Made In Chelsea personality Sam Vanderpump and his wife Alice have joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy named Marmaduke. The couple, aged 28 and 24 respectively, shared the happy news exclusively with Hello! magazine on Wednesday, revealing that the birth took place on Monday, 9 February at the Kensington Wing of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
A Name with Deep Family Significance
The choice of the name Marmaduke holds profound emotional weight for the Vanderpump family. It was a favourite name of Sam's late father, Mark Vanderpump, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 59. The couple plans to affectionately call their son Duke for short, honouring this cherished family connection.
Sam elaborated on the name's importance, explaining, "We have a name, it's Marmaduke. My dad is no longer with us, but he always wanted to call my brother 'Duke' because he believed my brother would one day become Prime Minister, Duke Vanderpump." He added with a smile, "My mum didn't like it, so my brother was named Jack. My dad still had the last laugh by giving him the middle name Daniels."
Overcoming Health Challenges to Build a Family
The birth of baby Marmaduke comes after an immensely difficult period for the couple. In late 2024, Sam became seriously ill with flu, which rapidly developed into sepsis and led to liver and kidney failure. He was later diagnosed with irreversible end-stage liver disease, a condition stemming from rare congenital disorders—congenital hepatic fibrosis of the liver and polycystic kidney disease—that had lain dormant until his organs began shutting down last December.
Currently on the transplant waiting list, Sam faced terrifying uncertainties about his future. He candidly shared his fears, saying, "I always get sad when I think my dad's never going to see his grandchild. To now start having that thing dawned on you. Am I going to see my child? That's terrifying."
An Intimate Wedding Amidst Uncertainty
Despite these health struggles, Sam and Alice chose to prioritise their love and commitment. They married in a simple, intimate ceremony at Chelsea Registry Office just before Christmas, with the wedding arranged in just four weeks. The couple opted for a low-key approach, selecting Alice's dress together and forgoing traditional elements like a first dance and extended speeches.
Sam admitted to experiencing emotional strain leading up to the wedding, telling Hello! magazine, "I was struggling emotionally in the weeks leading up to the wedding because of everything going on with my health. But I have been so over the moon happy these past few days." The ceremony was followed by a dinner at The Lanesborough, with plans for a larger celebration in May 2027 now that their son has arrived.
Looking Forward with Hope
The couple announced they were expecting a baby boy in September, with a due date of Valentine's Day. Sam had proposed to Alice in March, after being hospitalised in January with the life-threatening sepsis that followed his organ failure. Their decision to marry while Sam was well enough demonstrates their determination to build their family despite the challenges.
As they settle into parenthood, Sam and Alice find joy in their new son and the meaningful name they've chosen. Sam expressed his affection for the name Marmaduke, noting, "I think Marmaduke is fantastic, and we'll call him Duke for short. There's a great Downton Abbey scene where Maggie Smith and her daughter discuss a man named Marmaduke, which made us love it even more."
With baby Marmaduke now in their arms, the Vanderpump family looks forward to creating new memories together, embracing the hope and happiness that their son represents after a year of significant health battles and emotional turmoil.
