London - He has enjoyed a distinguished military career in the Household Cavalry, before going on to sell an astonishing 20 million albums worldwide.
Now James Blunt has an even greater reason to celebrate.
The former Lifeguards officer-turned-pop crooner, 39, has, I discover, committed himself to his long-term girlfriend Sofia Wellesley, granddaughter of the Duke of Wellington.
Friends of the pair were last night excitedly reporting that the glamorous couple had become engaged over the Christmas break.
One tells me: ‘Everyone is talking about it. We were sort of expecting it but it is still great news.’
Old-Harrovian Blunt, whose songs include the No. 1 You’re Beautiful, began dating Sofia, 29, at the beginning of last year after they were introduced by James’s sister Daisy.
A law graduate from Edinburgh University, where she was a contemporary of Pippa Middleton, Sofia now works as a legal consultant in London. Blunt has previously dated a string of beauties, including Czech supermodel Petra Nemcova.
While normally cagey about his private life, he has previously said of his relationship: ‘What I will say is that I’m very happy at the moment with Sofia.
‘It takes a strong person to be able to deal with somebody working in music. It’s hard when you’re with somebody and you become embroiled in something just because you were seen standing next to someone else.
‘It takes a tough person to deal with that and I’m lucky to have her.’
Delighted friends are predicting a summer wedding at the Duke’s stately home Stratfield Saye in Hampshire,and no doubt Elton John and David Furnish will be invited. James credits the singer with launching his career when he gave him a slot on his 2004 tour, and James sang at Elton and David’s wedding.
When I contacted James’s sister Emily on Thursday night about the impending nuptials, she said: ‘I don’t know any details.’
Daily Mail