Good on ya, Pipps!
Last night, the Daily Mail‘s Richard Kay had it on good authority that Pippa Middleton was engaged to investment firm owner James Matthews.
At around the same time the story was published, Middleton attended a party in support of the British Heart Foundation, hiding her left hand from photographers (though no bauble was visible, it’s likely Middleton was hiding a ring tan).
Jesal / Tanna / Splash News
Matthews popped the question last Sunday, as confirmed by Michael Middleton to the Press Assocation..
The 40-year-old asked Michael for permission prior to the big moment, who of course gave his blessing.
According to royal reporter Victoria Murphy, Kensington Palace stated that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge “are absolutely delighted with the new.”
Michael Middleton said he and Carole are “absolutely thrilled”, and described Pippa and her fiancé as a “wonderful couple” #pippamiddleton
— PA Royal Reporters (@PARoyal) July 19, 2016
This morning, Middleton left Matthews’ $22 million Chelsea home wearing the ring, beaming as photographers snapped away.
There was no official announcement, but as she made her way to her car, Middleton did say that she “couldn’t be happier” about marrying Matthews, according to Rebecca English.
Whoa: now that’s a rock! No wonder #PippaMiddleton looks happy….. pic.twitter.com/baEJpv9EkW
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) July 19, 2016
After, English tweeted, Middleton accidentally knocked off Matthews’ motorbike while backing out of her parking space.
The couple first dated back in 2012, and got back together last fall after Middleton broke up with boyfriend Nico Jackson.
Yours Truly put two and two together in January, after seeing photos of the two together – whether they were taking part in an athletic competition, or snapped out and about in London (Matthews picked up Middleton and her mother, Carole after the Henry van Straubenzee memorial in December 2015).
Matthews is the older brother of Made In Chelsea‘s Spencer Matthews, though the two brothers could not be more different.
While Spencer craves the limelight, James – who started Eden Rock Capital Management in 2001 – prefers a life away from the cameras.
“You know, my brother is an extremely private guy and he just despises any mention of his name in any press,” Spencer told me in 2012.
James and Spencer’s parents own the Eden Rock hotel in St. Barts, where he and Middleton were photographed last August with her parents and younger brother, James.
Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
As for the wedding, don’t expect to see the Duchess of Cambridge serves as Matron of Honor.
Why? Because A) the Duchess of Cambridge likely won’t want to be seen “taking attention away” from the bride B) She’s royalty, and is therefore exempt from having to perform bridesmaid duties.
There is, however, a good chance that Prince George or Princess Charlotte (or both) could serve as ring bearer and flower girl, respectively.
Prince William was part of Prince Andrew’s wedding in 1986, and Prince Harry was part of his maternal uncle, Charles Spencer’s 1989 nuptials to Victoria Lockwood.
What do you think of Middleton’s ring?
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