Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's potential appearance at the upcoming wedding of Lady Sarah Chatto’s son, Samuel Chatto, and his artist girlfriend, Elena Exom, has become a hot topic of discussion within royal circles.
However, the speculation isn’t painting the Sussexes in a favorable light. Samuel Chatto, the grandson of Princess Margaret and 29th in line to the British throne, turned heads when Elena joined the royal family for Christmas festivities at Sandringham. This unexpected appearance has led many to wonder if wedding bells are on the horizon.
Elena’s presence at Sandringham broke the longstanding royal tradition of the "no ring, no invite" rule. In the past, partners were only welcomed to such events after engagement or marriage. Both Catherine Middleton and Sophie Rhys-Jones adhered to this custom before officially joining the family. Yet, Meghan Markle notably challenged this precedent in 2017 when she attended Christmas celebrations prior to her marriage to Prince Harry. Now, Elena’s inclusion has sparked curiosity about the possibility of a forthcoming wedding announcement.
Whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be invited to this highly anticipated wedding remains a subject of speculation. Insiders suggest it’s unlikely, given Lady Sarah Chatto’s well-documented aversion to drama. As a close confidante of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Lady Sarah has always prioritized discretion and loyalty to the monarchy. Her composed demeanor and dedication to royal traditions set her apart, and her disapproving glance during the Platinum Jubilee—when Harry and Meghan arrived late—spoke volumes. For Lady Sarah, such disruptions have no place in her world.
The Sussexes have a history of making waves at royal weddings. During Princess Eugenie’s wedding, Meghan’s decision to announce her pregnancy reportedly stole the spotlight, leaving many feeling that the bride’s special day was overshadowed. It’s easy to imagine the anxiety such a scenario could bring to Samuel and Elena’s wedding planning. Harry’s controversial memoir Spare hasn’t helped matters either. His portrayal of Princess Margaret as an aloof and eccentric aunt, particularly recounting her Christmas gift of a pen and a fish, was met with criticism. What Harry saw as a peculiar gesture was likely a reflection of Margaret’s distinctive humor, something Lady Sarah would have understood deeply.
The Chatto family has long distanced itself from the grandeur of royal life, staying true to Princess Margaret’s decision to raise her children without royal titles. Samuel Chatto embodies this low-profile approach, dedicating himself to art and mindfulness. This makes the idea of inviting the headline-grabbing Sussexes seem out of step with the family’s values.
As the event approaches, many believe Lady Sarah will ensure that the wedding remains a private and joyous affair. With the Sussexes’ track record for stealing the limelight, their absence might be seen as a relief rather than a slight. Samuel and Elena’s nuptials are poised to reflect the understated elegance for which the Chatto family is known, free from unnecessary distractions or drama.
For Harry and Meghan, the most they might see of this wedding will be through media coverage, as it seems unlikely they’ll be part of the guest list. This occasion promises to celebrate love and family, staying true to the values Lady Sarah holds dear. Those looking forward to a serene royal wedding will likely not be disappointed.
