Pippa Middleton's Boyfriend Alex Loudon: Five Things to Know
5 things you may not know about Alex Loudon, Pippa's Beau.
May 6, 2011 -- After Kate Middleton and Prince William tied the knot, eyes turned to Kate's stunning sister Pippa -- who glided down the aisle, getting almost as much attention as the bride herself. Dressed in a butter cream dress accentuating every curve and adorned with buttons down the back, Pippa Middleton, the maid of honor, was nicknamed "Her Royal Hotness" by the London tabloids.
But heads up, guys, Pippa is off the market. Alex Loudon -- Alexander Guy Rushworth Loudon, 30, son of James Loudon, a retired financier -- accompanied Pippa to the royal wedding and the two have reportedly been dating since December 2010.
Loudon is more than just Pippa's boyfriend. Here are five things you need to know about the man standing in the way of those crushing on Pippa:
Attends Family Events
Not only was Loudon seated in the front of Westminster Abbey for Prince William and Kate Middleton's nuptials, he also reportedly attended another family affair weeks before Kate tied the knot. That's right, Loudon joined Prince William, Pippa, her brother James and parents Carole and Michael for Kate's secret ceremony confirming her into the Church of England.
High Quality Education
Loudon attended the independent school Eton College, and went on to Durham University before seeking an MBA at the London Business School. At Eton, Loudon was named president of an elite society called Pop and was "unbelievably popular" at both Eton and Wellesley House, the prep school he attended, according to the Daily Mail.
Athletic, Former Cricket Player
Nicknamed "Noisy," "Minor," "A-Lo" and "Minotaur," Loudon spent time on the cricket field and even played professionally for a short time before retiring in 2007 to pursue his MBA. This 6-foot 3-inch athlete captained the England-Under-19 team for the 1999-2000 World Cup, according to ESPN Crickinfo. "I will continue to closely support the club and wish the boys every success for the next season and beyond," Loudon told the BBC when he retired.
Royal Friends
This cricket-star-turned-businessman is not just Pippa's beau. He and Prince William have reportedly been friends since they attended Eton. It has not been said how Pippa and Loudon met; is it possible the Prince could have made the introduction?
Is Love in the Air?
Reports say Pippa and Loudon tried to stay out of the spotlight leading up to the royal wedding, but a source told Marie Claire "He's madly in love with her." The source also said, "Alex thinks it's hilarious that suddenly the world has discovered Pippa." Her profile was raised as soon as she walked down the red carpet in her white satin Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen dress – British model Calum Best and Justin Bieber were even tweeting about her.