Buckingham Palace has joyfully announced the engagement of Samuel Chatto, grandson of Princess Margaret, to his longtime partner Eleanor Ekserdjian. Both 29 years old, the couple share a passion for art and reside together in London.
Samuel, the eldest grandchild of Princess Margaret, is the son of Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto. His younger sibling is Arthur Chatto. On Eleanor’s side, her family is equally thrilled about the news. The couple reportedly began their relationship in 2021, and King Charles has been notified, expressing his delight over the happy occasion.
The wedding is planned for next spring, promising a special celebration of their union. Demonstrating his artistic talent, Samuel crafted Eleanor’s engagement ring himself, sculpting it from porcelain — a unique and heartfelt gesture.
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Sharing their excitement on Instagram, Samuel posted: “I’m really delighted to say that Ellie and I are engaged. And we couldn’t be happier. I proposed with a porcelain ring which I made. @e.ekserdjian.”
Speculation about the engagement had been mounting, especially after Eleanor was invited to spend Christmas with Samuel’s family at Sandringham. Such invitations are generally reserved for committed partners or those engaged. This occasion provided a rare public glimpse of the royal family’s extended circle as they attended the traditional Christmas Day church service.
Sam Chatto’s educational background is equally distinguished. Born on July 28, 1996, in London, he followed in royal tradition by attending Eton College before earning an MA in History of Art from the University of Edinburgh in 2018. A lifelong lover of art, Samuel has focused his career on ceramics and even completed yoga teacher training in India in 2019.
Eleanor Ekserdjian, also 29, shares a strong academic connection with Samuel, having studied at the University of Edinburgh as well. Her father, Professor David Ekserdjian, is a renowned art historian and current Chair of History of Art and Film at the University of Leicester, while her mother, Susan Moore, is an art critic for the Financial Times.
An accomplished artist herself, Eleanor recently exhibited a painting titled ‘SAM’ — a sketch of her fiancé — at The Gallery at Green & Stone’s summer show, highlighting their shared creative bond.
As these two artists prepare to unite their lives, their engagement marks a joyful milestone within the royal family, warmly embraced by loved ones and the King alike.