The British royal family can look forward to a wedding this coming spring: Samuel Chatto (29), son of Lady Sarah Chatto (62) and grandson of the late Princess Margaret (1930-2002), is engaged to his long-term partner Eleanor Ekserdjian (29). The couple announced the news on Instagram.
Alongside three black-and-white photos, the 29-year-old wrote in a joint Instagram post: "I'm thrilled to share that Ellie and I are engaged. And we couldn't be happier." He went on to explain: "I proposed to her with a porcelain ring that I made myself."
Both families are delighted
According to British media, including "Mail Online", King Charles (77) has already been informed of the engagement and is very happy for the couple. The wedding is reportedly planned for next spring. The couple's families are also said to be thrilled. As "Hello!" reports, both Samuel's parents, Lady Sarah and Daniel Chatto, as well as Eleanor's parents are delighted about the upcoming wedding.
Lady Sarah Chatto is the daughter of Princess Margaret and thus a cousin of King Charles. The painter married the artist and former actor Daniel Chatto in London in 1994. The couple largely stays out of the public eye and, in addition to Samuel, has a younger son Arthur (27). Lady Sarah does not carry out official duties for the royal household, but regularly attends major family celebrations and royal events.
Eleanor Ekserdjian also comes from a family connected to the arts. Her father David Ekserdjian is an art historian and professor emeritus of art and film history at the University of Leicester. Her mother Susan Moore works as an art critic for the "Financial Times".
First public appearance together at Christmas 2024
There had been speculation about an imminent engagement for some time. At Christmas 2024, Eleanor Ekserdjian accompanied her partner and the rest of the royal family to the traditional service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. Her appearance was interpreted as a clear sign, as this event is usually attended only by spouses.
Prince Harry (41) had previously taken a similar path, bringing his then-fiancée Meghan Markle (44) to the Christmas walk in 2017. Most recently, Samuel and Eleanor appeared together at the wedding of Peter Phillips (48) and Harriet Sperling in June of this year.
Who is Eleanor Ekserdjian?
Eleanor Ekserdjian describes herself as an abstract painter and film artist. She studied Fine Arts at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and continued her education at the Royal Drawing School in London. After a six-week stay in Armenia, she exhibited her work in several London galleries.
From Eton student to ceramic artist
Samuel Chatto and his future wife met while studying at the University of Edinburgh. Previously, Chatto had attended Eton College, like Princes William (44) and Harry. His brother Arthur Chatto pursued a military career with the Royal Marines after his studies, while Samuel became a ceramic artist.
As the son of Lady Sarah Chatto, Samuel is a great-nephew of the late Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022). His mother is considered reserved and had a close relationship with her aunt, the long-reigning monarch.
