Labour ministers, a former Prime Minister’s spouse, a cherished TV host, and an undeniably charming royal aide were part of the diverse group invited to celebrate the wedding of Tony Benn’s granddaughter.
Emily Benn radiated happiness as she married Group RAF Captain James Niall Doyle at St Margaret’s Church in London on Saturday.
The couple’s stylish guests included newly-married Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson, alongside his glamourous wife, Olivia.
Thompson, who serves as King Charles’ aide, first rose to fame in 2022 during royal public events following the passing of the Queen, earning the nickname ‘hot equerry’ as his videos became a sensation online.
Cherie Blair, the spouse of former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, Liz Kendall, the newly appointed Science Secretary, and Health Minister Wes Streeting were among those invited to the scenic 12th-century church, located within Westminster Abbey’s grounds.
Academic and broadcaster Mary Beard, sporting distinctive scarlet footwear, smiled as she made her way with fellow guests into the church.
They had all eagerly gathered to witness the marriage of Ms Benn, 35, who has more than followed in her family’s political footsteps.
The granddaughter of the late Labour firebrand Tony Benn was elected as a councillor in the City of London in 2022.
Emily Benn beamed as she arrived at the church with her father, Stephen, Viscount Stansgate
The newly-married Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson, also referred to as the ‘hot equerry’, attended the event alongside his stunning wife, Olivia.
Cherie Blair, wife of former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, and TV presenter Mary Beard, who wore eye-catching red shoes, were seen smiling as they entered the church.
Ms Benn, standing as an independent, has represented her Bread Street ward since then, having previously been elected as a Croydon councillor, under the Labour party, in 2014.
Her interest in politics has continued a dynasty dating back more than 100 years – and made her the fifth generation of her family to serve the nation.
Ms Benn’s uncle, Hilary, is the current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government.
Grandfather Tony Benn, who died in 2014 aged 88, was first elected as an MP in 1950 and stood down in 2001.
Health Minister Wes Streeting was also invited to the picturesque 12th century church
Ms Benn’s uncle, Hilary, who is the current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government
Emily Benn with her beau, Group RAF Captain James Niall Doyle, at St Margaret’s ChurchÂ
Over his career, he had served in Harold Wilson’s Cabinet and stood unsuccessfully to become Labour’s deputy leader in 1981.
Great-grandfather William Wedgwood Benn was elected as a Liberal MP in 1906, serving in the Asquith government, before he quit in 1927 to join the Labour party, later sitting in the Cabinet of Ramsay Macdonald.
Her great-great-grandfather, Sir John Williams Benn, was a Liberal MP from 1892 to 1895 and again from 1904 to 1910.
Another great-great-grandfather, Daniel Homes, was a Labour MP from 1911 to 1918.
