Reports are suggesting that Pippa Middleton is not back together with ex George Percy.

Various claims surfaced last week that Duchess Catherine’s younger sister and the heir to the Duke of Northumberland – who dated in their final year at Edinburgh University in 2008 – have rekindled their romance. A source close to Pippa insists the 28-year-old socialite and George – whose family own Alnwick Castle which was used as Hogwarts in the ‘Harry Potter’ films – are just good friends.

They told US Weekly: “They have always just been friends. I don’t know how this particular rumour got so out of control. Both of them say they are friends and I’ve not heard or seen anything to suggest otherwise.”

George – who was reported to be “completely in love” with Pippa – offered her a shoulder to cry on following the demise of her 18-month relationship with ex-cricketer Alex Loudon in November. Contrary to speculation, their present relationship is said to be purely platonic, a source said: “I couldn’t imagine them together. Their friendship is more like brother and sister.”