Pippa Middleton Engaged To Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager

Pippa Middleton is engaged to her boyfriend of less than a year, billionaire hedge fund manager James Matthews. He popped the question only after getting permission from Pippa’s father, Michael Middleton. The New Zealand Herald described how the romantic proposal went down.

“Heads down against the breeze that blows across the peaks of the Lake District on the sunniest of days, the couple had their eyes on a distant hill.

“Like other weekend walkers out on the fells last Saturday, Pippa Middleton and her boyfriend James Matthews paused to enjoy the magnificent views from the summit and to catch their breath.

“But as Pippa took in the scenery, her romantic beau was dropping to his knees and preparing an even more spectacular sight – drawing out a stunning diamond ring from deep within a pocket.

“Kneeling before her James asked Pippa to marry him. And within a moment she said ‘yes’ and suddenly Britain’s most eligible young woman was off the market.”

ABC News reports that 32-year-old Pippa and 40-year-old James plan to wed sometime next year. William and Kate responded to the news with this statement.

“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are absolutely delighted with the news.”

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Pippa and James have been friends for years and dated for a brief amount of time in 2012. Matthews is the owner of Eden Rock Capital Management, named after the St. Barts resort owned by his family. He founded the company over 10 years ago. Matthews and Middleton have competed in many charitable competitions together.

Last summer, Pippa Middleton and some of her family vacationed at the Eden Rock resort. Speculation about a romantic relationship began in September when Pippa was seen arriving at James’ townhouse followed by a late-night walk with his dog and then emerging from the townhouse the following morning, flowers in hand. The couple also spent New Years together at the St. Barts resort.

We don’t know a lot about Middleton’s future husband, but E! Online has provided a few facts about Matthews that give us an idea about the man Pippa will marry.

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Pippa and James share a love of competition, especially in athletics. They’ve been seen skiing at the Birkebeiner ski race in Norway and, as mentioned above, have participated in multiple charitable athletic competitions together.

Pippa also has a brother named James. James Middleton is the youngest in the family and is 29-years-old. To further add to possible confusion, the two Jameses in Pippa’s life share the same initials. James Matthews is JM as is James Middleton. There are 11 years between the ages of the two men.

James Matthews attended the same school as Pippa’s brothers-in-law, Prince Harry and Prince William. All three attended a boarding school that’s located in Windsor, England. The name of the school is Eton College, and it has only male students.

One more fun fact about Pippa Middleton’s hubby-to-be. He has a brother who is a star on a reality television show. His name is Spencer, and the show follows the lives of rich 20-somethings who live in London. It’s similar to the American reality TV show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills.

People reports that Pippa flashed her ring to photographers this morning and told them she “couldn’t be happier.”

Although both family and friends were reportedly surprised by Pippa and James’ engagement, they have all expressed their happiness for the couple.

James’ father Michael issued a statement in which he said, “They make a wonderful couple and we wish them every happiness together.”

A family friend told the magazine the following.

“[the family friend] saw them a couple of months walking around the village – just casually strolling through the woods having a chat. They seemed very happy together. It’s wonderful news. I’ve met James and a he’s a really nice guy.”

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