Pippa Middleton engaged to Spencer Matthews’ brother James
James asked her dad Michael for permission before he popped the question
PIPPA Middleton has got engaged to Spencer Matthews' older brother James.
Hedge fund manager, James, 40, popped the question last weekend while the couple were enjoying a break in the Peak District.
The news emerged as she attended the Frost Summer Party in aid of the British Heart Foundation in London.
The couple have been together for less than a year but are planning to wed in 2017.
According to the Daily Mail, James' propsal took Pippa, 32, completely "by surprise" but she said "yes" almost immediately.
Her sister, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William are believed to be delighted for her.
According to the paper, James even asked her father Michael for permission before popping the question.
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 family friend said: ‘Mike and Carole are very happy. They like James and they are sure he will make Pippa very happy."
Pippa rose to fame at the Royal wedding in 2011 when her pert derriere grabbed the headlines around the world and she was dubbed "her royal hotness".
Rumours of her romance with James first started circulating last September when she was spotted at his home in Chelsea.
Shortly beforehand, she had split from her boyfriend of three years, financier Nico Jackson.
Pippa and James have been inseparable ever since, celebrating New Year's Eve at St Barts where James' parents own a hotel, Eden Rock.
While he comes from a wealthy family, James likes to see himself as a self-made man as he amassed his large fortune himself through managing hedge funds and property.
A source 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."
Another pal added: "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."
They are expected to tie knot next year.
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