You’ve seen her at every major royal wedding, funeral, and Jubilee for the last fifty years, usually tucked away in the second row or standing quietly near the back of the balcony. She doesn't do the "celebrity royal" thing. No tell-all books. No Netflix deals. Yet, Lady Sarah Chatto—born Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones—is arguably the most fascinating member of the House of Windsor precisely because she’s so normal.
She is the daughter of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon. That makes her the niece of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the first cousin of King Charles III. But if you saw her sketching in a park in South London, you probably wouldn't realize she’s currently 28th in line to the throne.
She's an artist. A mother. A professional. Honestly, she’s the blueprint for how to be "royal-adjacent" without losing your mind or your privacy.
The Margaret and Tony Legacy: Growing Up in Kensington Palace
Growing up as Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones wasn't exactly a standard 1960s childhood. Her parents were the ultimate "it couple" of a changing Britain. Princess Margaret was the rebel royal, and Tony Snowdon was the bohemian photographer who brought a bit of grit to the palace.
Sarah was born in 1964, three years after her brother, David (now the 2nd Earl of Snowdon). They grew up in Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace. While their mother was known for her sharp wit and sometimes terrifying social presence, Sarah was famously the "calming influence."
People who knew the family back then, like royal biographer Christopher Warwick, often noted that Sarah and her mother shared an incredibly tight bond, even if their personalities were night and day. Sarah was quiet. Margaret was... well, Margaret.
The divorce of her parents in 1978 was a huge tabloid scandal—the first major royal divorce since Henry VIII, as the papers loved to scream. But Sarah handled it with a level of poise that became her trademark. She didn't take sides publicly. She just kept drawing.
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The "Favorite Niece" and the Bond with Queen Elizabeth II
If you want to understand Lady Sarah Chatto’s status, you have to look at her relationship with the late Queen. It’s widely known in palace circles that Sarah was one of the Queen’s absolute favorite people.
Why? Because she didn't want anything.
The Queen spent her life surrounded by people who wanted titles, money, or influence. Sarah just wanted to hang out. They shared a deep love for the Scottish Highlands. At Balmoral, you’d often find Sarah and the Queen tucked away in a corner, laughing. Sarah was one of the very few people permitted to accompany the Queen to her private sanctuary, Craigowan Lodge.
She reminded the Queen of Margaret, but without the drama. It was a bridge to her late sister that she deeply cherished. When Princess Margaret died in 2002, followed quickly by the Queen Mother, Sarah was devastated. But she stepped up. She became a steady, quiet pillar for her aunt during those grieving months.
A Career Built on Talent, Not a Title
One thing most people get wrong about Lady Sarah is the idea that she’s a "professional royal." She isn't. She doesn't carry out official engagements on behalf of the King. She doesn't get a penny from the Sovereign Grant.
She’s a painter.
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She studied at the Camberwell School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools. She goes by Sarah Chatto in the art world. Her work is actually quite good—subtle, moody landscapes and still lifes that have won awards, including the Winsor & Newton Prize. She’s been exhibiting at the Redfern Gallery in London since the 90s.
She’s also been the President of the Royal Ballet since 2004, taking over the role from her mother. It’s one of the few public-facing roles she maintains, mostly because she genuinely loves the arts.
The Wedding That Broke Royal Tradition
In 1994, she married Daniel Chatto. It wasn't a massive, televised spectacle at Westminster Abbey. Instead, they chose St Stephen Walbrook, a small, stunning church in the City of London.
Daniel was an actor she met while working as a wardrobe assistant on the set of Heat and Dust in India. Think about that for a second. A grandchild of a King working as a wardrobe assistant. That tells you everything you need to know about her ego—or lack thereof.
Her wedding dress, designed by Jasper Conran, is still cited by fashion historians as one of the most elegant royal gowns ever made. It was simple. Timeless. It didn't wear her; she wore it. She used the Snowdon Floral Tiara, which was made from three brooches her father gave her mother. It was personal. It was quiet. It was Sarah.
They have two sons, Samuel and Arthur. Both boys followed the family tradition of being relatively low-key, though Arthur gained some internet fame a few years back for his fitness posts before joining the Royal Marines. Sam is a ceramicist. They’re a family of makers.
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Why We Should Care About the Chatto Model
In an era where the "working royal" vs. "non-working royal" debate is a constant headline, Sarah Chatto provides the answer. She shows that you can be part of the inner circle—attending the private Christmas lunches and the big state events—while maintaining a completely separate, self-sufficient life.
She doesn't leak to the press.
She doesn't do "brand" collaborations.
She just shows up, does her job (painting), and supports her family.
There is a specific kind of dignity in her public appearances. Whether it was her visible grief at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral or her supportive presence at King Charles’s Coronation, she represents a link to the past that feels stable.
Key Facts and Misconceptions
- Is she a Princess? No. Despite being the daughter of Princess Margaret, titles in the UK traditionally pass through the male line. Her father was an Earl, so she was born Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones.
- Does she live in a palace? Not anymore. She and Daniel live in a charming, relatively modest home in Kensington, but not the palace itself.
- The "Nanny" Connection: Sarah remained incredibly close to her childhood nanny, Verona Sumner, until her death. This loyalty to staff is a trait she shared with the late Queen.
- Godmother Duties: She’s a godmother to Prince Harry, which speaks to her central role in the family's private life.
How to Follow Her Career (Without Stalking)
If you're interested in Sarah Chatto, don't look for her on Instagram. She doesn't have a public profile. Instead, keep an eye on the Redfern Gallery in London. That is where her work is occasionally displayed.
To understand her impact, look at the organizations she supports. Her work with the Royal Ballet isn't just a title; she’s known for attending rehearsals and actually knowing the dancers' names.
The actionable takeaway from Lady Sarah's life is pretty simple: You don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be the most respected. In a world of influencers, be an artist. In a world of "main characters," be the reliable supporting cast.
If you want to see her work or learn more about her artistic process, the best route is to research the New English Art Club, where she has also exhibited. It’s a glimpse into the mind of a woman who chose a paintbrush over a scepter and somehow ended up with the best of both worlds.
What to Look for Next
- Exhibition Schedules: Check the Redfern Gallery's annual calendar for any upcoming group shows featuring her work.
- Royal Ballet Galas: These are the rare moments you will see her in a formal, public capacity.
- The Snowdon Trust: Sarah and her brother David are involved in the charity founded by their father, which provides grants to students with disabilities. It’s a great way to see the practical side of their family legacy.
Lady Sarah Chatto remains the most successful "private" royal in modern history. She proved that the crown doesn't have to be a cage if you have the talent and the humility to build your own door.