Insider: Pippa Splits With Beau Alex Loudon

Reporting by USMagazine

Sad news for Pippa Middleton -- but good news for her worldwide admirers?

Following much speculation in the British press, the 27-year-old Brit and Alex Loudon have called it quits after one year together, two sources say in the new issue of Us Weekly, out Wednesday.

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"After lengthy conversations, they've taken what they call a 'permanent break,'" one insider close to the couple tells Us. Duchess Kate's little sister met Loudon, a 30-year-old cricketer turned finance whiz, on a blind date set up by mutual pals.

"They hope to stay friends," adds a second source. "They're doing their best to move on in a dignified manner."

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How is the handsome ex taking the news? "Alex is upset but getting on," a friend tells Us.

Although social butterfly Pippa has seemingly relished her newfound spotlight, Loudon's "life was turned upside down" once he was the outgoing, ever-stylish maid of honor's date for the royal wedding on April 29, his pal says.

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Even before the reported breakup, Middleton set tongues wagging over her wedding-day chemistry with Prince Harry (who's happily ensconced with love Chelsy Davy) and recent bonding time in Madrid and London with close friend and co-worker George Percy.

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