A Royal Engagement: Princess Margaret’s Grandson Samuel Chatto, 29, Proposes to University Sweetheart Eleanor Ekserdjian with Handcrafted Porcelain Ring

In a charming and artistic announcement that has captured the hearts of royal watchers, Samuel Chatto — the grandson of the late Princess Margaret — has proposed to his longtime partner and fellow artist Eleanor Ekserdjian. The 29-year-old ceramicist, who stands 30th in line to the British throne, revealed he crafted a unique porcelain ring himself as a symbol of his love and commitment.

Sam, as he is affectionately known, shared the joyful news on Instagram, writing: “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.” The King has reportedly been informed of the engagement and is said to be delighted for the young couple, who plan to marry next spring.

Eleanor, also 29 and commonly called Ellie, is a talented painter and film artist. The pair, who live together in London, first met while studying at the University of Edinburgh in 2021. They have been romantically linked since at least 2022, frequently appearing together at both private and public events.

The engagement has been warmly welcomed by both families. Lady Sarah Chatto — Sam’s mother and Queen Elizabeth II’s niece — along with her husband Daniel Chatto, expressed their happiness. Eleanor’s parents, renowned art historian Professor David Ekserdjian and Financial Times art critic Susan Moore, are equally thrilled about the union.

The couple’s relationship has been characterised by shared artistic passions and mutual support. Eleanor has openly described Sam as her artistic muse, even incorporating sketches of him into her exhibitions. Their creative synergy was evident when Eleanor invited Sam to support her at London Fashion Week in February 2025, where she brought to life the “Banshee of Savile Row” runway show by decorating a coat with live brushstrokes. Sam proudly shared a video of her performance on Instagram, celebrating her talent and vision.

Both graduates of the University of Edinburgh and alumni of the Royal Drawing School in London, Sam and Eleanor have built impressive careers in the arts. Sam completed an apprenticeship in Japan under master potter Yagi Akira and creates functional and sculptural wood-fired ceramics. Eleanor has undertaken prestigious residencies, including at Hauser & Wirth in Braemar and Sokyo Gallery in Kyoto. Her abstract paintings often involve projecting moving images onto canvas and responding with rapid mark-making that captures her physical and emotional reactions.

Eleanor’s artistic family background has undoubtedly influenced her path. Her father, Professor David Ekserdjian, is a leading expert on Italian Renaissance art and holds multiple prestigious trusteeships, including at Art UK and the Sir John Soane’s Museum. Her mother’s work as an art critic further enriched the creative environment in which Eleanor grew up.

Sam comes from an equally artistic lineage. His mother, Lady Sarah Chatto (née Armstrong-Jones), regularly submits works to the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition. His father, Daniel Chatto, transitioned from acting to art, while his grandfather was the celebrated photographer Lord Snowdon. This rich creative heritage has clearly shaped Sam’s own journey as a ceramicist and qualified yoga instructor.

The couple has been gradually integrated into the wider royal family. Eleanor joined Sam at the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling in June and attended the traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham in 2024. Her presence at the royal festivities sparked engagement rumours, as partners typically attend such events only if married or officially engaged. However, the couple chose to keep their relationship private until the official announcement.

Eleanor has also accompanied Sam to the Mey Highland Games in Caithness, Scotland, alongside his mother and cousin King Charles. These appearances have shown her comfortable integration into royal family traditions while maintaining her own identity as an independent artist.

Sam’s proposal with a handcrafted porcelain ring perfectly reflects the couple’s shared passion for creation. Rather than opting for a traditional diamond, he designed and made the ring himself — a deeply personal gesture that symbolises their artistic bond and commitment to building a life together.

The engagement comes at an exciting time for both young artists. Sam recently spoke about his creative philosophy, emphasising the importance of beautiful, well-made objects in enriching daily life. His work, often produced in a home studio, draws inspiration from traditional techniques while maintaining a contemporary sensibility.

Eleanor’s practice, which blends painting and film, continues to gain recognition, with pieces held in private collections including at the Redfern Gallery in London. Her ability to capture emotion through rapid mark-making has earned her praise from the art community.

As they prepare for their spring wedding, the couple will no doubt continue supporting each other’s creative endeavours while navigating life in the public eye. Sam’s position in the line of succession — though distant — means the engagement carries royal significance, yet both he and Eleanor have maintained relatively low profiles, focusing primarily on their art.

Lady Sarah Chatto has long kept her children away from intense royal scrutiny, famously stating that her children “aren’t royal, they just happen to have the Queen as an aunt.” This approach has allowed Sam to develop his own identity and career path, something that clearly resonates with Eleanor’s independent spirit.

The engagement announcement has been met with widespread delight from royal watchers and the arts community alike. It represents a modern royal love story grounded in shared creativity, mutual respect, and genuine affection.

As planning for the wedding begins, anticipation grows for what promises to be a celebration of art, love, and family. For Sam Chatto and Eleanor Ekserdjian, their journey together — from university sweethearts to engaged partners — exemplifies how creativity and connection can flourish even within the unique circumstances of royal adjacency.

Their story adds a touching new chapter to the extended royal family narrative, one defined not by protocol but by personal expression and artistic passion. As they look forward to their wedding next spring, Sam and Eleanor represent a new generation blending tradition with individuality in the most elegant way.