Lady Marina Windsor, the 32-year-old granddaughter of the Duke of Kent, has announced her engagement to Nico Macauley with a striking departure from royal tradition.
The couple revealed their happy news on Instagram on June 8, with Marina proudly displaying an unconventional onyx engagement ring rather than the customary diamond.
“Very happy!” Marina posted alongside three photographs, including selfies with Macauley and a solo shot showcasing her distinctive ring.
The princess-cut stone appears to be onyx or deep garnet, surrounded by diamonds.
Member of Royal Family sparks conversation with ‘unusual’ engagement ring.
Instagram / Lady Marina Windsor
The announcement coincided with her grandparents’ wedding anniversary, as the Duke and Duchess of Kent married on June 8, 1961.
Marina and Macauley have been together for two years. The groom-to-be works as an account executive at Zscaler, a cloud security company.
Macauley graduated from Newcastle University with a BSc in Marketing & Management. Whilst the couple have rarely appeared together at official events, he features regularly on Marina’s Instagram account.
Marina works as Philanthropic Executive at The Big Give. She currently resides at Wren House at Kensington Palace with her grandparents, the Duke and Duchess of Kent.
Lady Marina Windsor displaying an unconventional onyx engagement ring.
Instagram / Lady Marina Windsor
“I love my grandpa. He’s an amazing man and he’s definitely inspired me,” Marina said in an interview last year.
Marina lost her place in the line of succession after converting to Catholicism in 2008, when she was 16 years old. She was previously 25th in line to the throne.
When the Succession to the Crown Act was amended in 2015 to allow Catholics to marry into the Royal Family without forfeiting succession rights, Marina remained excluded. The change did not apply retroactively to those who had already converted.
Despite her removal from succession, Marina maintains close ties with her grandparents. She is “long thought to be close” with Prince Edward and Katharine, Duchess of Kent, and frequently stays at their Kensington Palace residence during London visits.
Lady Marina Windsor attending the Royal Family Christmas lunch in 2024.
PA
Lady Marina Windsor pictured at Wimbledon in 2022.
Getty
The engagement announcement sparked enthusiastic reactions from Royal Family members on Instagram. Marina’s younger sister, Lady Amelia Windsor, commented “Yippeeee!” along with pink heart emojis.
Their brother Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick, wrote in typical sibling fashion: “So the hazing begins.” Lady Helen Taylor, Marina’s aunt, expressed her joy, writing: “Happiest auntie in the whole world – love u so much the best best news.”
Fellow royal cousins also shared their excitement. Zenouska Mowatt commented “Love youuuuuu my babes,” whilst Flora Vesterberg, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, added: “Love you! Happiest news xx.”
Marina is a second cousin to King Charles through her grandfather, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who was a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth.
