The Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister Pippa Middleton and hedge fund manager James Matthews have announced their engagement.
The couple confirmed rumors in a statement to Britain's Press Association on Tuesday, saying they planned to marry next year. The statement comes as Middleton appeared in photographs with a diamond engagement ring on her left hand as she left her London home.
[NATL-ARCHIVED] Royal Family Photos
Matthews got down on one knee while they were visiting the picturesque Lake District and proposed to the 32-year-old Middleton.
Her elder sister, the former Kate Middleton, and Prince William said they were "absolutely delighted" by the news, Kensington Palace said.
"They make a wonderful couple and we wish them every happiness together," said her father, Michael Middleton.
Middleton played a prominent role in the 2011 royal wedding of her older sister Kate and Prince William at Westminster Abbey in London, a wedding that was seen live by a worldwide television audience.