Arthur Alistair Donald is best known as the eldest grandchild of music legend Paul McCartney. Born into one of the most famous families in the world, he has grown up surrounded by art, music, and culture. Despite his famous last name, Arthur has chosen a quieter life compared to his grandfather’s global fame. This article will give you a complete picture of his life, family, education, career, and the interesting details fans want to know.
Quick Bio Table of Arthur Alistair Donald
Fact | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Arthur Alistair Donald |
Date of Birth | April 3, 1999 |
Age | 26 (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | London, England |
Parents | Mary McCartney & Alistair Donald |
Siblings | Elliot Donald, Sam Aboud, Sid Aboud |
Grandparents | Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney |
Great-Grandparents | Lee & Louise Eastman; James & Mary McCartney |
Education | Yale University, History (Class of 2021) |
Career | Investor at Collaborative Fund |
Famous Relation | First grandchild of Paul McCartney |
Known For | Private life, past link with Phoebe Gates |
Social Media | No public Instagram or accounts |
Early Life and Background
Arthur was born on April 3, 1999, in England. He is the son of Mary McCartney, a well-known photographer and filmmaker, and Alistair Donald, a television producer. He became the very first of Paul McCartney’s grandchildren, which made his birth a joyful milestone for the family. His younger brother is Elliot Donald, and he also has two maternal half-brothers, Sam Aboud and Sid Aboud, from his mother’s second marriage.

As a child, Arthur lived in London. He attended University College School, a respected private school that has educated many notable figures. Being part of the McCartney family, he had a childhood filled with creativity, but he mostly stayed away from media attention.
Education at Yale University
After finishing school in London, Arthur moved to the United States to study. He was accepted into Yale University, one of the top Ivy League schools. There, he studied History and graduated in 2021. His decision to study abroad shows how he wanted to build his own identity while still carrying the McCartney legacy.
During his time at Yale, Arthur became known for being intelligent and hardworking, often staying out of the spotlight even while studying at such a high-profile university. His academic path set him apart from the world of music and fashion that many McCartney family members are connected to.
Career Journey
Following his graduation, Arthur began to build a career in business and finance. He first worked at Goldman Sachs as an analyst, a role that gave him experience in global banking. Later, he worked at Beehouse, a smaller investment group, and even did an internship at Lucasfilm, the studio behind Star Wars.
Today, Arthur works as an investor at the Collaborative Fund, which focuses on projects related to sustainability, health, and future-focused innovation. This path shows his interest in building a career with purpose, away from celebrity culture.
Family Connections
Arthur is the grandson of Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney. His grandmother Linda was a photographer and animal rights activist, remembered for her vegetarian lifestyle and work alongside Paul in Wings. Arthur’s great-grandparents on Linda’s side were Lee Eastman and Louise Lindner Eastman, while Paul’s parents were Mary Patricia McCartney and James “Jim” McCartney.
Arthur also has well-known aunts and uncles. His aunt Stella McCartney is a famous fashion designer, and through her, Arthur has cousins named Miller, Bailey, Beckett, and Reiley Willis. Together, they form a creative family deeply involved in music, film, and design.
Relationship with Phoebe Gates
In late 2023, Arthur’s name appeared in the media when he was linked to Phoebe Gates, the daughter of Bill Gates. They were first spotted together in New York, and by 2024, their relationship became more public. Fans and media outlets were fascinated by the union of two powerful families.
However, by September 2025, reports confirmed that Arthur and Phoebe had broken up. Despite the attention their romance received, both have remained private about the details of their split.
Life Away from Fame
Unlike many celebrity children, Arthur has chosen to keep a low profile. He does not have any public Instagram or other social media accounts. This decision shows his desire for a private life, even though his family name often attracts attention.
He rarely appears at public events, but occasionally he has been photographed at screenings, fashion shows, and family gatherings with his mother and grandfather. These appearances give fans small glimpses into his life without pulling him fully into the spotlight.
Arthur’s Age and Birthday
As of September 30, 2025, Arthur Alistair Donald is 26 years old. His birthday is on April 3, 1999, which makes him an Aries by zodiac sign. Over the years, fans of Paul McCartney have often followed Arthur’s milestones as a way of seeing the McCartney family legacy continue through the generations.
Net Worth and Wealth
There is no confirmed report on Arthur Alistair Donald’s net worth. Unlike his grandfather Paul, whose fortune is well documented, Arthur’s personal finances are private. Most sources agree that he is building his own career in business rather than relying on family wealth.
While many websites make guesses about his net worth, the most reliable information shows that he earns from his investment career and previous roles at Goldman Sachs and Collaborative Fund.
Relationship with His Parents
Arthur’s mother, Mary McCartney, has been a guiding influence in his life. She is not only known as Paul McCartney’s daughter but also for her career in photography, film, and cooking. His father, Alistair Donald, is a television producer. Though his parents separated, Arthur has remained close to both.
His bond with his younger brother Elliot is also strong. Together, they have often been described as private and grounded, despite growing up in a famous family.
Cousins and Siblings
Arthur has a wide family circle. His direct brother is Elliot Donald, while his half-brothers are Sam and Sid Aboud. His cousins, through Stella McCartney, are Miller, Bailey, Beckett, and Reiley Willis. Being part of such a large creative family, Arthur is connected to different fields like fashion, film, and music, even if he doesn’t actively work in them.
Great-Grandparents and Heritage
On Linda McCartney’s side, Arthur’s great-grandparents were Lee Eastman, an attorney, and Louise Lindner Eastman, from a family known for their business background. On Paul’s side, his great-grandparents were Mary Patricia McCartney and James McCartney, who raised Paul in Liverpool. This heritage combines creativity, law, and strong family values.

Public Image and Media Interest
Media interest in Arthur Alistair Donald often focuses on his family ties rather than his personal achievements. Headlines usually highlight that he is the grandson of Paul McCartney, but more recent attention has been about his relationship with Phoebe Gates. Despite this, Arthur has managed to stay out of scandals and prefers to focus on his work.
Height and Personal Appearance
Arthur’s exact height has never been confirmed by reliable sources. While fans may be curious, he has avoided sharing personal details, staying consistent with his private approach to life.
Arthur’s Importance in the McCartney Legacy
Being the first grandchild of Paul McCartney makes Arthur special in the eyes of Beatles fans. While he has not chosen music or art as a career, he represents the continuation of the McCartney family line. His career in business and finance shows that the McCartney grandchildren are finding their own unique paths, separate from the fame of The Beatles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How old is Arthur Alistair Donald now?
Arthur was born on April 3, 1999, making him 26 years old in 2025.
Q2. Who are Arthur Alistair Donald’s parents?
His parents are Mary McCartney, a photographer and director, and Alistair Donald, a TV producer.
Q3. Did Arthur Alistair Donald date Phoebe Gates?
Yes, he was linked to Phoebe Gates, daughter of Bill Gates, from late 2023 until their breakup in September 2025.
Q4. Where did Arthur Alistair Donald study?
Arthur studied History at Yale University and graduated in 2021.
Q5. What does Arthur Alistair Donald do for work?
He currently works as an investor at Collaborative Fund, after past roles at Goldman Sachs and Beehouse.
Final Thoughts
Arthur Alistair Donald may not live in the spotlight like his grandfather Paul or his aunt Stella, but his story is just as important. From his studies at Yale University to his work in finance, and from his private family life to his brief public relationship with Phoebe Gates, Arthur has shown that being part of a famous family does not mean living a life only defined by fame. Instead, he is building his own identity, step by step, while still carrying the McCartney legacy forward.
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