Pippa is Engaged, Kate & William ‘Delighted’

We are back with a few updates, beginning with confirmation that Kate’s sister Pippa is engaged to hedge fund manager James Matthews. From a Daily Telegraph story:

This morning Pippa Middleton confirmed her engagement to James Matthews, by flashing her engagement ring to the photographers waiting outside her London home, telling them she “couldn’t be happier.”

The couple walking in London earlier this month.

Kate and William are said to be happy about the news. This is from The Express:

A spokesman for the Cambridges commented: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are absolutely delighted with the news.”

As well as the royal couple, the 32-year-old’s father, Michael Middleton, declared that they are a “wonderful couple” and that he and his wife Carole are “absolutely thrilled”.

More from The Daily Mail:

Less than a year after she began properly dating the handsome hedge fund manager (they were briefly an item in 2012) the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister is now engaged to be married.

Their wedding – almost certain to be held next year – will be the most glamorous and talked about match since Kate Middleton’s to Prince William five years ago.

Below, the couple at Wimbledon on the 6th.

Here is a look at the ring.

Duchess of Cambridge is ‘absolutely delighted’ at sister Pippa’s engagement https://t.co/KuroOW1QrY

— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) July 19, 2016

The ring has an art deco, vintage feel. The Asscher-cut center stone is bordered with 24 additional diamonds. From The Telegraph:

The octagonal ring that Miss Middleton carefully displayed to waiting photographers is understood to have been purchased from the London jeweller Robinson Pelham.

The company has been a regular source of jewellery for the Middleton family, and was the source of the diamond earrings that the Duchess of Cambridge wore on her wedding day. The girls’ mother, Carole, as well as Pippa herself, also wore pieces designed by Robinson Pelham to the royal wedding.

A look at the Robinson Pelham acorn and oak leaf earrings worn when Kate married William, and again at Order of the Garter this June.

Another design from the company the Duchess has worn, the jeweler’s Pagoda style earrings set with blue topaz and diamonds in white gold. Kate wore these to the premiere of Sceptre; her mother has also worn them.   

Robinson Pelham has not commented; we know from experience they don’t, having been told on more than one occasion the company will not speak about clients. (To its credit.) From People’s story:

It’s hugely practical, because it’s quite flat and it will be very easy for her to wear,” says jeweler Annoushka Ducas. 

Set in white gold or platinum with a center stone at least three carats in size, “the Art Deco design makes me think it could be bespoke or it could be vintage,” David Christopher Allen of 77 Diamonds tells PEOPLE. 

Another look at the ring via The Daily Mail’s Rebecca English.

From Us Weekly:

{Pippa’s} engagement ring is actually very much on-trend,” jewelry expert Michael O’Connor tells Us Weekly. “The Ascher-cut center diamond looks to be about 3 carats. It’s set in a platinum bezel setting surrounded by white, brilliant-cut diamonds, adding about another 1.5 carats.”

There is also speculation today about who might be chosen to design Pippa’s wedding gown. From Emma Spedding’s Daily Telegraph story:

Pippa and big sister Kate have a similar approach to style, favouring ladylike and conservative pieces by British labels.

It’s safe to assume that her wedding day is the one time Pippa Middleton won’t wear a dress like her big sister’s.

For Pippa, the wedding world is her oyster, with no traditions dictating the kind of wedding she’ll need to plan.

Ms. Spedding’s story offers a list of possibilities, including Elie Saab, Jenny Packham, Ralph and Russo, Emilia Wickstead, Marchesa and Alexander McQueen.

There is discussion about Kate’s role in the wedding, with some wondering if she might be matron of honor. Many would also love to see Prince George as a page boy, like those at Kate and William’s wedding. (Although any boys are unlikely to be in military-inspired attire, as Kate and William’s attendants were with their Irish Guards related elements.)

We will keep you posted.

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Also today, the look you most liked from Kate’s busy week in June, we wrapped up our poll seeking your input on the topic. Your favorite is the ensemble showcasing Roland Mouret’s Nansen gown (The dress is actually still available at Roland Mouret in sizes 12 and 14, it is 50% off, $1855.)

It wasn’t surprising to see this look chosen as the favorite, it was very well received when Kate wore it for the annual Sports Ball at Kensington Palace.

What was a surprise is seeing how close the voting was on the Catherine Walker and Alexander McQueen ensembles, just 6 votes separated those two. A quick refresher shows the Order of the Garter elements…

…and the Duchess’s Trooping the Colour ensemble.

Thanks to all who took part in these, they are a lot of work but *always* fun and well worth the effort.

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Finally, a few links to stories you might enjoy reading.

1) Forbes has a fairly lengthy piece titled Kate Middleton’s Style Evolution and How She’s Getting More Daring.  Here’s a snippet from the story by Cecilia Rodriguez:

Given the colossal number of articles in social and traditional media published every day about her style choices, the economic effect they have on the clothing industry and the impact she has on millions of women around the world, it’s safe to say that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is one of the most influential women in fashion today. “Queen of Style,” “Princess of Fashion,” “Style Icon” are in fact very apt characterizations of the pinnacle at which she sits quite naturally and apparently oblivious to the immense power she yields and of the reach of her impact.

2) Marie Claire UK recently ran a story titled 7 designers explain “the Kate effect” on fashion sales.

3) PopSugar has put together a look at some of the frocks Kate has worn when attending weddings over the years, The Duchess of Cambridge was the Belle of the Ball at Every Wedding She’s Ever Attended.

We expect a new photo(s) marking Prince George’s 3rd birthday in the next 48 hours, we’ll share that with you as soon as it is available.

 

NOTE: I have allowed comment son Pippa’s engagement and they’re veering quite a bit away from discussion of apparel and accessories.

LINKAGE:

• The Telegraph’s story about the ring is here, its piece on possible wedding gown designers is here
• The Daily Mail’s story with plenty of background info on the couple is here