Sophie Hunter's family celebrate her engagement to Benedict Cumberbatch
HER daughter is set to marry a Hollywood star, so it comes as no surprise that Sophie Hunter's mother is just a tad excited.
Katherine Hunter spoke up about the happy news after it was revealed via a Forthcoming Marriage announcement in The Times newspaper on Wednesday.
Speaking to The Mirror, Katherine said from her home in Edinburgh: "We are very happy for them. It’s a really fabulous day. It’s only just been announced so we don’t know any more but it’s lovely news."
Sophie's brother Patrick added: "We’re all very happy for Soph – it’s really exciting."
It is believed that 38-year-old Benedict actually travelled to the Scottish capital to ask Katherine for permission to marry her 36-year-old daughter.
We are very happy for them. It’s a really fabulous day. It’s only just been announced so we don’t know any more but it’s lovely news
Sat on page 57, the announcement read: "Mr B.T. Cumberbatch and Miss S.I. Hunter. The engagement is announced between Benedict, son of Wanda and Timothy Cumberbatch of London, and Sophie, daughter of Katherine Hunter of Edinburgh and Charles Hunter of London."
The news may come as a shock to Benedict's legion of female fans, especially as he has kept his latest romance with the theatre director under wraps.
The couple were last pictured together last month when they enjoyed a romantic dinner date at Quaglino's restaurant in London.
Despite it being somewhat of a whirlwind romance, insiders told the MailOnline: "It’s wonderful news and we are all thrilled for him. I’ve never known him happier, and she is a wonderful woman — very intelligent.
"They have known each other a long time, but the romance is recent. It really only took off over the summer, maybe even late summer. It has moved fast, but when something works, it works."
They added: "They are very good for each other and are very much in love. They have mutual friends and mutual interests in the theatre. It just works. They have clicked. It is lovely news."
It is unsure whether or not the couple are planning on having an engagement party, or if wedding planning has even begun.
