Kate Middleton's sister Pippa is engaged to boyfriend James Matthews

Romance is alive

Congratulations are in order for Pippa Middleton, as the younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge is engaged.

Sources say that the 32-year-old author and columnist was proposed to this weekend by boyfriend of a year, James Matthews. Once marriage, James will become brother-in-law to Kate and Wills and uncle to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Matthews… mmm, recognise the surname? Yes, the 40 –year-old hedge fund manager’s younger brother is Spencer Mathews, he of original Made in Chelsea fame and soon to be kind of Royal-ish.

The Daily Mail confirmed the news, with a source close to the Middleton family saying that James asked Pippa’s father for permission first, before proposing during a romantic walk through the Lake District.

‘James is a traditionalist and very much wanted to do things properly,’ explained the source.

‘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.’

The couple, who briefly dated in 2012 before reconciling last year, are thought to be planning a 2017 wedding. Who will attend? Will Spencer meet the Queen? Will Duchess Kate be bridesmaid? Will people ever get over Pippa Middleton's bottom at the 2011 Royal Wedding?

Please.

Calm down everyone. It's just a bum (a remarkably good one, but just a bum).

The ring

And this is what the ring looks like (not the actual one, obvs, that's on her finger, we're talking about the style)…

Jewellery expert Deborah, from the London Victorian Ring Company explains: ‘Pippa's engagement ring has a central Asscher cut diamond which makes her engagement ring really stand out.

'Developed in Amsterdam in 1902, the precise lines and distinctive cut corners made this a popular cut for 1920s engagement rings. Her centre Asscher cut diamond probably weighs around 3.00 to 5.00 carat.’

Holly Rains is the digital editor of Marie Claire UK. She has over 10 years journalism experience, working as an editor and writer, specialising in digital media, content strategy and dog breeds. Prior to Marie Claire, she has held senior staff positions at ELLE UK, Grazia and Company magazine.

Holly is a frequent speaker, panelist and interviewer on a range of subjects including media trends, careers and entertainment. From working with Reuters to provide global red carpet coverage for events like the BAFTAs, to discussing fashion and beauty trends on network TV, she was also the host of the Marie Claire series ‘Holly’s First Dates’, where she regularly interviewed a mix of inspiring woman and A-list celebrities (including Jack Black, Dakota Fanning and Renée Zellweger) - a series which garnered half a million views in its first two months. And was approved by The Rock.

Her love of office-based meetings means that the days of discovering the melting point of Cadbury's Flakes are long gone, but when she isn't dreaming of scheduling in meetings, she likes to think about social media, and how best to avoid it whilst still retaining the title of 'digital' editor. She also likes learning about emerging technology, Influencers and how to become a Financially Responsible Adult.

Contact Holly: holly.rains@futurenet.com