David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Snowdon
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Snowdon in the procession to the lying in state of his aunt Elizabeth II in 2022
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| Born | David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones 3 November 1961 Clarence House, London, England |
| Spouse(s) |
Serena Stanhope
(m. 1993; sep. 2020) |
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| Father | Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon |
| Mother | Princess Margaret |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Education | Bedales School |
David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon (born 3 November 1961) is a member of the British royal family. He is known professionally as David Linley. He is a talented English furniture maker. He also serves as the honorary chairman of Christie's UK, a famous auction house.
David is the only son of Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon and Princess Margaret. Princess Margaret was the sister of Queen Elizabeth II. This makes David the first cousin of King Charles III. When he was born, he was 5th in line to the British throne. As of 2025, he is 26th in line. He is the highest person in line who is not a direct descendant of Queen Elizabeth II.
Contents
Early Life and Education
David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones was born on November 3, 1961. His birthplace was Clarence House in London. His parents were Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon. He was christened on December 19, 1961. This ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace. His godparents included his aunt, Queen Elizabeth II.
When David was five, he started school at Buckingham Palace. He studied there with his cousin, Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Later, he attended several independent schools. These included Gibbs Pre-Preparatory School and Ashdown House School. He also went to Millbrook House School. Finally, he attended Bedales School. At Bedales, he discovered his love for arts and crafts. From 1980 to 1982, he studied at Parnham House. This school in Dorset teaches craftsmen how to work with wood.
David has one full sister, Lady Sarah Chatto. He also has two half-sisters from his father's side. Their names are Lady Frances von Hofmannsthal and Polly Fry. He has a half-brother named Jasper Cable-Alexander.
Professional Career
David Linley started his own workshop in Dorking. For three years, he designed and built furniture there. After that, he created his own company. It was first called David Linley Furniture Limited. Now it is simply known as Linley. His company creates special furniture, upholstery, and interior designs. These pieces are known for their classic look. They often use beautiful inlaid woods.
David has also written many books about design. He has given talks all over the world. His furniture and designs are sold in stores in Belgravia and Harrods. They are also sold in other countries.
In 2006, David became the chairman of Christie's UK. Christie's is a very famous auction house. He had joined their board of directors in 2005. In 2015, his role changed. He became the honorary chairman of Christie's for Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and India.
David also tried the restaurant business. He opened a restaurant called Deals in Chelsea, London with his friend Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield. He was good at meeting people and getting them to visit the restaurant.
House of Lords Candidacy
David's father was a member of the House of Lords. This was because he had an inherited title. In 1999, a new law changed how the House of Lords worked. Most inherited members lost their seats. However, people whose titles were newly created for them could stay. David's father was given a new title. This allowed him to keep his seat until he passed away in 2017. When David inherited his father's title, he did not get the seat in the House of Lords.
In 2018, David considered running for a seat in the House of Lords. Only certain inherited members can run in these special elections. He later decided not to continue with his candidacy.
Personal Life and Family
On October 8, 1993, David married Serena Alleyne Stanhope. The wedding took place at St. Margaret's Church, Westminster. About 650 guests attended the ceremony. Serena's father was the 12th Earl of Harrington.
David and Serena have two children:
- Charles Patrick Inigo Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley (born July 1, 1999). He studied product design engineering at Loughborough University. He is 27th in line to the British throne.
- Lady Margarita Elizabeth Rose Alleyne Armstrong-Jones (born May 14, 2002). She attended St Mary's School Ascot and Tudor Hall School, Banbury. She is currently studying at Oxford Brookes University.
From 2000 to 2002, David, his wife, and son lived with his mother, Princess Margaret. They lived at Kensington Palace during her later years. In 2002, David took part in a special ceremony. He stood guard at the lying-in-state of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. This event is called the Vigil of the Princes. It had only happened once before, in 1936.
In 2011, David's daughter, Lady Margarita, was a bridesmaid. This was at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. In 2012, his son, Charles, was appointed a page of honour by the Queen.
The family has three homes. They have a flat in Chelsea, London. They also have a cottage on the Daylesford estate in Gloucestershire. Their third home is the Château d'Autet in Provence, France.
David and his wife separated in February 2020.
Titles, Styles, and Honours
Titles and Styles
- 3 November 1961 – 13 January 2017: Viscount Linley
- 13 January 2017 – present: The Right Honourable The Earl of Snowdon
Honours
| Date | Appointment | Ribbon | Note |
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| 6 February 1977 | Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal |  |
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| 6 February 2002 | Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal |  |
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| 6 February 2012 | Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal |  |
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| 6 February 2022 | Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal |  |
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| 6 May 2023 | Recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal |  |
Arms
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Published Works
- Linley, David. Classical Furniture. Harry N. Abrams, 1993.
- Linley, David. Extraordinary Furniture. Harry N. Abrams, 1996.
- Linley, David. Design and Detail in the Home. Harry N. Abrams, 2000.
- Linley, David; Charles Cator and Helen Chislett. The Enduring Beauty of Spectacular Furniture. The Monacelli Press, 2009.
- Miller, Judith. Foreword by David Linley. World Styles from Classical to Contemporary. Dorling Kindersley, 2005.
- Niagara Foundation. Introductions by Viscount Linley, Julian Smith, and Peter Strokes. Early Architecture of the Town and Township of Niagara. Dundurn Press, 2015.
- Reginato, James. Foreword by Viscount Linley. Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats. Rizzoli, 2016.
See also
In Spanish: David Armstrong-Jones para niños
