Pippa Middleton confirms engagement

Pippa Middleton has confirmed her engagement.

The sister of Duchess Catherine and 40-year-old James Matthews have revealed they are to tie the knot in 2017 after he popped the question on Sunday (17.07.16).

The happy couple said in a statement: "Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday 17th July and plan to marry next year."

Hedge fund manager James is said to have asked 32-year-old Pippa to be his wife after going down the traditional route and asking her father, Michael Middleton, for permission.

A source said: "James is a traditionalist and very much wanted to do things properly. That meant getting his future father-in-law’s consent."

Another source added that both Michael and Pippa’s mother Carole are thrilled, saying: "Mike and Carole are very happy. They like James and they are sure he will make Pippa very happy."

James is the brother of ‘Made in Chelsea’ star Spencer Matthews but is a self-made man, despite coming from a wealthy family.

An insider said: "He worked very hard from an early age.

"He’s a smart chap but also the sort of bloke you would be proud to call a friend

"He made a huge amount of cash from hedge funds and some more from the London property market. We’re talking millions here and you don’t do that by the age of 40 unless you are a sharp cookie. And James is very bright."

Pippa and James dated in 2012 but split before getting back together last year following the brunette beauty’s split from financier Nico Jackson after three years.

She shot to fame after being maid of honor at her sister Catherine’s royal wedding to Prince William.