Royal Gathering Welcomes Princess Margaret’s Grandson’s Girlfriend
King Charles has made a notable exception to royal tradition, inviting Princess Margaret’s grandson, Samuel Chatto, and his girlfriend, Eleanor Ekserdjian, to join the family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.
This marks a shift in royal protocol, echoing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 2017 decision to welcome Meghan Markle, then Prince Harry’s girlfriend, to the royal festivities months before their wedding. Historically, the rule was clear: only married partners were invited to Christmas gatherings.
Princess Kate, for instance, had to wait until her 2011 wedding to attend, while the Duchess of Edinburgh wasn’t invited until after her 1999 marriage to Prince Edward.
The invitation to Samuel and Eleanor, who have been dating since 2021, has sparked speculation about a possible upcoming wedding. One enthusiastic royal watcher commented on social media, “This is a clear sign that there will be a royal wedding in the new year!”
Eleanor confirmed their relationship publicly, stating, “We are a couple.” The festive inclusion suggests a modernisation of traditions under King Charles’s reign, embracing a more contemporary approach to royal gatherings.
Meanwhile, Samuel’s mother, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, continues to garner acclaim in the art world, frequently showcasing her work at the Royal Academy’s prestigious exhibitions. The inclusion of Samuel and Eleanor further highlights the evolving nature of royal family traditions under King Charles’s leadership.
