Lady Sarah Chatto’s son Samuel announces engagement to Eleanor Ekserdjian

Lady Sarah Chatto’s son, Samuel Chatto, has officially announced his engagement to his long-term girlfriend, Eleanor Ekserdjian. The couple, both 29, are set to marry next spring, with King Charles understood to have been informed of the happy news and said to be delighted for the pair. 

Samuel’s parents, Lady Sarah and Daniel Chatto, are also said to be thrilled, as are Eleanor’s parents, Professor David Ekserdjian and his wife, Susan Moore.

In newly shared photos, Eleanor reveals her gorgeous porcelain engagement ring, made by Sam, alongside a second snapshot of the pair looking overjoyed.

Sam also shared the news with his Instagram followers. Alongside a trio of snaps, including a black-and-white photo of the pair, Sam penned: “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. @e.ekserdjian,” he continued. “1. Image taken at our studio by Arthur Vickery @art___vic. 2. Image of the ring by Huseyin Ovayolu @ovayolu. 3. Photobooth in Yerevan, Armenia.”

© Sam Chatto

The happy news comes almost two years after Eleanor joined Samuel and the wider royal family for the annual Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham back in December 2024. 

As HELLO! reported at the time, Eleanor’s presence at the traditionally spouses-only event sparked speculation that an engagement was on the cards.  

This move echoed Prince Harry’s inclusion of his then-fiancée, Meghan Markle, in the 2017 Christmas Day walkabout.

The couple’s appearance together at Sandringham over the festive period was a clear indication of their relationship. 

Eleanor was seen walking alongside Samuel and other senior royals, looking picture-perfect in a chic black dress, a longline oatmeal-hued coat and a smart beret. Samuel, a talented artist, has largely maintained a private life, as has his mother, Lady Sarah Chatto, who is known for her close bond with her aunt, the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

© Getty

This engagement will undoubtedly bring Samuel and Eleanor more into the public eye, with further details about the upcoming wedding yet to be released. 

Who is Eleanor Ekserdjian?

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Eleanor describes herself as an “abstract painter and film artist.” A description on her website reads: “Ekserdjian’s practice involves projecting the moving image onto paper or canvas and drawing from and over it, her physical and emotional responses being made visible through rapid mark-making. 

“These paintings and drawings become lyrical landscapes which explore her evolving emotional response to the film.” She attended the University of Edinburgh where she graduated in Fine Art and went on to study at the Royal Drawing School. 

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Eleanor undertook a six-week residency in Armenia and has since showcased her work in numerous galleries, including London’s Redfern Gallery, Gallery 286 and Seen Fifteen Gallery. 

Eleanor’s father, Professor David Ekserdjian, is a renowned art historian who currently serves as Professor of History of Art and Film at the University of Leicester. Her mother, Susan Moore, is also in the art world and works as an art critic at the Financial Times. 

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Meet Samuel Chatto

Samuel and his brother Arthur followed in the footsteps of Prince William and Prince Harry by attending Eton College. They went on to complete their degrees at the University of Edinburgh in History of Art, where Samuel met Eleanor. 

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Despite their similarities in education, the brothers couldn’t be more different when it comes to their chosen career paths. Upon leaving university, younger brother Arthur joined the Royal Marines while Samuel became a ceramicist.