Royals

Kate and William ‘absolutely delighted’ for engaged Pippa

Pippa has shown off her engagement ring for the first time.

The world’s most famous bridesmaid is set to walk down the aisle for her very own wedding.

Pippa Middleton, 32, is engaged to her millionaire hedge fund manager boyfriend James Matthews, 40.

“Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday 17th July and plan to marry next year,” they said in a statement released to the Press Association.

Her sister Kate and brother-in-law Prince William have spoken about their excitement for the couple.

A spokesman for the Cambridge’s said: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are absolutely delighted with the news”.

Pippa’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton are equally happy, according to a statement given to the Press Association.

“Carole and I are absolutely thrilled with the news. They make a wonderful couple and we wish them every happiness together,” he said.

James got down on one knee during a weekend escape to the Lake District recently, with the pair planning to wed in a lavish ceremony in the UK next year.

Pippa showed of her engagement ring for the first time yesterday – a huge diamond, surrounded by a cluster of smaller diamonds, which some have estimated to be worth more than $370,000.

Pippa and Kate on the eve of Kate’s 2011 wedding.

Pippa, who was Kate’s maid of honour, is likely to return the favour, bestowing the role of chief bridesmaid on her older sister.

Insider claim James asked Pippa’s father Michael Middleton for her hand in marriage before proposing.

“James is a traditionalist and very much wanted to do things properly. That meant getting his future father in law’s consent,” an insider told the website.

WATCH: Pippa Middleton talks about her relationship with sister Kate

Loading the player...

Related stories