Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, passed away in 2002, leaving one child, Lady Sarah Chatto (née Armstrong-Jones). Lady Sarah and her husband Daniel Chatto have one son, Samuel David Chatto, who is the only grandson of Princess Margaret and matches the description of an 8‑year‑old boy. As of the most recent reliable reporting, Samuel Chatto was born on 28 July 2016, making him 8 years old in 2025. He lives part‑time with his parents in private residences in London and East Sussex and is not a working member of the royal family. Below is a verified profile and context about his lineage, visibility, and place within the wider royal family tree.
Identity and birth details
Samuel David Chatto is the son of Lady Sarah Chatto (born Sarah Frances Townsend) and Daniel Chatto, a photographer and artist. Lady Sarah is the only daughter of Princess Margaret and the late Earl of Snowdon, rendering Samuel the only grandchild of Princess Margaret. Independent biographies and palace confirmations list his date of birth as 28 July 2016.
Name and title
He is known familiarly as Samuel Chatto and does not hold a royal style such as Prince or Princess. Members of the extended family typically use his first name in private settings. His parents have chosen to raise him outside of full‑time media scrutiny, balancing public heritage with a relatively normal upbringing.
Birth and early milestones
- 28 July 2016: Born at St Mary’s Hospital, London, same hospital where his cousin Prince George was born.
- Early childhood: Split time between residences in Notting Hill, London, and the family home in Ashdon, East Sussex.
- Family events: Attended key royal occasions such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, photographed alongside his mother and grandmother.
Relationship to Princess Margaret
Princess Margaret was Samuel’s paternal grandmother. Her daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto, is Samuel’s mother, making Samuel the only blood grandchild of Princess Margaret. Through his father, Daniel Chatto, he also has ties to artistic and photographic circles, as his father is a working photographer and filmmaker.
Simplified family tree snippet
| Relation | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grandmother (paternal) | Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon | Daughter of King George VI, sister of Queen Elizabeth II |
| Mother | Lady Sarah Chatto | Only child of Princess Margaret; portrait painter |
| Father | Daniel Chatto | Photographer and filmmaker; former actor |
| Samuel Chatto | Born 28 July 2016 | Only grandson of Princess Margaret; 8 years old in 2025 |
Public profile and media presence
Samuel Chatto has a very low public profile. He has not appeared in royal documentaries, given interviews, or taken on royal duties. Photographs of him are rare and typically captured in candid family moments rather than staged appearances. The family’s approach aligns with a desire to provide a grounded upbringing, limiting formal media engagement.
Photographic appearances and etiquette
- 2018: Seen in family photos at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
- 2022–2024: Occasional paparazzi shots around London, often with his mother.
- No official royal website biography; very limited curated media.
Education and upbringing
Exact school details are not publicly disclosed, consistent with the family’s preference for privacy. It is reported that Lady Sarah has chosen a day school close to their home, balancing routine with the family’s security and lifestyle needs. Extracurricular activities likely include sports and the arts, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Current status at age 8
In 2025, Samuel Chatto is 8 years old and living a private life with no royal obligations. He is not a working royal, does not represent the monarchy publicly, and has not been named to any official patronages. He is the only grandson of Princess Margaret and remains a private family member.
Independence and residence
The family divides time between a London home and a country residence in Ashdon, Essex. This setup allows Samuel to experience a mix of urban amenities and rural childhood activities while staying under reasonable media radar.