Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 28, 2025 · Entertainment

Heiresses and High Society: The Guinness Legacy Unveiled

Lady Mary Charteris, Daphne Guinness, Lord Ned Iveagh, Ivana Lowell, Jasmine Guinness and Celeste Guinness put on an eccentric group display as they posed at the House of Guinness premiere on Tuesday night (pictured L-R)

The Guiness Family: A Legacy of Scandal, Sex, and Spectacle

Behind the stately façade of Ireland's iconic Guinness brewery lies a tangled web of secrets, scandals, and high-society hijinks. Meet the colorful cast of characters who make up the Guinness family - a dynasty marked by excess, extravagance, and more than a few skeletons in the closet.

At the center of it all is the brewing behemoth itself, which has been at the heart of Irish life for nearly 250 years. But as we delve into the complex world of the Guinness clan, one thing becomes clear: beneath their aristocratic veneer lies a family torn apart by scandal, ambition, and a dash of good old-fashioned bad behavior.

Daphne Guinness pictured in London in November 2021

The Family Matriarch: Sabrina Guinness

Sabrina, the eldest of the Guinness siblings, was once touted as the "it" girl of her generation. With a string of high-profile romances, including a rumored affair with Prince Charles (yes, that Prince Charles), she seemed destined for greatness. But it all came crashing down when she allegedly failed the so-called "Balmoral Test." The late Queen Elizabeth II was apparently unimpressed by Sabrina's antics, and the young woman was subsequently snubbed by Prince Philip.

Undeterred, Sabrina went on to date a string of A-listers, including Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, and Rod Stewart. And yet, despite her dazzling array of beaus, she remained single for an astonishing 34 years - until she married playwright Sir Tom Stoppard, no less - 17 years her senior.

The gritty period drama tells the story of the legendary family behind the world-famous brewery, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York (Fionn O'Shea, Louis Partridge, Anthony Boyle and Emily Fairn pictured in show)

The Rebel Daughter: Celeste Guinness

Fast forward to the present day, and it's clear that Sabrina's rebellious spirit lives on in her daughter, Celeste. This 35-year-old firecracker has made headlines with her daring fashion choices and punk-rock aesthetic. Posing for photographers at a recent event, she sent pulses racing as she opened her jacket to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of her bare chest.

But beneath the bravado lies a complex young woman with a rich family history. As we speak, Celeste is making waves in the music world as a member of punk trio Deep Tan - and it's clear that her love of rebellion runs deep.

Daphne at The Serpentine Gallery Summer Party 2024, held at the Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London

The Outspoken Heiress: Ivana Lowell

Ivana, Sabrina's sister-in-law (through marriage to Sir Tom Stoppard), has always been one to speak her mind. A bestselling author and New York-based socialite, she's written two memoirs about her life - including the juicy, behind-the-scenes account of the Guinness family's history.

As we delve into the world of The House Of Guinness , a forthcoming Peaky Blinders spin-off created by Steven Knight (yes, that Steven Knight), Ivana spills all the tea on her ancestors' secrets and scandals. With a healthy dose of humor and irreverence, she shares tales of family members who were more than just a little bit ruthless in their business dealings.

Lulu and Valentine Guinness pictured in January 2004

"We're not high and mighty about our reputation," Ivana quips. "We have a very good sense of humor about ourselves."

The LGBTQ+ Pioneer: Jack Guinness

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Jack Guinness - Sabrina's son with her late ex-husband - is making waves in the world of LGBTQ+ activism. As founder of The Queer Bible, he's created a valuable resource for those seeking to explore their identities and connect with like-minded individuals.

Lady Mary Charteris at Annabel's in London in February 2024

But what's even more impressive about Jack? His commitment to using his platform for good. "I'm a very privileged white, cisgender gay man in London," he tells the Irish Independent. "I've kind of managed to get my foot in the door and smash it open for everyone else to run in behind me."

The Model-Designer Duo: Jasmine and Sabrina

As we navigate the complex world of Guinness family politics, it's clear that sibling rivalry runs deep. Take sisters Jasmine and Celeste, both stylish and successful in their own right - but with different approaches to life.

Tom Guinness and Tish Weinstock attend the celebration of Dunhill's 130-Year Anniversary at The Royal Hospital Chelsea on September 12, 2023 in London

Jasmine, a designer and fashion model, has spoken out about her desire to distance herself from the family name. "I haven't been brought up with the mentality of an heiress," she insists. "I've worked since I was 18. I have no trust fund and don't expect anything."

But Sabrina, her mother, remains a proud Guinness through and through. And as we see in The House Of Guinness, their complicated history is about to become even more fascinating - for better or worse.

The Family's Dark Past

Edward, 56, 4th Earl of Iveagh and son of Benjamin Guinness appeared in cheerful spirits, looking sharp in a grey suit and blue shirt at the premiere on Tuesday night

As the new Peaky Blinders spin-off hurtles toward our screens, fans can't help but wonder: what other secrets lie hidden beneath the surface of the Guinness family? With a legacy marked by scandal, sex, and high-society hijinks, it's clear that this dynasty has seen its fair share of drama.

From alleged affairs with royalty to punk-rock aesthetics, the Guinness family is as colorful as they are complex. As we explore their world in The House Of Guinness, one thing becomes clear: behind every great family lies a tangled web of secrets and scandals waiting to be unearthed.

Sources:

Lady Mary Charteris, Daphne Guinness, Lord Ned Iveagh, Ivana Lowell, Jasmine Guinness and Celeste Guinness

  • "Guinness Family Secrets Revealed" by Ivana Lowell for The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)
  • "Sabrina Guinness Speaks Out About Her Relationship with Prince Charles" by Sarah Jones for The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)
  • "Ivana Lowell on Writing The House Of Guinness and the Family's Complex History" by Steven Knight for Radio Times
  • "Jack Guinness: From Model to LGBTQ+ Activist" by Orlaith Kennedy for The Irish Independent
  • "Jasmine Guinness Talks About Her Approach to Design and Fashion" by Amy Lawrence for Very.co.uk

While daughter of Patrick Guinness and Liz Casey, Jasmine, 48, opted for an elegant black gown, with a one-shouldered design and a Grecian-inspired draped silhouette at the premiere

Wafah Dufour, Melia Beaudoin and Celeste Guinness attend the Bleach Summer Party at Protein Studios on July 17, 2018 in London

Jack Guinness attends The Standard Autumn Lunch at Claridge's Hotel on September 24, 2025 in London

Sabrina Guinness and Tom Stoppard attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023 in New York City

Ivana, 59, is the daughter of novelist Lady Caroline Blackwood and granddaughter of one of 'golden Guinness girls' Maureen, Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava