The late Queen was embraced by a close-knit circle of friends and family, who provided support throughout her historic reign. One such individual was Lady Sarah Chatto, the Queen’s niece and daughter of the late Princess Margaret, who was often seen by her aunt’s side.

From spending large periods of her childhood at Buckingham Palace, Lady Sarah was a beloved figure to the Queen. Not only was she a favourite within the Royal family, but Sarah has also built a family of her own with her husband, Daniel Chatto. As they celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on Sunday (July 14), OK! magazine has delved into who they are and why they hold such a special place in Royal circles.

Born at Kensington Palace on May 1, 1964, Lady Sarah Frances Elizabeth Chatto is the second child and only daughter of the late Princess Margaret and the late Antony Armstrong-Jones, known as the Earl and Countess of Snowdon.

Lady Sarah Chatto (left) and Daniel Chatto (right), pictured in 2019, are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this weekend ( 
Image:
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for V&A)
She tied the knot with Daniel at St Stephen’s, Walbrook in London on July 14, 1994. The couple have two sons, Samuel David Benedict Chatto, born in 1996, and Arthur Robert Nathaniel Chatto, born in 1999.

Lady Sarah’s close relationship with her late aunt was evident in the fact that she was one of the few people who would accompany the monarch to the secluded Craigowan Lodge near Balmoral – a testament to the Queen’s deep affection.

King Charles is believed to have a close bond with his cousin, Lady Sarah, having reportedly spent numerous hours indulging their mutual passion for painting at Balmoral. Apart from sharing interests, Lady Sarah has been a significant figure in King Charles’ personal life. Notably, she served as a bridesmaid at his marriage to the late Princess Diana in 1981 and is godmother to Prince Harry.

Lady Sarah is the niece of the late Queen Elizabeth II, pictured beside her circa 1980, who is said to have ‘adored’ her ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Her popularity extends to other relatives too. She was selected to be godmother to Prince Edward’s daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, and to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester’s daughter, Lady Rose Gilman.

Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond once told OK! about Lady Sarah: “I’ve always liked [her], I think she has just got on with her life with very little fuss and not too much bother. She’s had a secure and and loving marriage with Daniel and the late Queen did adore her.”

She further mentioned: “The Queen loved Princess Margaret hugely and was obviously so saddened by her early loss but remained very close with Sarah her whole life. They used to go to Craigowan Lodge in Balmoral and spend time together there whenever they could.”

When discussing her late mother and aunt’s relationship in 2016, Lady Sarah reportedly noted: “Singing must have been a huge part of their lives because it’s something that they both shared… I remember hearing them singing together, it was very moving – something that you don’t forget.”

She’s also said to have a bond with her cousin King Charles III, pictured beside her in 1983, and they both have a love for art ( 
Image:
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Lady Sarah and her husband Daniel got married in 1994 ( 
Image:
ADRIAN CLACK/AFP via Getty Images)
Moreover, Jennie observed: “I think she also has a very close relationship with [King] Charles thanks to their shared passions for painting and walking. They do sit down together whenever they can, it doesn’t happen all the time but they have a very close relationship.”

An alumni of Hampshire’s Bedales boarding school, Lady Sarah has nurtured her artistic flair for years. Since 1995, under her maiden name, Sarah Armstrong-Jones, she’s been displaying her works of art at The Redfern Gallery in London.

In the early 2022, King Charles had the delight of viewing 79 of his own watercolour pieces exhibited at Chelsea’s Garrison Chapel. Formerly titled Prince of Wales, he expressed his devotion for painting in an exhibition note, stating it “refreshes parts of the soul which other activities can’t reach”.

He further explained: “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.”