Pippa and Alex split up

LONDON, June 14 (UPI) -- Pippa Middleton, the sister of British Prince William's new bride Kate, has broken up with her boyfriend Alex Loudon, sources told UsMagazine.com.

The couple had dated for about a year.

"After lengthy conversations, they've taken what they call a 'permanent break,'" one insider told the celebrity news Web site Tuesday.

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