One of lobbying’s more colourful characters, Lord Patrick Gillford of
Westminster Policy Partnership, has just got himself hitched, for the
second time.
Apparently he met his bride, interior designer Cara de la Pena, at an
Eric Clapton concert three years ago. This time Paddy opted for the low-
key approach: a small, intimate gathering of 200 people in the crypt at
the Houses of Parliament.
It seems, however, that Paddy was unable to control himself when it came
to the choice of wedding car. No ordinary Bentley or even a Rolls would
suffice. No, Paddy whisked his bride off in an army tank - a pink one.
‘It was great. They sprayed everyone with Champagne, they drove up the
road, they came back again and then they drove off round Hyde Park
Corner and on to their hotel,’ said one guest.
I am reliably assured that the appropriate police clearance had been
obtained, lest the sight of an army tank rolling through the gates of
Parliament trigger a national emergency. Though perhaps there could have
been a little more warning for the guests, at least one of whom was
convinced he was feeling the effects of too much bubbly.
As for Paddy and his wife, they’re off to Cape Town and Zambia for 12
days. Back in time for a spot of shooting, Paddy tells me. I guess he’ll
be using guns rather than tanks.
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