Phoebe Knatchbull was the epitome of modern-day bridal glamour as she tied the knot with British banker Leopold Glover in photos shared on Saturday.
The happy couple beamed as they left the Kensington and Chelsea Registry Office in London,
following in the footsteps of such illustrious newlyweds as Crown Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, Judy Garland, and Wallis Simpson.
Of course, Phoebe Knatchbull is no stranger to the more glamorous side of British traditions.
She was raised by her stepfather, the Hon Philip Knatchbull, after he married her mother, Wendy. Through Philip, Phoebe is the granddaughter of Patricia Knatchbull, 2nd Countess Mountbatten of Burma, the eldest daughter of Prince Philip’s beloved uncle ‘Dickie’ Mountbatten. Her uncle Norton is the current Earl of Mountbatten, who lives at the family seat, Broadlands, residing there with the perenially elegant Penny (who was the late Duke of Edinburgh’s closest friend.) Her great-grandfather is 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, making Phoebe a third cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry.
It was Phoebe’s sister, Daisy Knatchbull – the daughter of the Hon Philip Knatchbull and his first wife, Atalanta Cowan – who took to Instagram with photos of the wedding day. The snaps show Phoebe and Leopold walking down the steps of the storied Registry Office, with friends and family showering them in confetti.
Despite her family’s decades of royal tradition, Phoebe showcased a modern take on blushing bridal attire. The 29-year-old wore a sophisticated tuxedo-style dress. Paired with a decorative bow, Phoebe had the words ‘Mrs Glover’ embroidered into the cream-coloured fabric.
And while we can’t be certain, it seems the dress may well have a very special family connection. Daisy Knatchbull, a noted fashion designer, is well-known for her made-to-measure bridal suits, which ‘combine centuries-old Savile Row craftsmanship with a modern, feminine perspective’.
Phoebe suggested she might turn to her sister for her big day garb when she first announced her engagement to Leopold Glover last month. Speaking to Richard Eden, the couple revealed that they were set to tie the knot after Leopold popped the question in New York’s Central Park – with a dazzling sapphire ring. ‘Every bride dressed in Knatchbull looks incredible,’ Phoebe said at the time, referring to Daisy’s fashion brand.
Phoebe was born and raised in Britain (she studied at Wycombe Abbey boarding school before enrolling at Bristol University). But the couple are thought to have lived in the Big Apple for some years now, with Phoebe working as a global account development director at Freuds+ in New York.
No doubt family and friends were overjoyed to hear they would return to London for their nuptials. That includes her brother, Freddy Knatchbull, who is currently appearing on Made In Chelsea (and is thus probably rather well-acquainted with the local Registry Office).
Freddy previously told Tatler of his close bond with his sisters, revealing how the family holidays together every year, coming together in the Bahamas. He revealed, ‘It’s magical. The family have been going there since the ’70s.’ A prime spot for a honeymoon, perhaps?