Samuel Chatto, Princess Margaret’s grandson and King Charles III’s second cousin, and his girlfriend, Eleanor Ekserdjian, could be the stars of the next Windsor royal wedding. The couple attended the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling in Gloucestershire on Saturday, June 6, alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate, and other members of the British Royal Family.
A Detail that means much more
Saturday’s wedding was their latest public appearance together, but it was far from their only one. Rumors that they could be the next members of the British Royal Family to tie the knot continue to gain momentum.
It was during the Christmas Day service at Sandringham in December 2024 that all eyes first turned to the couple. In most families, Samuel bringing his girlfriend to Christmas would hardly raise an eyebrow. Within the House of Windsor, however, it carries far greater significance.
Traditionally, only spouses, meaning couples who were already married, were invited to spend Christmas with the British monarch. Kate Middleton wasn’t invited until after she married Prince William, and the same was true for Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who did not celebrate Christmas with the Windsors until after her marriage to Prince Edward.
The exceptions to the rule
As with most family traditions, there have been exceptions. Among the Windsors, two notable examples are Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice’s husband, and Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife. Both joined Queen Elizabeth II for Christmas celebrations before their weddings.
There was one key difference, however: both Edoardo and Meghan were already engaged to their royal partners. When Eleanor Ekserdjian walked the path leading to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, she wasn’t wearing a ring on her finger. That immediately sparked speculation that Samuel Chatto might soon propose.
So far, though, that hasn’t happened, and there’s still no engagement ring in sight. After seeing the couple together again at Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s wedding, questions about a possible royal engagement have resurfaced.
Who is Eleanor Ekserdjian?
Eleanor was born into a family with a distinguished artistic background. Her father is renowned art historian David Ekserdjian, Emeritus Professor of Art and Film History at the University of Leicester. He is married to Susan Moore, an art critic for the Financial Times.
Like Sam, Eleanor graduated from the University of Edinburgh. She is an abstract painter whose work draws inspiration from the Armenian diaspora. Her pieces are held in numerous private collections, including one at London’s Redfern Gallery.
© Karwai TangOne of her works, titled SAM, is an evocative sketch of her boyfriend. The piece was exhibited at The Gallery at Green & Stone Summer Exhibition.
Samuel Chatto: Artist and Royal
Samuel Chatto is also an accomplished artist. After working in the commercial art world, Lady Sarah Chatto’s eldest son decided to pursue his own creative path. He now describes himself as “a British artist and maker working with clay to create functional and sculptural wood-fired ceramics from my home and studio in West Sussex.”
An accomplished ceramicist, Samuel traveled to Japan last year to study with renowned potter Yagi Akira. The experience may well have contributed to King Charles inviting him to Buckingham Palace for the state banquet honoring the official visit of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
© Max Mumby/IndigoEleanor also has ties to Japan’s art scene, having completed an artist residency at Kyoto’s Sokyuo Gallery.
How Their Relationship Began
Eleanor and Samuel began dating in 2021 after he ended a previous relationship during the pandemic lockdowns. They made one of their first public appearances together at Tatler’s Little Black Book Party in 2022 and are often seen accompanying Samuel’s parents to cultural events around London.
Eleanor’s artistic background fits seamlessly into Samuel’s family, many of whom are artists themselves. Lady Sarah Chatto and her children occupy a unique position within the Royal Family, enjoying a level of privacy and anonymity unusual for members of the House of Windsor.
© Samir HusseinBoth Samuel and his younger brother Arthur regularly attend major royal events and continue to attract growing public attention with each appearance.
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