Aristocrat swaps life of glamour for bliss with son of the soil

Kristyna Drummond-Hay’s ancestors sold Balmoral to Queen Victoria and ruled parts of India during the British Raj. But after falling in love with Michael Lloyd on a matchmaking site for

farmers, Kristyna, 36, has chosen a more humble lifestyle. The couple will marry at Christmas and host a reception in a country pub before moving to Wales to live the good life. Kristyna,

who lives in Melbourne, Australia, is the granddaughter of William Huntley Drummond-Hay, the 15th Earl of Perthshire. She is also related to Lady Grace Drummond-Hay, the first woman to

circumnavigate the world in the Graf Zeppelin in 1929. Other relatives include show jumping champion Anneli Drummond-Hay and Bettina DrummondHay, who dated Prince Charles before he married

Princess Diana. Michael, 34, had far more humble beginnings, growing up on a farm in Anglesey, North Wales – and it’s what attracted Kristyna to him. When asked why she went looking for love

on farming website Muddy Matches, Kristyna said: “I specifically went on there because I wanted someone down-to-earth. “I had a previous [relationship] with someone who was somewhat in the

public eye and it was the worst thing I ever did. I wanted a sweet, nice guy and I finally found him. “Michael mentioned his farming background and how he loves nature and the outdoors like

I do. He didn’t have much information on there but what he did have was really sweet.” After speaking online for four or five months, Michael flew to Australia to meet Kristyna.   “We got on

really well,” said Michael, who now works as an engineer but also served 10 years in the military. “I thought she was amazing. We just fit together so well.” After a long-distance romance,

the pair got engaged earlier this year. Kristyna, who works as a lawyer, claims her dress will “cost more than the wedding”. She added: “Michael is a farm boy at heart so we will probably

have a celebration in a quiet country pub.” And when it comes to the couple’s property requirements, Kristyna said: “A house somewhere in the countryside where it’s not too difficult for me

to find work would be good. I just want a quiet life with Michael.   “I definitely believe in destiny and somehow, some way, even despite distance, two people who are meant to be will find a

way!” Kristyna, whose father was keen to ensure his three daughters had a “normal” life, said: “No one knows us here in Australia and that’s what my parents wanted. “They didn’t want us

growing up any differently. My dad had a very strong work ethic and we had no special treatment or things handed to us. “It’s only really in Scotland that there’s family wealth.” As well as

selling Balmoral Castle to the Queen in the 19th Century, the Drummond-Hays recently sold Cromlix House in Kinbuck, Scotland, to tennis player Andy Murray. The family is worth billions,

thanks to investments in hotels and restaurants in the UK and the Middle East.