlotte and page boy Prince George, Pippa looked perfect.

Forget flowers, photographers, wedding favours and whether your favourite singer is free on that date, the dress is undoubtedly the biggest decision you'll make when you say 'I do'. The virtual high street is a great place to start your search, so browse the bridal gowns we've got lined up for you in the edit below.

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The couple were reunited afterward the wedding breakfast – which the prince attended on his own – but arrived together for the evening reception at the Middleton family home shortly after it started at 7pm, with Harry driving them himself.

According to one onlooker Harry and Meghan stayed until the early hours of the morning by which time many members of the wedding party were drunk.

The prince, however, was on his best behaviour.

Prince Harry beamed as he drove his actress girlfriend, 35, to the Middletons' estate in Berkshire, after making a 100-mile dash to pick her up from Kensington Palace on Saturday evening
Pictured, the Prince arriving at Pippa's wedding earlier in the day

Prince Harry beamed as he drove his actress girlfriend, 35, to the Middletons' estate in Berkshire

‘I’ve seen Harry pretty smashed at more parties than I care to remember,’ said one source, ‘but this time he appeared to be on his best behaviour.

‘Surprisingly Harry didn’t drink that much as he was very gentlemanly around his girlfriend. It looked like he wanted to make a good impression on her.’

Harry and Meghan returned to Kensington Palace in the early hours of the morning together.

Meghan was photographed leaving the royal residence on Sunday morning, dressed down in a baseball cap in the back of a taxi.

It is believed she was due to catch a flight back to Toronto from Heathrow airport where is due back on set of the hit legal drama Suits this week. 

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