Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson

Celebrity News

Jessica Mulroney’s ‘Pippa moment’ was no accident

The internet has been abuzz about Jessica Mulroney’s “Pippa moment” at the royal wedding — and insiders claim it was a calculated move to promote herself.

Meghan Markle’s best friend was said to be inspired by Pippa Middleton, who became a sensation when she was photographed from behind at the 2011 wedding of her sister Kate to Prince William. Mulroney stole the show Saturday when she was snapped walking up the steps of St. George’s Chapel wearing a form-fitting $1,495 royal blue Di Carlo Couture dress designed specially for her.

And it seems she was already practicing her pert-posterior plan last month.

“At a Toronto gala, a prominent photographer asked Mulroney to pose. She said archly, ‘I’m going to give you some Pippa,’ and turned her back to offer a rear shot,” a friend of Markle’s told reporter Sharon Churcher.

“I was kind of shocked, but that’s Jessica for you.”

Mulroney — who is said to be Markle’s behind-the-scenes style adviser and who reportedly had a hand in planning the wedding — has a lot to gain from her friendship with the new duchess of Sussex.

According to a recent press release from Canadian department-store chain Hudson’s Bay, she is “the lifestyle expert to watch.” Accompanied by a photo of Mulroney in a sexy dress, the release says she will be using her “unique combination of skills” to publicize the firm’s “fashion and bridal business.’’

According to WWD, Markle’s BFF had 127,000 Instagram followers as recently as Thursday. As of press time, she was up to 190,000.