Reality television personality Sophie Stanbury has announced her engagement to her long-term partner, multi-millionaire businessman Mark Wilson. The 50-year-old star of Ladies of London shared the happy news on Sunday via a series of romantic Instagram photographs.
A Countryside Proposal
The sweet images appear to show the moment Wilson proposed during a countryside walk. The loved-up couple were dressed in matching tweed and wellington boots, with Stanbury shielding her eyes behind chic sunglasses as Wilson got down on one knee. She captioned the post: 'A VERY special day, in a very special place. And to my darling Mark, how did I get so lucky?'
She continued her heartfelt message, writing: 'Thank you for making me the happiest I could be, starting this year engaged, planning our new home and life together but best of all knowing that you’ll be by my side forever'.
Celebrity Congratulations Pour In
Among the first to share her congratulations was Sophie's former sister-in-law and fellow reality star, Caroline Stanbury. The Real Housewives of Dubai star commented: 'We love you and this is the best news we can all have'.
Other famous friends quickly followed. Frida Redknapp, wife of footballer Jamie Redknapp, exclaimed: 'Wow! Amazing! Congratulations', while Real Housewives of London star Juliet Mayhew gushed: 'ahhh i’m so excited for you my darling'.
Sophie was previously married to Caroline's brother, Alex Stanbury, before their divorce in 2017. The former couple share two sons: Harry, 15, and 12-year-old Finn. As well as being her fiancé, Mark Wilson is also believed to be Sophie's business partner in her luxury lifestyle brand, SoSophie London.
Links to Forthcoming Reality Show
The engagement news comes amid strong rumours that Sophie Stanbury is set to join the cast of a new reality series inspired by the Real Housewives franchise, set in the Cotswolds. Last year, the Daily Mail revealed that the Oxfordshire market town of Charlbury was being eyed as the perfect location for the show.
It is reported that Stanbury would star alongside Princess Beatrice's best friend and A-list nutritionist, Gabriela Peacock. A source described Peacock's involvement as a 'coup' for producers, given her close friendship with the Princess. However, they stressed she would not 'spill the beans' on Beatrice.
Producers have promised the show will be a 'classy' affair, focusing on women with real careers. Society author Plum Sykes is also said to be on board. Notably, the programme will not be called The Real Housewives of The Cotswolds due to copyright issues.
Despite the buzz, the production has reportedly faced some resistance from local establishments. The owner of Charlbury's popular Bull pub, Phil Winser, is said to have 'scathingly' turned down offers for filming. There remains some local suspicion about claims the show will be a more wholesome version of the famous franchise.
