Sam Chatto, the grandson of Princess Margaret, has announced his engagement to Eleanor Ekserdjian, creating a buzz among royal followers and art enthusiasts alike. The news was made public via a collaboration on Instagram, where the couple expressed their overwhelming joy at the engagement. Chatto, aged 29, shared a heartfelt message, stating that he “couldn’t be happier” about their decision to marry.
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The engagement was officially confirmed by a spokesperson from Buckingham Palace on July 13, marking a significant milestone for the couple who have been together since 2021. Both Sam and Eleanor are artists residing in London and their shared creative backgrounds have likely drawn them closer together. The couple’s announcement was complemented by a series of black-and-white photographs, reflecting their artistic flair.
In a unique twist, Sam chose to propose with a ring of his own creation—a bespoke porcelain ring, showcasing both his artistic talent and personal touch. He shared a photograph of the ring on Eleanor’s finger, allowing followers a glimpse into their intimate moment. Alongside this was a playful selfie, which appeared to be taken in a photo booth, capturing the couple’s playful spirit.
Buckingham Palace conveyed that both families are “delighted” with the engagement and noted that King Charles is particularly happy for the couple. Plans for the wedding have already started, with the palace announcing that the nuptials are expected to occur in the spring of next year.
Sam Chatto’s lineage is steeped in the arts. His parents, Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto, have significant ties to the creative world, with his mother being an accomplished painter and his father an actor. In a similar vein, Eleanor’s family maintains an artistic pedigree. Her father, Professor David Ekserdjian, is an art history professor, while her mother, Susan Moore, serves as an art critic for The Financial Times. This shared background likely plays a role in their deepening bond.
Though Sam holds the title of 30th in line to the throne, he leads a life away from royal duties. Nonetheless, he has made appearances at significant royal events, including the poignant state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the coronation of King Charles, and the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple was also seen together recently at the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling, showcasing their continued presence within the royal circle.
Speculation surrounding their engagement began to swirl after photographs emerged of the couple attending the royal family’s Christmas Day church service, a privilege not typically extended to partners of royal family members unless they are married. However, conventions have evolved, allowing partners like Meghan Markle to be included in such family traditions ahead of their weddings.
Well-wishers have flooded the couple’s social media posts with messages of congratulations. Among them is Flora Vesterberg, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, who expressed her joy for the couple in a comment underneath their announcement.
As the couple prepares for their upcoming wedding, royal watchers and art lovers alike look forward to what the future holds for Sam Chatto and Eleanor Ekserdjian. The blend of their creative spirits and royal heritage promises an exciting chapter ahead.