Billionaire Robert Whyte, 81, engaged to socialite Alessandra Eddy, 38

The reported engagement of an Australian billionaire and his much younger girlfriend has ruffled feathers among family members.

Robert Whyte, 81, who is the country's 141st richest man, proposed to fashion marketer Alessandra Eddy, 38, days before they attended the annual Gold Dinner, the most exclusive charity gala in Australia, reports The Sunday Telegraph.

However, sources close to the businessman have since told Daily Mail Australia that while the couple are head over heels in love, he has not proposed to her.

'Robert has a history of giving significant rings to women,' dished one source.

The publication claimed that their 'news' was a closely guarded secret by the couple, who share a 43-year age gap, during the celebrity-packed event. 

The reported engagement of Australian billionaire Robert Whyte, 81, and his girlfriend Alessandra Eddy, 38, (seen together) has ruffled feathers among some family members 

Eddy, a prominent figure in Sydney's social scene and single mother, is known for her role on the committee of the Gold Dinner.

During the soirée, she was seen mingling with high-profile guests but reportedly chose to conceal her new engagement ring.

According to the rumours, Eddy's father has taken issue with his daughter's betrothal to a man more than four decades her senior.

Whyte, 81, who is the country's 141st richest man, proposed to Ms Eddy, a 38-year-old fashion marketer, before they attended the Gold Dinner, Australia's the most exclusive charity gala

Nicholas Eddy, a well-known Paddington lawyer, is said to be less than thrilled about his daughter's rapid ascension into the billionaire's life, after she apparently moved into Whyte's sprawling $30million mansion in Darling Point.

Eddy founded Australian fashion brand Luna Atelier, which was known and loved by A-listers including Kelly Rowland, Cheyenne Tozzi and Kate Ritchie. 

Father of three Whyte was a private investor and banker who built his fortune on property and equity market investments and was a close friend of the late billionaire Kerry Packer.

The 2020 AFR Rich List ranked him 141st in Australia.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the couple for comment.

Eddy, a prominent figure in Sydney's social scene and single mother, is known for her role on the committee of the Gold Dinner