Pippa Middleton to wed hedge fund boss next year

The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister Pippa Middleton and hedge fund manager James Matthews have announced their engagement, setting the stage for a celebrated society wedding in the coming year.

The couple confirmed rumours in a statement to Britain’s Press Association, saying they planned to marry in 2017.

The statement came as Middleton appeared in photographs with a diamond engagement ring on her left hand as she left her London home.