There are few members of the Royal Family who are more popular but manage to fly under the radar than Lady Sarah Chatto. King Charles’s cousin, who is the daughter of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, is celebrating her 61st birthday today (1 May) – but who is she?
Lady Sarah Frances Elizabeth Chatto was born at Kensington Palace on May 1, 1964 and is the younger sister of David, Earl of Snowdon. She married Daniel Chatto at St Stephen’s, Walbrook in London on July 14, 1994 and the couple have two sons together, Samuel David Benedict Chatto (b. 1996) and Arthur Robert Nathaniel Chatto (b. 1999).
Lady Sarah is incredibly well-liked among royal fans, as well as in the Royal Family itself and has built up a name for herself for her artistic talents.
As well as playing a key role in many major royal events, Lady Sarah was well-known for having a close bond with her late aunt, Queen Elizabeth II. This relationship saw her be one of the very few people who would accompany the late monarch to the secluded Craigowan Lodge near Balmoral – evidence that the Queen truly adored Sarah.
It is believed that out of all of King Charles’s cousins, it is Lady Sarah Chatto with whom he enjoys the closest relationship, the pair having reportedly spent countless hours painting together at Balmoral over the years.
Lady Sarah has been an important figure in King Charles’s life outside of their shared passions, having served as a bridesmaid at his wedding to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and as godmother to his son, Prince Harry.
Sarah’s popularity with other members of the Royal Family is also apparent, as she was also chosen to act as godmother to Prince Edward’s daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, and to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester’s daughter, Lady Rose Gilman.
Since 1995, she has been showcasing her artwork at The Redfern Gallery in London, choosing to exhibit under her maiden name, Sarah Armstrong-Jones. A talent for the arts is shared by many members of the Royal Family, including the Princess of Wales and Prince George.
Whether by photographing her children’s birthday portraits or by having one of her drawings featured on her sister Pippa’s order of service when she married James Matthews in 2017, the Princess has often showcased her talents.
Prince George, too, is taking after his mum and fans have been impressed by his previous drawing of a reindeer at Christmas and of a recent portrait of his mum.
King Charles is also skilled with a paintbrush. In early 2022, he saw 79 of his watercolour paintings on display at The Garrison Chapel in Chelsea. Previously known as the Prince of Wales, he shared his passion for painting on an exhibition note, explaining that it “refreshes parts of the soul which other activities can’t reach”.
He elaborated: “You become increasingly aware of things that may have escaped your attention previously the quality of light and shade, of tone and texture and of the shape of buildings. It all requires the most intense concentration and consequently is one of the most relaxing and therapeutic exercises I know.”
“In fact, in my case, I find it transports me into another dimension which, quite literally, refreshes parts of the soul which other activities can’t reach. I took up painting entirely because I found photography less than satisfying.”
