The public has known Pippa Middleton as Duchess Kate's younger sister who stood by her side during her much-talked about royal wedding to Prince William in 2011. Now, Kate Middleton's sister will be busy preparing her own dream wedding after she announced her engagement to 40-year-old millionaire boyfriend James Matthews on Tuesday.
There have been incessant rumors claiming that Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry were (or could be) an item since her breakup with Nico Jackson last October. But with the recent engagement announcement of Duchess of Cambridge's 32-year-old sister to hedge fund manager James Matthews, it's safe to say that those claims were merely speculations.
"Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr. James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday 17th July and plan to marry next year," the newly-engaged couple said in a statement released by the Press Association, as per CNN.
Pippa Middleton And James Matthews' Engagement
According to Daily Mail, Pippa Middleton and James Matthews got engaged last weekend, during the couple's trip to Lake District. The couple's friend also revealed to the publication that Matthews asked Pippa's dad for permission before asking her to marry him.
As for Pippa Middleton's sparkler, several jewelers told Daily Mail that Duchess Kate's sister's Asscher cut diamond engagement ring was expensive, with an estimated value of more than $300,000. Pippa's ring was also a popular design for engagement rings in the 1920s.
Kate Middleton And Prince William Are Happy Over Pippa's Engagement
Following Pippa Middleton's engagement announcement, a Kensington Palace spokesperson released a statement saying royal couple Kate Middleton and Prince William were glad to hear the news. Pippa's parents, Michael and Carole, also released a statement wishing the newly engaged couple all the happiness together.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are absolutely delighted with the news," a Kensington Palace spokesperson said in a statement, E! News quotes. While Michael Middleton said Tuesday, "Carole and I are absolutely thrilled with the news. They make a wonderful couple and we wish them every happiness together."
Who Exactly Is Pippa Middleton's Fiancé James Matthews?
As Pippa Middleton announced her engagement on Tuesday, the spotlight is on the lucky groom-to-be James Matthews. But who exactly is Pippa's fiancé? According to Us Weekly, the couple started dating in 2012 but they reunited in late 2015 after Pippa's breakup with Nico Jackson.
Matthews is also the CEO of Eden Rock Capital Management Group. Just like Pippa Middleton, Matthews is also athletic. He also attended the same boarding school as Princes William and Harry - Eton College.
Is Prince Harry Devastated Over Pippa Middleton's Engagement?
Ever since Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton were spotted that Duchess Kate and Prince William's wedding five years ago, many have speculated that they could be a perfect couple. In fact, it was reported in December 2015 that the pair were hiding "secret romance" but Prince Harry denied the report, saying the story completely fabricated, E! News learns.
The idea of Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton as a couple, however, did not stop with those debunked reports. Many were still fantasizing about the possibility of another royal wedding for the Middletons but with Pippa's engagement to Matthews, those hopes were totally destroyed.
Prince Harry is also far from feeling devastated over Pippa Middleton's recent engagement. Instead, the 31-year-old royal bachelor is reportedly pressured to find a royal bride, especially now that Pippa is set to marry next year, Celeb Dirty Laundry reports.
Do you think Prince Harry will be more pressured to find a wife because of Pippa Middleton's engagement? Share your thoughts below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
