Did James Middleton Copy Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring?

Seems like wedding bells will be tolling again for the Middleton family as Kate's brother, James, is now engaged to Alizee Thevenet. The couple apparently wanted to keep the engagement low key, but as soon news began to go around, James took to Instagram to confirm that Alizee did indeed say, "Oui" to him popping the question - a nod to her being French.

James and Alizee apparently met at the South Kensington Club when the latter decided to say hello to James' cocker spaniel, Ella. Later, it was reported that James asked a waitress to pass a note to Alizee asking her out for drinks, she said yes, and as they say - the rest is history.

Alizee can speak three languages: English, Spanish, and French and has lived in several countries such as: France, Germany, Indonesia, Chile, Belgium, and England. She is currently a financial analyst after having gained a Masters degree from Queen Mary University London in Investment and Finance.

On the other hand, James is Pippa and Kate Middleton's younger brother who currently deals with personalized marshmallows and is also a mental health advocate.

As word of the engagement began to spread, people couldn't help but take note of how similar Alizee's engagement ring was to Kate's - which formerly belonged to the late Princess Diana. Alizee's ring is a 4.5 to 5 carat emerald cut sapphire with baguette diamonds set in platinum. Which strikes a resemblance to Kate's 12 carat oval Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set atop a white gold band.

So, did James flat out copy Kate's engagement ring? Jason D'Heureux, creative director of bespoke jewellers Taylor & Hart, says that he could have been inspired by both Kate and Pippa's rings. Alizee's sapphire center was inspired by Kate's ring, while the baguette diamonds were inspired by Pippa's.

James taking inspiration from their rings comes as no surprise though as he is, after all, the youngest of the Middleton siblings.