Pippa Middleton is pregnant with her first child

THE Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister, Pippa Middleton, 34, is pregnant with her first child.

PIPPA Middleton is pregnant with her first child, the Sun on Sunday can reveal today.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister, 34, and financier husband James Matthews, 42, are said to be overjoyed.

They told close family and friends last week after her 12-week scan.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews after their wedding at St Mark's Church on May 20, 2017 in Englefield, England. Picture: Getty

It comes at a difficult time for the family, after James’s dad, David, 74, was accused of rape.

The Duchess of Cambridge “could not have been more delighted” on learning little sister Pippa was pregnant, a friend revealed.

Kate, only weeks away from giving birth to her third child, was the first person after Pippa’s husband, James Matthews, to hear the good news.

A friend said: “When Pippa found out she was pregnant, she was obviously thrilled and utterly overjoyed.

Kate Middleton With Sister Pippa At Windsor After Watching Prince William Play Rugby. Picture: Getty

“Naturally, big sister Kate and parents, Carole and Michael, were the first people she told — James aside — and they could not have been more delighted.

“It’s been a tough few weeks for the two families, so this has provided some much-needed happiness and light relief.”

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge visits the Royal Society of Medicine in London Pictured: Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. Picture by: Zak Hussein

The announcement comes weeks after James’ younger brother, former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, 28, and his 32-year-old fiancee, model Vogue Williams, confirmed they were expecting their first child.

Pippa was said to be eager to start a family after marrying financier James in May last year.

Eight months pregnant Kate, 36, kept an eye on Prince George, four, and two-year-old Princess Charlotte, who stole the show as page boy and bridesmaid.

Prince William takes the hand of his bride Catherine Middleton followed by Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton as they walk down the aisle inside Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. Picture: Getty

The friend added: “Pippa and James have always known they wanted children.

“They have made the most of their first few months of marriage and felt the time was right to expand their family.”

The baby is due in October.

Pippa Middleton steps out in Chelsea for the first time since her father-in-law was charged in France with alleged rape of 15-year-old girl. Photo credit: Neil Warner/MEGA

The news comes after it emerged James and Spencer’s father, 74, was being investigated over allegations he raped a minor.

He was questioned in March by French police over an attack, said to have happened between 1998 and 1999, and placed under investigation by a magistrate.

This month, it was revealed a second woman had made similar claims against him, this time dating back to the 1980s.

He denies the allegations, labelling them “untrue and scandalous”.

Pippa Middleton attends the BGC Annual Global Charity Day at Canary Wharf on September 12, 2016 in London, England. Picture: Getty