A First for the House of Windsor: Queen Elizabeth II's Great-Nephew Announces Engagement to Armenian-British Artist Eleonora Exerdjian

The couple shared the news on July 13, posting a series of black-and-white photographs on Instagram.

"With enormous joy, Ellie and I are excited to announce our engagement. We couldn't be happier," Samuel wrote.

Buckingham Palace also confirmed the engagement, saying both families were "absolutely delighted" by the news. According to the palace, King Charles III has personally congratulated the couple. Their wedding is scheduled to take place in spring 2027.

One detail that immediately caught the attention of the British press was the engagement ring. Rather than following centuries of royal tradition, Samuel opted for something entirely different.

While members of the House of Windsor have historically proposed with rings featuring large diamonds, sapphires, or pieces crafted from the family's iconic Welsh gold, Samuel took a far more personal approach.

A professional sculptor and ceramic artist, he designed and handcrafted the ring himself using white porcelain. The minimalist piece features a smooth band accented with an abstract textured finish. According to jewelry experts, porcelain symbolizes enduring love, resilience, and longevity.

Although Eleonora Exerdjian was born and raised in the United Kingdom, she has long maintained a strong connection to her Armenian heritage. In 2022, she visited Armenia for the first time while working on her debut film, Imagined Landscapes. Earlier this year, she presented her solo exhibition, We Are Our Mountains, in London, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of both Armenia and Britain.

It is perhaps no coincidence that one of the photographs announcing the engagement was taken in a photo booth in Yerevan.

Both Samuel and Eleonora are 29 years old. They met while studying History of Art at the University of Edinburgh and have been together since 2021. They now live in London, where Samuel works as a ceramic artist and Eleonora pursues her career as a painter. Although Samuel Chatto does not carry out official royal duties, he regularly attends major events involving the British royal family.

The timing of the announcement also drew attention. The engagement was revealed on July 13, exactly 79 years after Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of the future Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. British media were quick to point out the historical coincidence.

If the wedding takes place as planned in spring 2027, Eleonora Exerdjian will become the first woman of Armenian descent to marry into the House of Windsor.