At a Glance
- Sophie Stanbury, 50, announced her engagement to businessman Mark Wilson on January 10 via Instagram
- The proposal took place during a casual country walk, both wearing matching green wellies
- Former sister-in-law and Bravo costar Caroline Stanbury publicly congratulated the couple
- Why it matters: The engagement marks a new chapter for the reality TV personality, who divorced in 2016 and shares two teenage sons
Ladies of London alum Sophie Stanbury is set to wed longtime partner Mark Wilson after a picturesque countryside proposal that she shared with fans on January 10.
The Proposal
Stanbury posted a series of photos capturing the moment Wilson dropped to one knee on a rural path. One image shows him holding out a ring box while she reacts with surprise. Another captures the couple embracing after she accepted.
Both wore classic English country attire, including matching green Wellington boots. Stanbury described the location as “a very special place” in her caption.
“A VERY special day, in a very special place ❤️💍,” she wrote. “And to my darling Mark, how did I get so lucky? 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 ❤️💍.”
Family Reactions
Caroline Stanbury, Sophie’s former sister-in-law and fellow Bravo personality, quickly celebrated the news in the comments section of the post.
“We love you 🥂 and this is the best news we can all have 💍,” wrote the Real Housewives of Dubai star. Sophie responded with multiple red heart emojis.
Caroline Fleming, another Ladies of London alum, also shared her excitement: “A million congratulations my darlings ❤️ couldn’t be happier for you both ❤️.”
Life After Divorce
This engagement represents a fresh start for Stanbury, who divorced Alex Stanbury-Caroline’s brother-in 2016. The former couple share two sons: Harry, 15, and Finn, 12.
Since her divorce, Stanbury has focused on raising her children and building her lifestyle brand, SoSophie London. Wilson has become a steady presence in her life, with the couple frequently traveling together and sharing glimpses of their relationship on social media.
The Ring and Celebration
While Stanbury didn’t share close-up images of her engagement ring in the initial post, the photos clearly show Wilson presenting a ring box during the proposal. The casual nature of the engagement-complete with wellies and outdoor gear-reflects the couple’s down-to-earth approach to their relationship.
Two days later, on January 12, Stanbury addressed their practical attire with humor. “Some may say a proposal in wellies isn’t the appropriate attire 🤭,” she wrote in a follow-up post, before detailing her outfit components including a “tweed country parka, corduroy jodhpur trousers and beautiful Gloucestershire field waistcoat and alpaca socks.”
Support from Friends and Followers
Stanbury expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to her engagement news. In her January 12 update, she thanked friends, family, and followers for their “love and support” during this exciting time.
“I have been so overwhelmed by your kindness ❤️,” she wrote. “It’s been the most incredible few days and happily living in my little bubble of joy for the foreseeable 🥰.”
Recent Travel Together
The engagement came shortly after the couple returned from a vacation in New Zealand, Wilson’s birth country. Stanbury shared photos from their December 30 trip to Waihi Beach, describing it as “one of my favourite beaches Orokawa, untouched, unspoiled and absolutely beautiful 🌊🐬.”
The timing suggests Wilson may have planned the proposal to coincide with their return from the romantic getaway, creating a seamless transition from vacation bliss to engagement excitement.
Ladies of London Legacy
Stanbury originally gained fame through her appearances on Ladies of London, which aired on Bravo from 2014 to 2017. The reality series followed British aristocrats and American expats navigating high society in London.
Last year, Bravo announced the show’s return with a new cast, though original cast members like Stanbury aren’t expected to appear in the revival. The network’s synopsis promised “a new wave of British blue bloods, ambitious American expats and glamorous international socialites” as they navigate “connections as currency” in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Looking Ahead
As Stanbury and Wilson begin planning their wedding and future together, fans can expect more updates from the couple. Stanbury mentioned “planning our new home and life together” in her engagement announcement, suggesting major life changes on the horizon.
For now, the couple appears content to enjoy their engagement bubble while receiving congratulations from reality TV contemporaries and devoted followers who have watched Stanbury’s journey from divorce to finding love again.
