Pippa Middleton gets engaged

The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister Pippa Middleton and hedge fund manager James Matthews announced their engagement on Tuesday, setting the stage for a celebrated society wedding in the coming year.

The couple confirmed rumours in a statement to the Press Association, saying they planned to marry in 2017. The statement came as Middleton appeared in photographs with a diamond engagement ring on her left hand as she left her London home. Matthews got down on one knee while they were visiting the picturesque Lake District and proposed to the 32-year-old Middleton on Sunday.

The British media said they have been dating for less than a year. Rumours of their relationship first emerged last September when Matthews was spotted arriving at his grand Chelsea home with Pippa late one evening and later taking his dog for a walk.

It came shortly after confirmation that Pippa had split from financier Nico Jackson after three years together. The following morning Pippa was photographed outside Mr Matthews’ property clutching a bunch of red roses. They were seen on a string of dates and since the end of December have been virtually inseparable. At New Year, they spent eight nights on St. Barts, the upmarket and super rich Caribbean island where James’ parents own a fashionable hotel, the Eden Rock.

Her elder sister, the former Kate Middleton, and Prince William said they were “absolutely delighted,” by the news, Kensington Palace said. “They make a wonderful couple and we wish them every happiness together,” said her father, Michael Middleton.

Pippa Middleton played a prominent role in the 2011 royal wedding of her older sister Kate and Prince William at Westminster Abbey in London, a wedding seen live by a worldwide television audience.

She appeared in a figure-hugging white dress by Alexander McQueen, pictures of which filled newspapers for weeks afterwards.