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 and also works with the famous auction house Christie's UK.
David is the only son of Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon and Princess Margaret. This means his mother was Princess Margaret, who was the sister of Queen Elizabeth II. So, David is a grandson of King George VI and a first cousin of King Charles III. When he was born, he was 5th in line to the succession to the British throne. Today, he is 25th 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 3 November 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 19 December 1961 at Buckingham Palace. His godparents included his aunt, Queen Elizabeth II.
When he was five, David started school at Buckingham Palace. He studied with his cousin Prince Andrew. Later, he attended several private 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 became very interested in arts and crafts. From 1980 to 1982, he studied at Parnham House. This school taught people how to become skilled wood craftsmen.
David has one full sister, Lady Sarah Chatto. He also has two half-sisters from his father's side. They are Lady Frances von Hofmannsthal and Polly Fry. He has a half-brother named Jasper Cable-Alexander.
Professional Life
David Linley is well-known for his furniture designs. He 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 makes special, custom-made furniture. They also create upholstery and interior design products. His designs are famous for their classic look. They often use beautiful inlaid woods. David has written many books about his work. He has also given talks all over the world. His furniture is sold in stores in Belgravia and Harrods.
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 with a friend. He was good at meeting people and getting them to visit the restaurant.
Personal Life and Family
On 8 October 1993, David married the Hon. Serena Alleyne Stanhope. Their wedding took place at St. Margaret's Church, Westminster. About 650 guests attended the ceremony.
David and Serena have two children:
- Charles Patrick Inigo Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley (born 1 July 1999). He studied product design engineering at Loughborough University.
- Lady Margarita Elizabeth Rose Alleyne Armstrong-Jones (born 14 May 2002). She is currently studying at Oxford Brookes University.
From 2000 to 2002, David, his wife, and son lived at Kensington Palace. They lived with his mother, Princess Margaret, as she grew older. In 2002, David took part in a special royal tradition. He stood guard at the lying-in-state of his grandmother. This was 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 chosen by the Queen. He became a page of honour.
The family has several homes. They have a flat in Chelsea, London. They also have a cottage in Gloucestershire. And they own a home in Provence, France.
David and his wife separated in February 2020. They are planning to get a divorce.
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
6 February 1977: Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
6 February 2002: Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
6 February 2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
6 February 2022: Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
Arms
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Published Works
David Linley has written several books about furniture and design:
- 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.
He has also written forewords for other books:
- 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.
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