Breaking the news first for the Daily Mail, he reports that Pippa, 32, said yes to boyfriend James Matthews, 40, after he got down on one knee during a romantic walk in the Lakes District.
Pippa was completely and utterly surprised by the romantic moment, says Richard.
“James is a traditionalist and very much wanted to do things properly. That meant getting his future father in law’s consent.
“Mike and Carole [Pippa’s parents] are very happy. They like James and they are sure he will make Pippa very happy.”
Pippa briefly dated the hedge fund manager in 2012. They reconciled late last year after she split with financier Nico Jackson, below.
The union will connect two families with similar backgrounds.
Both the Matthews and Middleton families managed to turn humble origins into significant wealth: Pippa’s mother Carole is a former air hostess who grew up in a council flat, while James’ father David made millions in the motor industry after starting out as a trainee mechanic.
Pippa’s fiance isn’t the first well-known member of his family – his brother, Spencer Matthews, is one of the stars of popular UK reality show, Made In Chelsea.
While the palace is yet to confirm the reports, Pippa did nothing to quash the engagement reports by covering her ring finger during an appearance in a floral L.K. Bennett gown at a gala for the British Heart Foundation.