Samuel Chatto, the grandson of the late Princess Margaret, is engaged to his longtime partner Eleanor “Ellie” Ekserdjian, with the couple planning to marry next spring.
The announcement has delighted both families, including Samuel’s parents, Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto, as well as Eleanor’s parents, Professor David Ekserdjian and Susan Moore.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III has been informed of the engagement and is said to be delighted for the couple as they prepare for the next chapter of their relationship.
Handmade Porcelain Ring Reflects Couple’s Artistic Bond
One of the most distinctive aspects of the engagement is the ring itself.
Rather than choosing a traditional diamond setting, Samuel created a bespoke engagement ring from porcelain, showcasing his expertise as a ceramic artist and giving the proposal a deeply personal touch.
The handcrafted piece reflects the couple’s shared passion for art, which has become a defining feature of their relationship since they first met.
Romance Began During University Years
Samuel and Eleanor are believed to have met while studying at the University of Edinburgh in 2021.
Both later continued their artistic education at the Royal Drawing School in London, strengthening a relationship built on creativity and shared interests.
Eleanor publicly confirmed their romance later that year, simply describing them as “a couple.”
Since then, the pair have made numerous public appearances together, gradually becoming familiar faces at cultural events and royal family gatherings.
Royal Appearances Fuelled Engagement Speculation
Rumours that the couple were already engaged began circulating after Eleanor joined the royal family for Christmas celebrations at Sandringham in 2024.
Traditionally, unmarried partners rarely attend the festive gathering unless an engagement has already taken place, prompting widespread speculation.
Although neither Samuel nor Eleanor addressed the reports at the time, Eleanor continued to accompany him to high-profile events, including the Mey Highland Games in Scotland alongside members of the royal family and the June wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling.
She was also seen supporting Samuel at several public engagements before the official announcement confirmed their plans to marry.
Creative Careers Have Flourished Side by Side
Art has remained central to both of their professional lives.
Samuel has built a reputation as a ceramicist and recently completed an apprenticeship in Japan under acclaimed potter Yagi Akira, further developing his craftsmanship.
Eleanor has established herself as an abstract painter and film artist.
Her work combines projected moving images with expressive drawing techniques, creating layered compositions that have been featured in private collections and artistic residencies in both the United Kingdom and Japan.
Mutual Inspiration Shapes Their Work
The couple have frequently drawn inspiration from one another’s artistic pursuits.
Eleanor has previously described Samuel as her creative muse and even exhibited a sketch titled SAM during a London exhibition.
Samuel has been equally supportive of Eleanor’s career.
During London Fashion Week in February 2025, he praised her work after she staged a live painting performance as part of the Banshee of Savile Row runway presentation, later sharing footage of the event on social media.
Families Share Strong Artistic Heritage
Both Samuel and Eleanor come from families with deep connections to the arts.
Samuel’s mother, Lady Sarah Chatto, is an accomplished painter whose work has appeared in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, while his father, Daniel Chatto, has pursued careers in acting and visual art.
His grandfather was the celebrated photographer Lord Snowdon.
Eleanor’s father, Professor David Ekserdjian, is a respected historian of Renaissance art and Professor of History of Art and Film at the University of Leicester.
He has also served as a trustee for major cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, Tate and Sir John Soane’s Museum.
Her mother, Susan Moore, is a prominent art critic.
Wedding Plans Begin After Official Announcement
With the engagement now public, preparations are underway for the couple’s wedding, expected to take place next spring.
Their announcement marks another joyful moment for the extended royal family and highlights a relationship built over several years through shared artistic ambitions, public support for one another’s work, and increasing participation in royal family occasions.
Summary
Samuel Chatto, grandson of Princess Margaret, is engaged to fellow artist Eleanor Ekserdjian after several years together.
The couple, who met while studying at the University of Edinburgh, will marry next spring.
Their engagement has drawn attention for Samuel’s handcrafted porcelain engagement ring, while their shared artistic careers and Eleanor’s growing presence at royal family events have made them one of the royal family’s most closely watched younger couples.
