The other bride-to-be: Holly Branson shines as she enjoys engagement bash with fiancé Fred Andrews
There might been one wedding on everybody's mind but for last night at least the focus was all on another bride-to-be, Holly Branson.
Sir Richard Branson's daughter celebrated her engagement to shipbroker beau Fred Andrews with her closest friends and family at Kensington Roof Gardens.
The 29-year-old looked extremely content as she posed for pictures outside the west London venue with Fred, who appeared equally delighted by the celebrations.
Happy bride-to-be: Holly Branson left her engagement bash at Kensington Roof Gardens laden with presents and with a big smile on her face
Bride-to-be Holly looked stunning in a shimmering floor-length gown which she accessorised with a simple matching clutch.
And onlookers were treated to a glimpse of her huge pink sapphire and diamond engagement ring which appeared to have been the influence for her outfit as she posed for pictures with her fiancé.
Proud father Sir Richard Branson was seen looking smart in a black suit and white shirt, although he appeared without a tie while Holly’s brother Sam was looking smart in a black suit, red shirt and thin black tie.
Happy couple: Holly Branson and fiancé Fred Andrews looked so content as they posed for pictures and shared a romantic kiss outside their engagement party
Princess Beatrice and nightclub owner Guy Pelly were also in attendance at the event and, as Holly left the event with a wide smile and laden with presents, it appeared that she had a fun time.
Her father, the Virgin tycoon who is said to have a fortune of £2.6billion, has revealed how Fred called him on the phone while he was in South Africa to ask for Holly’s hand in marriage.
The billionaire said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ by the request and is happy his only daughter has found him.
Proud family: Sir Richard Branson has said that Fred is a 'wonderful' man and Holly's brother Sam arrived at the bash looking dapper
‘She has a wonderful man and the whole family is very happy. Taking that call is the best thing I’ve done all year,’ Branson told The Mirror.
The wedding will be held on the family’s private Necker Island and the date is set for November 20, which holds a particular significance for Sir Richard, who married wife Joan on the same date and location 22 years ago.
Speaking of the wedding, Holly said: ‘It’s going to be a small wedding with just family and a few friends each.’
Party guest: Kate Middleton's sister Pippa took a night off from maid of honour duties and nightclub owner and friend Guy Pelly also attended the bash
But while her own wedding will no doubt be at the forefront of her mind the Bransons have other marriage plans before then - the marriage of Holly and Fred’s two good friends Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Holly and Fred are invited to all three parts of the wedding – the Westminster Abbey ceremony, the reception at Buckingham Palace and the private evening dinner.
Bride-to-be Holly who has been a friend of William’s since childhood, said: 'Of course I’m happy for them. They’ve left it a long time to make sure they are completely compatible.
'They’ve got the same sense of humour which always helps in a relationship and they are very lovely people.
'I do feel a bit sorry for them actually, with all that pressure. To me they’re just two good friends and I’ll be happy to be there watching my two good friends get married,' she told The Mirror.
Sir Richard himself is coy about whether or not he will be attending, but he was a close friend to Princess Diana during her painful marriage break-up, even spiriting her away to Necker Island on his private jet.
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