It was a royal celebration on Monday, when it was announced that Lady Sarah Chatto’s eldest son, Samuel, 29, popped the question to his long-term girlfriend, Eleanor Ekserdjian, 29.
The ceramicist shared the delightful news on Instagram, with photos showing off the thoughtful porcelain engagement ring, made by Sam. Alongside the image, he 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.”
But while the news may have been a surprise to some royal fans, we’ve had an inkling a proposal may be on the cards purely due to what a stellar match Eleanor appears to be for her royal future mother-in-law.
Lady Sarah’s close bond and shared passion with Eleanor
As a fine art graduate, Eleanor has a lot in common with Lady Sarah, who went to art school herself, training at the prestigious Camberwell School of Art and before attending the Royal Academy of Art.
Meanwhile, Eleanor attended the Royal Drawing School as a postgraduate student, before presenting her exhibitions Simultanea at Artopia Gallery, Milan and Light Pictures at Seen Fifteen Gallery, London.
© Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty ImaTheir shared experience of art school will no doubt mean they are seldom short of conversation, and their love of all things creative means it is the centre of their quality time.
In November last year, Lady Sarah and Eleanor attended the opening of the new exhibition “Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies” at Somerset House, and were all smiles as they posed for a photo.
The artist’s high-society upbringing
While Eleanor may not be royal by blood, she certainly grew up within the highly cultured, elite circle of the British establishment.
Her parents are incredibly prominent figures within the art world. Her father, Professor David Ekserdjian, is a renowned art historian and world-class expert on Italian Renaissance art.
Meanwhile, her mother, Susan Moore, is a well-known art critic and writer for the Financial Times. Therefore, she will have been mixing within the upper echelons of society.
Princess Eugenie has previously worked with Eleanor, hosting one of the budding artist’s exhibitions at Hauser & Wirth within her capacity as art director.
Following in the footsteps of William and Kate
If there’s a rule book to follow, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ love story is a good one to take a leaf out of.
The future King and Queen both met at the University of St Andrews, and that bond at such an integral point in their lives has seen them weather the highs and lows of life, from their royal wedding and birth of their three children to William supporting Kate throughout her cancer journey.
© GettyMuch like the senior royals, Eleanor and Samuel both attended the same university, the pair attending the University of Edinburgh.
Eleanor was already in the royal inner-fold
One thing that cannot go unnoticed is just how well Eleanor fits into the royal fold. She famously became the second-ever partner of a royal family member to attend the annual Christmas Day celebrations in Sandringham in 2024, and held herself exceptionally well as she joined the firm on their annual walkabout.
© Getty ImagesNot to mention, Eleanor already has a clear understanding of how to slot into life with the royals. The artist made an appearance at the recent wedding of Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips, during which she dressed demurely, making a low-key appearance, not to distract from Harriet’s big moment. A trait which no doubt will make her future mother-in-law proud.
© Getty ImagesMeanwhile, King Charles was said to be delighted for the pair, following the news.
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