Royal Engagement: Artists Unite
Princess Margaret's Grandson Samuel Chatto Engaged to Artist Eleanor Ekserdjian with Handmade Ring
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Key Points
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Eleanor Ekserdjian comes from a distinguished art background—her father is art historian Professor David Ekserdjian and her mother is Financial Times art critic Susan Moore; her Armenian diaspora-inspired abstract work has been collected by private galleries, including the Redfern Gallery, and she has a piece titled 'SAM' that has been exhibited.
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Sam Chatto is a professional ceramicist who completed an apprenticeship in Japan with potter Yagi Akira and maintains a studio at his Sussex property; he has even been invited by King Charles to Buckingham Palace for a state banquet during Japan’s Emperor Naruhito's state visit.
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Prior to the engagement, the couple were seen at notable royal-linked events, including The Alchemist's Feast (the National Gallery’s Bicentenary campaign event) in 2022, the June 2024 wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling, and Christmas at Sandringham in 2024.
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In announcing the engagement, Sam wrote on Instagram that he was 'really delighted' to be engaged to Ellie, adding a personal touch to the news.
Samuel Chatto, the 29-year-old grandson of Princess Margaret, has announced his engagement to fellow artist Eleanor Ekserdjian, 29. Sam proposed with a ring he made himself — a porcelain knot crafted in his own studio. The couple shared the news on Instagram, where Sam said he was 'really delighted' to be engaged to Ellie. The Independent reported that King Charles has been informed and is pleased for them.
The pair met in 2021 at the University of Edinburgh and have been photographed together at public events since 2022. They now live together in London. Both are working artists with deep ties to the art world. A wedding is planned for spring, with some outlets reporting spring 2027. Lancs Live and Head Topics placed the date in spring 2027, while Yahoo cited next spring.
Sam Crafted the Engagement Ring Himself by Hand
Instead of a traditional diamond, Sam gave Eleanor a ring he made himself. It is a porcelain knot — shaped and fired in his own studio. The gesture fits Sam's identity as a professional ceramicist. The Independent noted the handmade ring was a personal and deliberate choice, reflecting his craft.
Sam trained as a potter in Japan under master ceramicist Yagi Akira. He now runs a studio at his Sussex property. King Charles invited him to a Buckingham Palace state banquet during Japan's Emperor Naruhito's state visit — a nod to Sam's strong ties to Japanese ceramic tradition, according to The Independent.
Eleanor Ekserdjian Brings a Decorated Art Family Background
Eleanor is an abstract painter and film artist. Her father, Professor David Ekserdjian, is a respected art historian. Her mother, Susan Moore, is an art critic for the Financial Times. Eleanor's work draws on her Armenian diaspora heritage. The Redfern Gallery has collected her pieces, according to The Independent.
One of Eleanor's exhibited works is titled 'SAM' — a detail that takes on new meaning after the engagement. Both she and Sam have links to the Royal Drawing School, deepening their shared world in the arts. Yahoo noted they have both been active in London's gallery circuit.
The Couple Has Been Seen at Royal Events Since 2022
Sam and Eleanor have appeared together at several high-profile events. In 2022, they attended The Alchemist's Feast, the National Gallery's Bicentenary campaign event. In June 2024, they were guests at the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling. At Christmas 2024, they joined the royal family at Sandringham, according to The Independent.
Sam is the son of Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret's daughter. His royal ties are real but low-key — he does not hold a royal title and works as a full-time artist. Yahoo noted that the King being informed and pleased signals warm family support for the couple.
Spring Wedding Planned, Exact Date Still Unclear
Reports on the wedding date differ slightly. Head Topics and Lancs Live both placed the wedding in spring 2027. But Yahoo said the couple plan to marry 'next spring,' which could mean spring 2026. No official date has been confirmed by the couple or the palace.
What is clear is that both families are supportive. Sam and Eleanor share careers, a city, and now an engagement ring that Sam built with his own hands. For two artists who met at university four years ago, the next chapter appears to be very much in progress.
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