Pippa Middleton received the surprise of a lifetime over the weekend as she and her beau James Matthews enjoyed the scenery of Lake District in the North West region of England.
According to the Daily Mail, Matthews dropped down to one knee and proposed to the 32-year-old as the couple took in the breathtaking views.
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Middleton and Matthews, who were briefly together in 2012, are engaged to be married less a year after reuniting as a couple.
“Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday, July 17 and plan to marry next year,” the pair said in a joint statement. Middleton’s father Michael, meanwhile, said “[my wife] Carole and I are absolutely thrilled with the news. They make a wonderful couple and we wish them every happiness together.”
Middleton flashed her art-deco inspired ring on Tuesday as she headed out in London wearing a white eyelet dress and a leather saddle bag. The eye-catching ring features a large centre diamond surrounded by diamonds of smaller size.
Middleton’s sister and brother-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have also shared their excitement over the engagement: “[We] are absolutely delighted with the news,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson wrote on their behalf.
Royal watcher Richard Kay claims the hedge fund manager asked Pippa’s father, Michael for permission prior to popping the question. “James is a traditionalist and very much wanted to do things properly. That meant getting his future father in law’s consent,” a friend of the couple revealed.
The self-made millionaire is said to share a love of sports and outdoor activities with Middleton, who regularly takes part in major events such as climbing Mont Blanc and cycling across America.
“‘He’s a smart chap but also the sort of bloke you would be proud to call a friend,” a friend revealed about Middleton’s new fiance. Meanwhile, another inside says, “many people will say what a lucky guy James is for landing Pippa…I would say she’s the lucky one. He’s one hell of a catch.”
