All is fair in love and war — and when it comes to dating in London’s high society, there’s a little fawning and a lot of fight.
Last month, Britain’s most eligible bachelor, Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, married Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral. And he’s not the only member of the elite to have been recently snapped up. Also off the table is Sophie Turner, who has coupled up with top aristo Peregrine “Perry” Pearson, heir to the 4th Viscount Cowdray. Iris Law is with England football player Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Poppy Delevingne bagged Archie Keswick — an absolute catch thanks to his billionaire, Mandarin Oriental hotel chain-owning father.
As society summer hits its peak, here are the singles who are worth using your best line on; from distant royals to top models and the odd, inevitable nepo.
Cruz Beckham, 18
He’s the youngest Beckham boy, and following mum Posh Spice into an early career in the music business. Here’s to hoping it goes better than big brother Brooklyn’s shot at cheffing. NB: has been seen with various influencer types in LA — but he is only 18, so nothing is too serious yet.
Found at: Perfect Magazine parties in London
Lady Louise Windsor, 20
Currently in her second year at St Andrews, the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie comes Queen Elizabeth II approved (she was reportedly her “favourite grandchild”). 16th in line to throne; drives a mean horse and carriage.
Found at: the Royal Windsor Horse Show
Archie Campbell, Marquess of Lorne, 20
Sucker for a tartan look, the Duke of Argyll-to-be fully embraces a Highlands bash. Studied at Radley; heir to Inveraray Castle in Argyll and suffers, per his Instagram bio, from “Post Traumatic Sesh Disorder”. Charming!
Found at: the whiskey bar
Damian Hurley, 22
Spitting image of mother Elizabeth Hurley, he is the pointy-jawed, “because you’re worth it” blow-out locked boy making most people swoon. Giggly and counts Hugh Grant, David Beckham, Elton John and Patsy Kensit as godparents. Also an aspiring film director who directed Liz in sex scene. Kudos.
Found at: Sir Elton’s Côte d’Azur pad
Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, 22
Granddaughter of Princess Margaret, and by all accounts just as fun — she’s currently making jewellery in Paris (bien sûr!) but we have no doubt mini-Marge will be home soon. Has also secured Tatler’s front page.
Found at: The George V
Prince Constantine Alexios of Greece and Denmark, 25
The former Greek royal (“Tino” to his mates) sent shock waves through London’s high society when he was pictured rolling around in yachts with Poppy Delelvigne last summer. The pair have now split, and Prince William’s godson and a Dior model is on the market.
Found at: the Mayfair members clubs
Marcus Rashford, 26
MBE and all round national treasure, Manchester United’s top player (who boasts a five-year contract worth £325,000 a week, signed last summer) is officially open to score after his relationship with long-term sweetheart fell apart last year. There have been reports of his “chaotic” approach to love since — in need of someone to hold him down. Drips to Manchester, obligatory.
Found at: Old Trafford
Alexander Ogilvy, 27
Often referred to as “the hot royal you’ve never heard of” (harsh?), the very dapper, Prince charming haired aristo really got people talking when he arrived looking sullen at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. As the King's second cousin once removed, he is in line to the throne (but in the safe late-50s).
Found at: the Cartier polo
Cora Corré, 27
The model granddaughter of Vivienne Westwood is just as spunky as right on as the late, great designer. She has the most envied, vintage Westwood collection in London, and a close pack of It-girls by her side.
Found at: the fashion set dinners
Cassius Taylor, 27
One of the “cool posh” types, he is grandson of the late Queen’s first cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, but as son of gallerist Timothy Taylor, is in touch with his creative side. Often seen in baggy jeans, with a maintained beard behind the DJ decks.
Found at: the Victoria & Albert museum decks
Paul Mescal, 28
There’s a great deal of competition globally, but Londoners have an advantage with the All of Us Strangers actor — he absolutely loves a night out in the British capital. Purveyor of the so called “men’s slutty short summer” (no complaints) the boy from County Kildare really is the heartthrob of the season. Applicants will have to get through Natalie Portman, who he has been spotted with — could all be innocent, of course.
Found at: KOKO Camden
Florence Pugh, 28
As one of Britain’s leading actresses (who is also a surefire good time) the Oxford born and raised star is at the top of many lists. Has lucrative fashion contracts with the likes of Valentino and Tiffany & Co. and split from her last boyfriend, Charlie Gooch, last year.
Found at: Wilderness Festival
Maro Itoje, 29
The rugby union verified hunk is a staple of the London party scene, and never far from Tatler’s Little Black Book parties. Of his perfect first date, he once told the Standard: “I think coffee shops are great for first dates, they’re chilled and you don’t have to worry too much about what you’re wearing. Although I don’t actually drink coffee.” One tall glass of tap water, please.
