The late Lord Snowdon was never inhibited in expressing emotions, as he demonstrated when art dealer Rodolphe von Hofmannsthal sought his permission to marry his younger daughter, Frances Armstrong-Jones.
Responding without hesitation, the celebrated photographer gave his prospective son-in-law his blessing — and hugged him in delight.
But how, if he were still alive, would Snowdon react if he saw von Hofmannsthal today? I ask because, after 16 years of marriage, Rodolphe, 41, and Frances, 43, have parted company.
Lady Frances Armstrong-Jones (b. 17 July 1979), daughter of Antony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon and Lucy Mary Davies. She married Rodolphe Thomas Hugo von Hofmannsthal on 2 December 2006. The couple have two children.
Rodolphe von Hofmannsthal is a great-grandson of the 6th Marquess of Anglesey.