Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie, known simply as Rose Leslie, is a Scottish actress beloved for her authentic presence and striking performances
From her fairy-tale childhood in a centuries-old castle to her breakout roles in Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey, to her real-life romance and marriage with Kit Harington, her life reads like a modern legend.
This article explores her early years, family, education, castle upbringing, career achievements, married life, and fascinating tidbits.
We’ll also spotlight her sisters, Portia and Sophia, deepening a glimpse into her close-knit family.
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Table of Contents
Rose Leslie’s Early Life & Family Background
Rose Leslie was born on 9 February 1987 in Aberdeen, Scotland, as Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie.1
She grew up in the rural countryside near the family’s ancestral home, Lickleyhead Castle, which has been in her family for centuries.2
Soo I’m twittering now.
— Rose Leslie (@RoseELeslie) September 6, 2012
Her father, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, serves as the Aberdeenshire Chieftain of Clan Leslie, and her mother, Candida Mary Sibyl “Candy” Weld, descends from the Fraser clan and includes Scottish nobility in her line.
Rose is the middle child of five siblings: William, Sophia, John, and Portia. She has spoken about her “middle child syndrome“, always trying to stand out among her siblings.
Her Sisters: Portia and Sophia Leslie
Sophia Leslie is Rose’s older sister, born around 1984.
Her full name is Sophia Louisa Arbuthnot-Leslie. While not widely known publicly, she has appeared alongside Rose in interviews and during filming travels, like when Rose filmed in Nice for Kenneth Branagh’s project.
Portia Leslie is Rose’s younger sister, who has dabbled in the entertainment world.
She first appeared in the short documentary Age of Reason in 2019, then in the short film Raappear (2020), a music video (Jorja Smith: Home), and a short film The Half You Hate.
Rose and Portia have been spotted together at various events—from airports to fashion shows, festivals, and charity events. They’ve even supported MS charity efforts together.
Fans online have noticed how much Rose and Portia resemble each other. One Reddit user commented:
“It’s apparently Rose Leslie’s sister – Portia”.3
Growing Up in a Castle
Rose’s upbringing in Lickleyhead Castle shaped her childhood in a unique way.
She has described growing up there as idyllic days spent exploring outside, building dens, cozy indoor fires and an imaginative family life.4
This upbringing was more than romantic—it instilled a sense of space, imagination, and rootedness in her Celtic heritage.
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Education & Acting Training
Rose went to Millfield School in Somerset, England, a co-educational boarding school where she developed a deep love for acting thanks to its impressive drama department.5
She originally planned to go to university like her siblings, who attended Newcastle and Edinburgh, but she didn’t get into her top choices.
Instead, she turned to drama school. At the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), she earned a BA with honours in 2008 and participated in plays such as Uncle Vanya, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Country Wife.
While at LAMDA, she gained stage combat skills and perfected accents—tools that would serve her well later.
Career Highlights
Here’s a stats table summarizing key career and life milestones:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2008 | TV debut in Banged Up Abroad (Locked Up Abroad) |
| 2009 | Starred in New Town, won Scottish BAFTA – New Talent |
| 2010 | Played Gwen Dawson in Downton Abbey (7 episodes) |
| 2010 | Stage role in Bedlam at Globe Theatre |
| 2012–2014 | Rose to fame as Ygritte in Game of Thrones seasons 2–4 |
| 2012–2016 | TV appearances in Vera, Utopia, Blandings, The Great Fire, Honeymoon, Luther |
| 2015 | Film: The Last Witch Hunter |
| 2016–2017 | Roles: Sticky Notes, The Good Fight (left after S3) |
| 2019 | Cast in Death on the Nile (released 2022) |
| 2021 | Drama series Vigil |
| 2021–2023 | The Time Traveler’s Wife series; son born Jan 2021; daughter born Jul 2023 |
Married Life of Rose Leslie
Rose met Kit Harington on the Game of Thrones set, he played Jon Snow, she played Ygritte. Their whirlwind romance led to a wedding on 23 June 2018 at Kirkton of Rayne church with the reception at Wardhill Castle, part of her family estate.6
Their first child, a son, was born in January 2021, and their daughter arrived in July 2023.
Career Approach & Interests
Rose has a strong sense of her Scottish heritage and childhood. She frequently describes feeling “anchored” by the Highlands and cherishes her red hair as a Celtic connection.
She has a range of interests: running, rock climbing, cooking, skiing, archery, and tennis. She also lived in France as a child and speaks fluent French.7
In politics, she supported the union during Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum and volunteered with the Conservatives in her local constituency in the 2015 UK general election.
She is also a patron of Firefly International, a children’s charity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who are Rose Leslie’s sisters?
A1: Rose’s sisters are Sophia Louisa Arbuthnot-Leslie (older) and Portia Leslie (younger). Sophia has stayed mostly private but has appeared with Rose during filming travels. Portia is also a performer, appearing in short films and music videos.
Q2: Where did Rose grow up?
A2: She grew up in Lickleyhead Castle, her family’s ancestral seat near Aberdeen, Scotland, a place filled with outdoor adventures and family warmth.
Q3: What is Rose Leslie’s educational background?
A3: Rose attended Millfield School in Somerset, then trained at LAMDA, earning a Bachelor of Arts with honours in 2008.
Q4: What are her most notable roles?
A4: Her standout roles include:
-
Gwen Dawson in Downton Abbey (2010)
-
Ygritte in Game of Thrones (2012–2014)
She also appeared in other TV shows (Vera, Utopia, Blandings, The Great Fire, Luther), and films like The Last Witch Hunter and Death on the Nile.8
Q5: Who is Rose Leslie married to?
A5: She married Kit Harington (Jon Snow in Game of Thrones) on 23 June 2018. They have a son (born Jan 2021) and a daughter (born Jul 2023).
Q6: What are her hobbies and interests?
A6: She enjoys running, rock climbing, cooking, skiing, archery, tennis, and speaks fluent French thanks to her childhood in France. She is also political and charitable, supporting both causes and Firefly International.
Final Thoughts
Rose Leslie’s life is a compelling blend of heritage, talent, and grounded warmth. From her castle upbringing to global stardom, she remains both authentic and relatable.
Her close bond with sisters Sophia and Portia speaks to the strength of family. Her career choices from stage to TV to film reflect a thoughtful actor rooted in real-life passions.
Her married life, political leanings, and charitable work complete the portrait of a modern actress staying true to her roots while gracefully navigating global fame.
