Engagement rumors have been swirling for months now and now it looks like it’s finally happened. Pretty much as soon as Pippa Middleton and Nico Jackson hit the three-month mark in their relationship, the UK tabloids have been trying to marry them off. I think in reality… Nico and Pippa have been together for about ten months, although Us Weekly claims that they’ve been together 15 months. No… that’s not right. Nico Jackson is some kind of “banker” with a job in London, and personally, I’ve always thought he was probably more like Pippa than people were willing to acknowledge. Nico has some uptradey in him too, and he seems eager to associate himself with the Middletons and, by extension, the royal family. Anyway, now Us Weekly claims that the engagement is real and they’ve been celebrating in private:
Well, we already know she can rock a white dress! Pippa Middleton — who very nearly stole the spotlight from sister Kate Middleton at her wedding to Prince William in 2011 — is set to walk down the aisle herself in 2014, sources reveal in the new issue of Us Weekly.
The British event planner’s boyfriend, banker Nico Jackson, popped the question during their early December trip to India’s Oberoi Amarvilas, insiders share. (Oberoi Amarvilas is a five-star resort, with views of the famed Taj Mahal.)
“It was exactly how he planned it,” one source tells Us of the proposal. “Very romantic and grand!”
Together for 15 months, the couple were first rumored to be engaged back in September. Those rumors were false, but the two were clearly smitten. They even engaged in some PDA at the 50th anniversary party for Annabel’s nightclub on Sept. 27.
Since the engagement, Middleton, 30, and Jackson, 36, have been celebrating their happy news in private. A source says they plan to spend Boxing Day (Dec. 26) at her family’s Bucklebury estate before heading to the Alps for vacation in the new year.
If it’s happening, then good for them. Announcing an engagement was one of the pieces of advice given to Pippa by those dishy NYT “sources” who went on record to bitch about Pips. One of my favorite quotes from that July piece: “He is not an earl or duke, which would be better. But he will do just fine.” This is part of the re-branding of Pippa after she spent much of 2013 as a #PippaTips punching bag, failing at book-writing and column-writing and advice-giving and just seeming too eager for the spotlight. The rebranded Pippa is quieter, less spotlight-seeking. The rebranded Pippa is an in-demand columnist (ha). The rebranded Pippa has a fiancé!
You know what will happen now? Pippa will get to plan her wedding and now she’ll be a “wedding advice columnist” and she’ll probably get another book deal to publish advice like “Many brides like flowers at their weddings.” And “A veil is a great accessory to a wedding gown.” #PippaWeddingTips
Photos courtesy of WENN.
She’s kind of unfortunate looking. He’s dashing in a banker/businessman type of way.
He doesn’t look like that coming to work 🙂 Looks better in the photos but I get what you mean her well ummm
I disagree. Pippa’s makeup looks beautiful in the 1st and 2nd photo! Happiness becomes her, and her fiancee’ bears a strong resemblance to Michael York – so yummy in one of my Sci Fi faves ‘Logan’s Run’. – http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3378878464/tt0074812?ref_=tt_pv_md_1
I’m so happy she’s achieved her life’s goal of marrying a wealthy man. With a super hot, rich husband, now Pippa can finally stand outside of her sister’s long shadow. Mazel tov!
PLUS she doesn’t have to work, unlike Kate. Pippa won’t have the press all over her for being lazy, while spending their tax dollars. I bet that keeps Pippa nice and cozy at night, hehehe.
But Pippa wants to work. She’s got a hustle. She wants that spotlight and to be a name people associate with royalty and success.
Yes, she seems to have taken the easy/lazy way about it though. Instead of cultivating her skills as a writer she dove right in and would rather take those to court who criticize her than improve, but still. She wants to do something outsde of being fully dependent on others.
If this is true then congrats. Nico still seems sketchy to me though…
Yes! I was trying to think who he reminded me of and it is Michael York!
I’m happy for Pippa. I don’t imagine it would be easy to conduct your romance in the public spotlight and everyone has been as interested in her as her sister (even more so in some cases).
Personally i think he looks like Perry King in his prime.
Perry King was the go to cheesy pretty actor of all those bonkbuster TV movie adaptations from the 80s.
http://img2.bdbphotos.com/images/orig/5/d/5dxj31uceutdd5ju.jpg?kj8as6ye
http://img2.bdbphotos.com/images/orig/l/x/lx9kg8evz48r84e.jpg?kj8as6ye
LAK
FTW! Perry King looks like a close relative with that smirk.
