Duchess Kate covers up and stands back on sister Pippa Middleton’s big day

PIPPA Middleton stole the show at her sister’s royal wedding. But Duchess Kate chose to do something completely different.

Kate Middleton takes a step back on sister Pippa’s wedding day.

PIPPA Middleton stole the show at her sister’s 2011 royal wedding — but Kate made certain there was no repeat of the spotlight grabbing moment.

Instead, the Duchess of Cambridge deliberately downgraded on the day, making sure she didn’t take the focus away from her younger sister.

About an hour before 33-year-old Pippa tied the knot with her millionaire hedge fund manager beau James Matthews overnight, names from the star-studded guest list began arriving at St Mark’s Church in Berkshire.

Prince William and Prince Harry were snapped walking across the grounds in matching waistcoats. And while Harry’s Hollywood girlfriend was nowhere to be seen at the ceremony, a roll call of other high-profile names were photographed arriving, including reality TV star Spencer Matthews, TV personality Donna Air and tennis star Roger Federer.

But Kate — perhaps the most high profile name on the guest list — was in the shadows, taking a step back from the cameras and not making an entrance. The 35-year-old, who was serving as a bridesmaid, somehow slipped into the hall without making a fuss and waited patiently for her sister to arrive.

Wrangling the small children involved in the bridal party, the princess was only snapped by cameras for the first time when she was forced to rein in a giggling Princess Charlotte. While Kate was hesitant to make eye contact with lenses throughout the morning, she took the moment to warmly acknowledge the camera as she crouched in a doorway of the church and held her daughter by the shoulders.

Kate makes an appearance as she catches Princess Charlotte.

The Duchess stands quietly with daughter Charlotte after the ceremony.

Wearing a long sleeved pale pink Alexander McQueen dress that fell well below her knees, Kate’s outfit was deliberately demure. Like all of her outfits, the princess wore it with class and style, but this ensemble was beyond sensible — almost falling into nanna territory.

In fact, mother-of-the-bride Carole Middleton’s pale pink frock was more form fitting than her daughter’s.

Carole Middleton arrives at St Mark's Church with son James on her arm.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined their mother in the bridal party as a page boy and bridesmaid, and Kate confidently but quietly marshalled the young children ahead of the ceremony. At one stage, she was seen turning to give them a gentle shoosh as they waited in a garden outside the church.

She quietly shushes the small children as they wait outside the church.

The duchess sits with the children outside the church following the ceremony.

Following the swift ceremony, Kate remained on the sidelines, playing with the small children as Mr and Mrs Matthews took centre stage for photographers and spectators.

As her sister and new brother-in-law made their way down a path and through the church garden, Kate maintained a placid expression as she walked a step behind.

The Duchess of Cambridge takes a step back as Pippa and James take centre stage.

Pippa Middleton beams as she leaves the church with sister Kate behind her.