She's no stranger to extreme sports, but Pippa Middleton's latest achievement is a bittersweet one. Kate's sister conquered the Matterhorn on Saturday, reaching the 14,691ft peak shortly after day break, in honour of her fiancé James Matthews younger brother Michael.
Michael died in 1999 while scaling Mount Everest. At 22-years-old, he was the youngest British person to have reached the peak at the time. Understandably hedge fund manager James chose not to join Pippa on the climb at the weekend, given the emotional connection.
© Photo: RexPippa Middleton is no stranger to extreme sports
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday afterwards, Pippa explained: "It was so humbling to have been able to climb one of the world's most beautiful mountains and raise money for a charity created in memory of an extraordinary young man who lost his life on another peak.
"Although I have raised money in the past for the Michael Matthews foundation, it has now become even more important to me and my family."
© Photo: RexShe and brother Michael scaled the Matterhorn in honour of the late Michael Matthews
Pippa was joined by brother James Middleton for the challenging climb and, although Pippa admitted neither of them had met Michael, she added: "We made this climb knowing he would have been there nudging us on, and we are honoured to be supporting his memory."
Following their engagement in July, Pippa and James are expected to have one of the biggest weddings of 2017.
A statement from the couple read: "Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday 17 July and plan to marry next year." Kensington Palace added that Kate and Prince William were "absolutely delighted" by the news.