She’ll look more attractive in 15 years when her look match her age. I’m not just being a jerk. I really think she’s got a look that suits 45. In the meantime, she desperately needs some sort of freshness / glow to her skin.
She kind of looks like a man in drag …
Carole’s work is almost done. Good for her I guess, this guy reminds me of someone but i can’t think of who.
To me , Jamie Lanister (the character, not Nikolaj Coster-Waldau).
A young Richard Chamberlain??
Oh good grief… now she’ll never leave the spotlight? Her claim to “fame” is Kate. Why are they in the news? She looks like Demi Moore.
Yes! To the young Richard Chamberlain comment! Good call.
Richard Chamberlain was a particular look that was very popular in the 70s. I’d vote for Perry King over RC in terms of who Nico resembles most, but they are of the same mould of pretty boy actors from that era. http://img2.bdbphotos.com/images/orig/l/x/lx9kg8evz48r84e.jpg?kj8as6ye
EDIT: having looked at Sloane Wyatt’s pick of Michael York, i’m going to amend my answer to say that Nico looks like a cross of all 3. He could have been fathered by any one of them.
Yes! I completely agree on the Richard Chamberlain comment. When I saw Nico’s photo, I immediately started to think about the TV miniseries, “The Thorn Birds”. I can also see the Michael York resemblance.
How about a groovy Michael York?
SO yummy in one of my Sci Fi faves ‘Logan’s Run’ – http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3378878464/tt0074812?ref_=tt_pv_md_1
You’re welcome.
I love Logan’s Run!! Michael York was exquisite in that movie.
Cats…
Yes! Michael York and Richard Chamberlain. Well done you two. I think he’s dreamy.
Not sure I agree that Carole’s work is done. Nico’s background isn’t any better than Pippa’s and he did not go to the top schools as Pippa did, so not as many contacts. He just made a lot of money. Which is nice, don’t get me wrong, but it’s no entree to those circles they appear to want. Or is it? Does money buy aristo membership?
I dunno, is it? Would he be looked down upon for being new money? I honestly have no idea how it works?
It can grease the wheels, but he has to work harder than she does because he doesn’t have the social advantages of the old boys’ network which he would have picked up from schools like she does.
At least he looks hot. Where is he getting all the money for these vacations? The Middleton girls like their men rich so boy you better get a raise from banker to owner of the bank. You’re gonna have to have money for 5 vacas a year and high fashion clothes.
Nope someone has that job (owner) maybe family ££
I’m going to be sexist as all get out here but I have a hard time trusting a man who’s so much better looking than his gf. I think Nico’s using her to raise his profile.
Using Pippa to raise his profile – um rather more like hiding his profile i.e. he’s on the down-low.
I don’t think it’s sexist, when a woman like Crystal Harris marries Hugh Hefner, nobody thinks its because of his personality…
Nico is significantly better looking than Pippa. Is noticeable. I agree that he’s obviously expecting certain Up-Tradey perks from this marriage.
Well, best wishes to them. When one has a large wedding, it is smart to have chairs so your guests can sit down.
*chuckles under my breath*
When celebrating a wedding, a cake is a nice idea for guests. #pippaweddingtips
*chortles softly*
I wish them the best. She’s attractive enough. I see no need to bash her looks.
You’re completely right, Tazina! Especially when there are so many other things to bash her for! Meow.
I think the reason people go on about her looks is because after The Wedding, there was just SO much hype about how sexy she was, how she had the best bum in the world etc. When there’s that much nonsense written about her looks, people feel the need to point out that, actually, she’s pretty average. No worse than that, certainly. But no better either.
+1
The press had a field day attacking her “ass of lies”. And not to mention it seemed like her looks were being attacked to make Kate seem physically superior around that time too. I’m certainly guilty of wearing spanx with the foam butt pads to a wedding before. It’s not like she gave a statement explaining her butt workouts.
Nope. There is something unattractive about her face. I know that’s mean but it’s just true.
WHAT??? Florc has an ass of lies???
*faints dead away*
@bluhare, LOL!
Oh God, I needed a laugh!
The advantage of Spanx is it shapes you in tight dresses and smoothes out vpl. The disadvantage is it flattens your bum right out. Sigh. I too have had an ass of lies!
You’re welcome, Sloane. 🙂 Florc gave me such a great visual on that one.
Florc, I’m SHOCKED.
She has never again looked as good as she did at Kate’s wedding. That said, she’s hardly hideous and she probably has a peppy personality.
