Jamie Oliver has spoken about his eldest daughter Poppy’s engagement, joking that the news made him realise he and his wife Jools are getting older.
The 24-year-old is set to marry her long-term partner Ben Newman after he proposed during a sunset beach trip. The couple, who have been together for five years, met while studying at university. ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/jamie-oliver-poppy-daughter-engagement-ben-newman-b3028380.html?utm_source=openai))
Speaking on This Morning, Oliver said the engagement was “a lovely thing” before adding that it had made him feel his age.
Discussing their children with presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, the chef said: “We were just talking about kids and your kids are going off to university and I’m like dude, it’s a really mad time. Mine’s just got engaged.”
He added: “It is a lovely thing. It just shows that we are getting a little bit older and the hangovers don’t hit like they used to.”
Jools Oliver first announced the news on Instagram, sharing footage of Ben getting down on one knee on a beach, along with photographs of Poppy showing off her engagement ring.
She wrote that she and Jamie were “so excited, proud and happy”, adding: “Ben we all adore you.” Jools also recalled helping Poppy move into university accommodation, where Ben was living next door.
Jamie later shared the news on his Instagram Story, writing: “Happy engagement my baby girl Poppy and Ben. I’m so pleased for you both. What a wonderful moment.”
Poppy is the first of Jamie and Jools Oliver’s five children to become engaged. The couple also have Daisy, Petal, Buddy and River.
The engagement announcement was accompanied by images of the family celebrating together at home, while Poppy and Ben have also shared photographs from their travels in Australia after graduating.
Jools’ post included the couple’s story of meeting at university and described Ben as Poppy’s “soul mate”. The Independent reported that Poppy studied at the University of Leeds and that the pair later travelled together after completing their studies. ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/jamie-oliver-poppy-daughter-engagement-ben-newman-b3028380.html?utm_source=openai))
