Kate Middleton WON’T be Pippa’s bridesmaid, and we’re all DEVVO

After acting as the hottest bridesmaid on the planet for her sister during the Royal wedding in April 2011, everyone assumed that Kate Middleton would be returning the favour following her younger sister, Pippa's engagement this week.

But if you – like millions others – had your heart set on another sisterly set-up for the second Middleton wedding, you're about to be sorely disappointed.

According to emerging reports, Kate's global profile means that it's unlikely she will act as maid of honour for her younger sister for fear of upstaging the bride on her big day.

Speaking to People magazine, author and royal correspondent, Judy Wade, suggested that Kate's royal status could cause problems, saying: "Kate would upstage her sister. It's a tricky situation for Pippa."

"She would want her sister by her sister, as who else would she trust to make things go well?" she continued.

And yet, the royal correspondent seemed fairly certain that despite their incredibly close bond, Kate would be determined to shy away from the limelight when her sister ties the knot with hedge fund manager, James Matthews, next year.

"But if your sister is a future Queen, she is going to upstage the bride and draw attention," Judy explained. "Kate would want to be in the background as much as possible."

Aw, this is not the latest instalment we expected of the Middleton / Matthews engagement story.