The problem with hype is that it is usually followed by a fusillade of leveling out press. It’s happened with both Pippa and Kate.
My sincere hope is that she has a lovely wedding, a happy marriage and that she fades from public view into civilian life.
Suze
It’s so true that it’s either a flash in the pan or a slow burn. You can’t shoot straight up in popularity and maintain that level of fame and interest with nothing to offer.
I’m going to keep coming back just for all the tips. Guests at your wedding might be hungry, so serving food is a great idea. #PippaWeddingTips
When contemplating getting married, you might like to consider a white dress for your big day. It’s traditional and many pretty dresses are available in that colour.
If one wishes to marry in a traditional ceremony, one should consider a parish church as it is the perfect venue.
When getting married, it is most helpful to have a groom. #pippaweddingtips
In other news, Charlotte Casiraghi just gave birth.
Nice. She is so darn beautiful!
Underwhelming news; if she were not so eager (especially in public), to cash in on her connections as the sister of the future queen, she could have made a titled match. As it is, neither of them bring a “leg up” to the relationship.
Maybe compatibility is the ultimate leg up. Maybe a title is not all it’s cracked up to be. Your comment seems rather snobby.
Excuse me……SHE gave everyone the impression that she was on the hunt for a title, not me, and she enjoys hobnobbing and hunting with the swells. I am not the snob, she is. Sheesh!
I’m with MIssNostalgia on this one. Pippa’s given out a lot of “hunting for a titled husband” vibes in the past. I’m actually surprised she appears to be settling for this guy.
Well that’s just the thing I agree also. I think Pippa is certainly a snob and would never dream of marrying someone who is not rich or socially illustrious. But I disagree with that those things equal a good match. I think those two are compatible because they both seem to relish the upper crust limelight. No one disagrees about that. I just think it is snobby to feel that there is no advantage to two people were not at the upper crust deciding to Mary. They both are getting what they want out of the situation, at least for now. I just cringe at the thought of a marriage being a “leg up” again, not a big deal.
Snarky (hope I can call you that!), we do agree. I don’t think a titled match is the be all and end all either, especially if you’re just marrying someone to get that title. And Pippa has done her fair share of advertising for one!
Yes but your comments reflected your own opinions and beliefs, as of course they should but you were not just merely rehashing the widely held view that Pippa is a social climber. Not a big deal.
How do you know what I am thinking and what my beliefs are?? Are you renting space in my head??
“If” “could’ve” “as it stands” etc, etc
Your choice of words reflects your own personal take on the situation. It is not that complicated. If those are your opinions then own them – gossip sites are based on opinions. But you can’t write out your thoughts for the world to see and then say how do you know what I’m thinking?
May we politely agree to disagree?
I think she did cash in on her connection. He’s not titled, but she’s punching WELL above her weight – that man is flat out gorgeous. As you said, neither is giving the other a leg up the ladder, but maybe Pippa was more interested in getting a leg over. 😉
Awesomely hilarious!
I’m not sure he’s gorgeous but I guess he is very good looking. Which makes Pippa the winner in the only department where Dolittle lost out- hubby is bordering on homely these days. In their world, I guess that’s something.
Could you imagine sharing a bathroom with that man? He’d hog all the mirror time!
He’s attractive, but there’s something off putting about him to me. It’s probably his camera hungry eyes. You can tell he loves the limelight. However, that might make him the perfect match for Pips.
And she’s not ugly, not at all. She may well age better than he does. Carole looks pretty good for her age.
Wonder what Bill and Cathy think of Nico?
This is my favorite comment on the thread. Indeed she IS punching WELL above.
She is NOT attractive. She’s a botoxed hag with grandmother-on-meth fashion sense. If she wasn’t the sister of Kate, nobody (and especially not a swaggering handsome lout like Nico) would even glance in her direction.
Bluhare
After your reaction to Flork’s ass’o’lies you can call me anything. I have been laughing all day!
I just read in the Daily Fail that this isn’t true…? If it isn’t, I wonder if he’ll be scared off by this constant barrage of rumors and reports.
Others were scared off from Pippa because of the attention. Nico pursued her and always smiled directly at the camera. He loved the attention it seemed. That’s why many thought they were perfect for each other. If anything it was said he’s more attracted to the connection Pippa would bring him.
Totally agree, Florc, although I’m still in shock over your butt.
@bluhare
I’m over it now.
*passes the smelling salts* You can also have a left over saltine, and I’d suggest a good lie down. I’ve heard that works wonders.
