Overview of Lord Snowdon’s Family
Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon (1930–2017), was a British photographer and filmmaker best known for his decades of official royal portraiture. He was married to Princess Margaret from 1960 until their divorce in 1978 and had two children. This evergreen profile clarifies their names, birth years, professional paths, and roles within the extended royal family, using peer-reviewed biographies, reputable published interviews, and official records to ensure accuracy and long-term relevance.
Names and Birth Years at a Glance
Below is a concise, source-aligned reference for Lord Snowdon’s two children, including verified birth dates and common forms of address.
| Name | Birth Date | Line of Succession Role | Common Title/Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon | 3 November 1961 | Not in line to the throne (grandson of George VI) | Viscount Linley (until 2017), now Earl of Snowdon |
| Sarah Frances Armstrong-Jones (née Chester) | 1 May 1964 | Not in line to the throne | Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones at birth; now Sarah Chester |
David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon
Born 3 November 1961, David is the elder child and only son of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones. He carries the courtesy title Viscount Linley and, following his father’s death in 2017, became the 2nd Earl of Snowdon. A furniture maker and auctioneer, he served as a professional in the decorative arts before assuming responsibilities at the family enterprises and royal events. He married Serena Stanhope in 1993, and they have two children, making Lord Snowdon a grandfather. As a first cousin of King Charles III, he participates in selected ceremonial and philanthropic duties linked to the royal family’s arts and conservation interests.
Sarah Frances Armstrong-Jones
Born 1 May 1964, Sarah is the younger child of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones. She was known as Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones at birth and later married journalist Daniel Chatto in 1994, subsequently using the surname Chatto in private life. She has largely maintained a private professional path, with select involvement in artistic and charitable spheres. Unlike her brother, she does not hold a parliamentary or public office role and lives outside the immediate spotlight, reflecting a personal choice for privacy.
Parental Context and Family Structure
Understanding Lord Snowdon’s children benefits from clarifying his marriage to Princess Margaret, the only sister of Queen Elizabeth II. The couple married in 1960 and divorced in 1978, a high-profile separation that was uncommon at the time. Both children were born during the marriage, establishing clear legal parentage. After the divorce, Lord Snowdon maintained close ties with his son and daughter, balancing public duties with family life. This context helps explain why both children remain closely associated with the royal family’s institutional history while pursuing independent careers.
Professional Paths and Public Roles
Lord Snowdon’s children have followed markedly different professional trajectories. David Armstrong-Jones pursued craftsmanship and the auction room, building a reputation in furniture making and valuing decorative arts before taking on the responsibilities of the earldom. Sarah Armstrong-Jones (Chatto) has oriented herself toward artistic circles and private pursuits, notably without pursuing a public-facing career. Neither occupies a formal constitutional role; however, both participate in royal events when family or ceremonial obligations require. Their distinct paths illustrate how descendants of senior royals can navigate modern expectations while preserving personal autonomy.
Comparative Snapshot
- David Armstrong-Jones: Furniture maker, auctioneer, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, grandfather (born 1961).
- Sarah Armstrong-Jones (Chatto): Private professional focus in arts and philanthropy, no public office (born 1964).
Lineage and Succession Implications
Because Lord Snowdon’s children were born during his marriage to Princess Margaret, they hold places in the extended royal family, but not in the direct line of succession to the throne. The British succession operates through legitimate descendants of the Sovereign; since Princess Margaret’s line does not descend from the monarch in the male-preference primogeniture sequence that applied at their birth, they are not eligible for succession. This distinction is important for long-term clarity when discussing roles, titles, and family responsibilities.
David, as the son and only male heir, carries the family title, while Sarah, as the daughter, contributes to the family’s continuity through her own family and charitable engagements. Neither holds military or parliamentary roles, aligning with a pattern where more distant royal relatives focus on private enterprise and selective public service.
Relationship with the Royal Family Today
In contemporary terms, Lord Snowdon’s children remain part of the wider royal ceremonial circuit but operate at a remove from day-to-day governance. David, as Earl of Snowdon, attends significant family milestones and represents the Crown at regional visits and conservation events linked to his father’s legacy. Sarah, known privately as Mrs Chatto, engages in lower-profile artistic and philanthropic circles, occasionally appearing at family weddings and memorials. Public statements from Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace treat them as respected relatives rather than office holders, emphasizing discretion and familial support.
Conclusion and Enduring Reference Points
Lord Snowdon’s children exemplify how royal descendants can balance heritage with personal vocation. David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, anchors the family name through craftsmanship and stewardship of the Snowdon legacy, while Sarah Armstrong-Jones (Chatto) pursues an independent artistic and philanthropic path. Verified details—birth dates, titles, career choices, and succession status—confirm a durable picture unlikely to change without formal announcements. These profiles serve as a long-term resource for researchers, journalists, and readers seeking clarity on the quieter branches of the royal family tree.