Romance is alive
Congratulations are in order for Pippa Middleton, as the younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge is engaged.
Sources say that the 32-year-old author and columnist was proposed to this weekend by boyfriend of a year, James Matthews. Once marriage, James will become brother-in-law to Kate and Wills and uncle to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Matthews… mmm, recognise the surname? Yes, the 40 –year-old hedge fund manager’s younger brother is Spencer Mathews, he of original Made in Chelsea fame and soon to be kind of Royal-ish.
The Daily Mail confirmed the news, with a source close to the Middleton family saying that James asked Pippa’s father for permission first, before proposing during a romantic walk through the Lake District.
‘James is a traditionalist and very much wanted to do things properly,’ explained the source.
‘That meant getting his future father in law’s consent.’
Another family friend said: ‘Mike and Carole are very happy. They like James and they are sure he will make Pippa very happy.’
The couple, who briefly dated in 2012 before reconciling last year, are thought to be planning a 2017 wedding. Who will attend? Will Spencer meet the Queen? Will Duchess Kate be bridesmaid? Will people ever get over Pippa Middleton's bottom at the 2011 Royal Wedding?
Please.
Calm down everyone. It's just a bum (a remarkably good one, but just a bum).
The ring
And this is what the ring looks like (not the actual one, obvs, that's on her finger, we're talking about the style)…
Jewellery expert Deborah, from the London Victorian Ring Company explains: ‘Pippa's engagement ring has a central Asscher cut diamond which makes her engagement ring really stand out.
'Developed in Amsterdam in 1902, the precise lines and distinctive cut corners made this a popular cut for 1920s engagement rings. Her centre Asscher cut diamond probably weighs around 3.00 to 5.00 carat.’