Thank you Sloane. I feel quite refreshed!
Meh.
I really feel sorry for her, because she will never really be able to know if people like her for her or for her connections. I find neither her nor Nico attractive.
Same thing could be said for the people she dates!
I imagine she’s well aware of the value of her connections. There’s ample proof she’s willing to use them to her benefit. In her world, often love has nothing to do with it. I am sure she is happy to be “used” if it gets her what she wants in uptrade and elevates her.
I’m guessing she felt she was getting to the point of being “on the shelf” for way too long (an embarrassment in itself) , so she’s done something about it.
I don’t fully agree with you on this point. Someone like Pippa Will not fall in love with someone unless he is rich and willing to give her the world. However if someone is rich and willing to give her the world but she is not in love with him she will not be with him. That seems like a contradiction but if you think about it you’ll understand what I’m trying to say here. When Alex dumped her into thousand and 12 it was rumored among their friends to be because he wanted a socially acceptable, well-connected girlfriend and low romantic responsibility. He wanted a trophy wife and someone to go on glamorous vacations with, attend charity ball with and raise exceptional children with. Don’t get me wrong Pippa wanted those things also but she also wanted a very physical, emotional relationship as well. She also want to did someone who was comfortable and an intimate family setting and would fit in with the rest of her close family. Alex felt smothered and got out of the relationship. So while I do not like the snobbery in this woman I also do not believe that she is dead set on dragging home a husband with A title.
I think this new guy will be a good companion for her for a while but I just do not see longevity. He is more like a Bruce Jenner to her Kris.
I get a douchebag vibe from him. I totally believe he is marrying her for her connections to the royal family. A guy like that doesn’t jump so quickly into marriage with someone like Pippa other than the fact that she is famous due to her connections with the Royals. I can also see the two getting a divorce down the road (before they turn 40).
I too get the douche vibe from him and I do not find him “attractive”. He has looks, but there is something slightly wasted-sleazy-boorish about him, and he looks older than his years–more 46. She looks like a mole or an otter.
+2
+3
Me too. +4
Well, he’s certainly a tall drink of water-literally! Pippa’s about 5’9 barefoot and look how he dwarfs her in that last pic!-so if it’s true, good for her 🙂
God, I really hope that this IS true and that he is as much as a shameless, money hungry social climber as she and the rest of her family. Can you imagine the snarky stories from the British press that will entertain us for years to come?! 😀
Still get a weird/douchy vibe from him. Anyway, have you seen this? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2525782/Pippa-Middleton-NOT-engaged-Nico-Jackson-says-source-close-Middleton-sister-rumours-circulate-proposed-India-week.html
Pippa tip: When one can’t marry royalty, marry a man as uptradey as you.
If true, this has got to be regarded as a “well, he’s better than nothing” catch by Carol Middleton. I am convinced they were always gunning for George Percy, a title and a family way older than the Windsors.
Also, I would like to ask our royal experts here like LAK, bluhare, Ladyslippers etc about Nico’s “connections”. There are lots of society folks without titles but very well born, like third cousins to the royal family, etc. He does not seem to be of that society. Where, exactly, does he come from? And is he in fact rich? Or does he merely have the appearance of affluence that has been inflated by the media. The media often grossly inflates the estimated net worth of people who at least appear to be well off but maybe not so much.
Oh I get so tired of those pesky Percy rumors. I have read on more than one site that he is gay and always has been. He and Pippa have been close friends for many years and according to college friends he feels he can confide in her. They are not sexually attracted to one another. When his sister Melissa got married Pippa was invited. And the Percy family is not one to invite people to intimate event like a wedding just for show.
Now I’m interested. Percy is gay? Who’s his bf?
LOL just silly internet gossip but who knows? George helped her to recover and gave her a shoulder to cry on after Alex dumped her they are just great friends.
He might be gay but he still needs to provide an heir for the dukedom, Snarkweek. I can think of worse things than being married to your best friend and having a turkey baster baby.
Just read this morning he’s from Folkestone (southern coast of England) and went to very normal and not uptradey schools. Made a bunch of money in banking. I dunno, there’s something about this guy and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he starts talking when/if they break up. THAT would be interesting.
@bluhare And you’d get “Hogwarts” too. 😉 I’d seriously consider it. js
Bluhare
Ita and its a bonus that his family already likes her. It would be good anyway for her because she would truly know that he was with her because he wanted to be and not because of her royal connections.
