Lady Sarah Chatto's son, Samuel Chatto, and his artist girlfriend, Elena Exan, have already ignited quite a buzz—and not the kind of chatter Harry and Meghan would be thrilled to hear.
Samuel Chatto, grandson of Princess Margaret and 29th in line to the British throne, turned heads when Elena joined the Royal Family for their traditional Christmas festivities. The couple made waves as they walked alongside the royals to church at Sandringham, an act that defied the longstanding "no ring, no invite" rule.
To put this into perspective, the rule has historically been strictly enforced. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, had to wait until after her wedding vows to join such family gatherings, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, faced the same restriction. Yet Meghan Markle shattered the tradition by attending pre-marriage back in 2017, sparking controversy at the time. Now, Elena Exan's attendance is fueling internet speculation about impending wedding bells. A royal insider suggests this is a clear sign that a Chatto wedding is on the horizon.
But here's the real tea: will Harry and Meghan be invited to the wedding? The possibility is, at best, unlikely. Lady Sarah Chatto, the mother of the groom, has reportedly little tolerance for the Sussexes' antics. Recall her frosty demeanor during the Platinum Jubilee service when Harry and Meghan arrived late, seemingly seeking the limelight. Lady Sarah's steely glare that day spoke volumes: “Not on my watch.” Known for her deep loyalty to the monarchy, Lady Sarah maintains strong ties to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who played a significant role in raising her and her brother while Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones pursued their own tumultuous lives.
Lady Sarah’s no-nonsense attitude is emblematic of her commitment to tradition and family values. It’s no surprise she might choose to distance herself from Harry and Meghan, given their propensity for controversy. And let’s not forget the Sussexes’ history of stirring up royal wedding drama. Remember when Meghan announced her pregnancy during Princess Eugenie’s wedding, overshadowing the bride? Imagine Elena's dismay if Meghan pulled a similar stunt at her own nuptials. The mere thought is enough to make any royal bride-to-be shudder.
Adding another layer of tension, Harry’s controversial anecdotes about Princess Margaret in his memoir Spare didn’t exactly endear him to the older generation of royals. According to Harry, Margaret once gifted him a pen and a fish for Christmas—a gesture he described with disdain. Yet those who knew Margaret’s sharp wit and quirky sense of humor likely saw meaning behind the gifts. Lady Sarah, who was particularly close to her aunt, is said to have been unimpressed by Harry's ungracious retelling.
So, will the Sussexes grace the Chatto wedding with their presence? Highly doubtful. Lady Sarah’s discreet but firm approach to royal matters suggests she has no intention of extending an olive branch—or an invitation—to a couple known for burning bridges. The Chatto family, while undeniably tied to the monarchy, has long maintained a low-profile lifestyle. Princess Margaret famously declared her children were not royal, given their father’s status as a commoner. This approach has allowed the Chattos to sidestep much of the pomp and drama associated with royal life.
Inviting Harry and Meghan, who often attract a storm of controversy wherever they go, seems entirely at odds with the Chatto family's understated ethos. In all likelihood, the Sussexes will find themselves watching from the sidelines as Samuel and Elena celebrate their union in what promises to be an elegant but drama-free affair.
No PR stunts, no surprise appearances, and no Sussex-centered headlines—Lady Sarah would have it no other way. So, while Meghan might still find an envelope opening or a Hollywood gala to attend, she and Harry won’t be setting foot near this particular royal celebration. Mark your calendars for 2024’s royal wedding, but don’t expect any Sussex sightings. If Lady Sarah has her way, the event will remain blissfully free of Harkle headlines.
