Pippa Middleton bags invitation to Diamond Jubilee pageant

Pippa Middleton was joined on the river by brother James Middleton and her parents, while Kate Middleton sailed with the Queen

Kate Middleton may have been the (second) main attraction at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant yesterday, but her lucky sister Pippa Middleton, brother James and parents Micheal and Carole also bagged an invite to the royal event of the year.

PICS: THE MIDDLETON FAMILY ALBUM

It's thought Kate Middleton's lucky family were invited personally by the Queen to join the royal party at the Thames event, and sail on the on the Elizabethan, a replica 1890s Mississippi paddle steamer.

Dressing up for the occasion, the Duchess of Cambridge's sister, Pippa Middleton, chose a chic navy dress and matching, cream-trimmed jacket by Orla Kiely, while Carole Middleton wore a chic cream jacket and skirt.

Meanwhile, Middleton men James Middleton and Michael Middleton, looked super-smart in navy suits.

Royal experts have said the Middleton family's inclusion in the Queen's special day demonstrates 'just how far' their relationship with the monarch has come since their daughter's engagement to Prince William in 2010.

'Michael and Carole’s inclusion on Elizabethan has only just emerged and has taken a lot of people by surprise, but the Queen is incredibly supportive of the duchess and her family,’ a palace source told the Daily Mail ahead of the pageant.

‘Boats travelling in the Royal Squadron are solely reserved for special guests of the Queen, which demonstrates just how far the Middletons have come.’

Other lucky guests on the Elizabethan included Prince Charles's former valet Michael Fawcett, Lord Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Olympic organising committee, and his wife, Lady Carole.

Did you enjoy the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant yesterday? Did you watch it from the banks or the comfort of your own home? Leave us your comments in the box below!

PICS: THE MIDDLETON FAMILY ALBUM

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