Found at: his own Akoje Gallery
Harry Styles, 30
After a stint with Canadian actor Taylor Russell which set the Hampstead mums on fire, the pair have not been seen together since April leading many to believe they have called it quits. It means the long-time pin-up and Watermelon Sugar singer is back out on the scene to the masses after that invite to Harry’s House.
Found at: the Hampstead ponds
Florence Huntington-Whiteley, 30
Sister of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and holder of such seductive good looks it would be difficult not to succumb to the spell. The queer top model (who walked for Burberry in February) splits her time between here and Ibiza… which is nice.
Found at: Ibiza airport
Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, 30
The youngest child and one son of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, Louis lives in the UK following his childhood in South Africa with mother Victoria Aitken. Excitingly, is heir to the 13,000-acre Althorp estate.
Found at: royal weddings
Romelu Lukaku, 31
The Chelsea FC striker and Belgian national is one of the teams highest paid (that comes in at an eye-watering £16.9 million a year). Dating rumours linking Lukaku and Meghan Thee Stallion have swirled in the past, but to no avail. He is also an objective hunk. Shoot to score. Found at: Versace’s front row
Kaya Scodelario, 32
After a divorce with fellow actor Ben Walker after eight years, Effy from Skins now better known as Susie Glass from The Gentleman is single once more. Loves to sit front row at a fashion show, too.
Found at: London Fashion Week
Damson Idris, 32
The Peckham-born actor is often touted as the next Bond and set for great things soon as a new ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger thanks to his role in upcoming Formula One Jerry Bruckheimer film, which he stars alongside Brad Pitt. Ready, set, go.
Found at: Silverstone
Joe Alwyn, 33
The notoriously single Alwyn has bravely stepped out of the cage in recent months, following his split with none other than Taylor Swift. The OG “London Boy” comes with baggage — any date will have their lives turned upside down by the Swfities.
Found at: The Black Dog pub, Vauxhall
Anthony Joshua, 34
The two-time former unified world heavyweight champion from Watford is the UK’s 17th richest person under 40, as per The Sunday Times Rich List, with a cool £175 million to his name. Is reportedly a total charmer, but confirmed this year he does still live with his mum. Can’t have it all?
Found at: parties with Naomi Campbell
George Percy, 40
He is set to be the next Duke of Northumberland with one catch — he needs to marry first. Anyone with the 100,000-acre estate on the mind better get in quick, the Old Etonian and CEO of Hotspur Geothermal (based near Kew) is at the top of plenty of wish lists.
Found at: Kew Gardens
Andrew Scott, 47
For the gays! And yes, we double checked the age is correct. The Dublin-born “hot priest” turned All of Us Strangers and Netflix’s Ripley star has more than caught the attention of all sexualities.
Found at: Taylor Swift London bashes
Prince Wenceslas of Liechtenstein, 49
The “playboy prince”, son of private banker Prince Philipp of Liechtenstein, has not been properly romantically linked to anyone since dating supermodel Adriana Lima over two decades ago. The very handsome prince is a win, if you can get over whispering the name Wenceslas.
Found at: amfAR balls in Cannes
Jemima Khan Goldsmith, 50
The former wife of cricketer and beleaguered Pakistani politician Imran Khan is today a prolific TV and film producer, as well as host of a new podcast A Muslim & A Jew Go There. Certainly, her magnificent digs, Kiddington Hall, is no eye sore either.
Found at: the Oxfordshire mansion
Noel Gallagher, 57
After his ‘£20 million’ divorce from ex-wife Sara MacDonald last year, Gallagher might still be playing Don’t Look Back in Anger to himself in a dim-lit room. Nevertheless, one-half of Oasis is as good as British royalty.
Found at: Chiltern Firehouse
Elizabeth Hurley, 59
You would be following some heavy hitters (Hugh Grant, Arun Nayar, Shane Warne, etc), inheriting her “twin” son Damian, and best be primed up jovial nights with Elton John and David Furnish. As long as you can take a killer bikini shot for her beachwear line, you are in for a shot.
Found at: Damian Hurley’s side
Trinny Woodall, 60
To middle-class, middle-aged women, her beauty empire Trinny London is up there with Aspiga dresses, The White Company sheets and a quick lunch followed by a smart matinée when it comes to happiness essentials. Her $250 million company only continues to grow — and in January she confided she was “tiptoeing into the dating pool” after a split with advertising exec Charles Saatchi.
Found at: her Chelsea HQ
Gary Lineker, 63
As the BBC’s top paid presenter, on a comfortable £1.35 million year, you won’t be scrimping with the Barnes-based football pundit. You will have to brace for the media maelstrom however — or enforce he deletes Twitter in the pre-nup.
Found at: The Brown Dog pub, Barnes
Bianca Jagger, 79
Rider of white horse into Studio54, first wife of Mick, and still toast of London town, the Nicaraguan actress is an actual living legend. She’s active (during lockdown she woke up at 6am every day) and feisty as ever. Don’t mess with her, or she’ll whack you with her stick.
Found at: every top art institution’s summer party
