Penny Lancaster last night told how she had no idea Rod Stewart was about to propose to her when he whisked her off to Paris.
The 33-year-old model said he made out the trip to the French capital was to celebrate her 34th birthday.
Her parents Graham and Sally were with the couple but Penny didn’t even suspect anything when Rod took her dad to one side during the flight – to ask his permission to marry her.
She added: “On the plane there was lots of nudging and winking going on between my father and Rod. But I didn’t think much of it.”
When the pair arrived in Paris, 60-year-old Rod took Penny to the Eiffel tower where he got down on one knee and proposed.
He handed her a small box containing a princess-cut diamond engagement ring
Penny said: “We had a lovely morning, visiting some of the tourist attractions in the city and then went for lunch at the Eiffel Tower. We headed for the bar for a drink before lunch, while Rod went to check on the table.
On his return we both took in the sights of Paris. Then there was a pause, he took my hand and said ‘I have bought you here for another reason.’
Rod then went down on one knee and said ‘I love you, will you marry me?’ and handed me a small box. I was stunned, threw my arms around him and burst into tears.” She said she immediately accepted his proposal.
Rod, who has been with Penny for five years, added: “I left it this long to propose because this time I wanted to get it right. I’ve never been happier and more in love.”
It is thought the couple will marry next year, either in the summer or at Christmas, in a lavish ceremony.
Friends said Rod’s mansion in Epping, Essex, the South of France or the Scottish Highlands, were all possible locations for the wedding.
The singer told how he phoned all his five children to tell them the news.
He said: “We called them all starting with the youngest and they were all thrilled, excited and very happy for us.”
He is expecting his divorce from second wife Rachel Hunter, 35, within weeks.