But then there is the Jane Eyre side of me that is always rooting for true love…
Actually bluhare, George Percy’s father inherited the dukedom from his brother, who had no heirs. So, if George doesn’t provide heirs, it won’t be the first time for the family, and I doubt they will make a huge fuss out of it.
There’s another Percy son: Lord Max Percy, George’s younger brother. He is dating a German Princess (Nora Oettingen-Spielberg) from a noble house.
If George Percy has no heir, then his brother might take over.
Nico is new money, no? He’s flashy and orange. He has done a ot just as Pippa’s bf. He gets Pippa’s +1 to all sister Kate’s family only events. And I’m not doubting for a moment the Middleton’s haven’t had someone do a backround check on him.
Also, the DMOnline probably put out the article that the engagement wasn’t real to test the waters on engagement news. 2 royal engagement rumors are flying around now. Beatrice & Harry could pop at any moment with the news of an engagement. Will the Middleton’s try to steal that thunder?
Man, I’m getting tired of agreeing with everyone. 😀
Sure, George doesn’t have to produce an heir, but as eldest son he’s expected to. Interesting that his family likes Pippa; it seems that when their photos were all over everywhere after the wedding, I read something about how his family thought she was overreaching. But his mother isn’t from the aristocracy is she?
And, Florc, I totally think Carole Middleton would like to steal thunder. She’ll NEVEr steal Harry’s though.
The Percy family gets along well with her. She was invited to Melissa’s wedding and she gets along with Max and the other sister and her husband as well. She and George go way back to University and he helped her to get it together after Alex broke up with her. The family seems to be really laid-back and close knit. Except for The age of the family wallets the Percy’s and the Mids have a lot of things in common. And don’t forget mothers of every social class like to stick their nose in their children’s romantic affairs and most parents want their kids to make a good match. But because the aristocracy are more discrete and operate in a more private world we simply do not get to see just how much they push their kids on each other. Who knows?
George’s mother is the daughter of a stockbroker. I have no idea if George is gay or not, a lot of that seems to come from speculation on Internet forums. He may just be rather shy and private. His flatmate in London is JJ Jardine Paterson who was Pippa’s college boyfriend. I do agree that he and Pippa have never been anything more than friends.
Max cannot take over from George unless George dies. However of course if George dies without an heir, either Max or his son could become duke. Even if Max has no sons, the current duke has a brother with two sons and a first cousin with sons as well. No Percy shortage, but I’d bet everyone would prefer if George finds a well bred gal somewhere.
Ha!
well if they’re engaged, two down and one more to go. wonder if Mother Middleton is trying for a princess for the brother
James has long been rumored to be gay, even though he is seen in the magazines with various high-profile society girlfriends.
So maybe Carole should set him up with Percy!
I sometimes wonder if Percy isn’t James’ boyfriend.
OMG I have wondered that also lol!
If Percy and James married, then Pippa could carry their kids. Keep it all in the family, and two Middletons could get titles.
Suze
My dear sweet God just please make sure that George is the donor. Oh please Lord no slipups. Otherwise this is hilarious. Auntie Mommy? Or Auntie God mother mommy? Yeah Yikes!
She is not attractive at all
And why is this news? Who cares about her.
I broke up with my boyfriend last week. Screw her and Nico.
🙁
But otherwise your comment is amazeballs.
Aww! You can do better than that pond scum!
I know he works in finance, but he doesn’t appear to be from the right kind of set to meet Carole’s approval. This isn’t someone like Cressida Bonas who is very much from the right set if you look at her family and friends. I think Pippa fell in love and put her Uptradey ways aside. Carole was busy helping Kate deal with motherhood and baby George so Nico slipped through. He seems a little too happy to be papped, isn’t an aristo, but hopefully there is love there. From what I’ve read about Pippas previous long term relationship, she was the passionate, sexual one and her old bf was dull and cared more about cricket than settling down with Pippa.
“…Nico slipped through..,.”
LOL.
lol I thought she was already engaged a while ago… lol. Clearly, I don’t pay attention.
Actually, you do! There was a story a while back that they were engaged.
Let us take note that Pips is carrying on the grand tradition of constant Middleton family vacationing. The question was popped during a vacation to India at the beginning of December. Then it’s off to the Alps to vacation in the new year. And Mustique is not far behind, right?
I hope this guy has banked his vacation days for years! Joining the MIddletons means that he’ll need them.
Apparently People magazine is not backing the claim that they got engaged: http://www.people.com/people/mobile/article/0,,20767647,00.html
hahahah lol @that blue dress and hat hahahaha