Princess Margaret of Connaught (b. 1882)

Princess Margaret Victoria Charlotte Augusta Norah of Connaught, born on January 15, 1882, embarked on a life that would link the British and Swedish royal houses, leaving an indelible mark on European monarchy. A grandchild of Britain’s formidable Queen Victoria, she became the Crown Princess of Sweden through her marriage to Prince Gustaf Adolf, who would later ascend to the throne as King Gustaf VI Adolf.

Known affectionately in Sweden as Margareta, her journey began as the elder daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, Queen Victoria's third son. This lineage firmly placed her within the heart of the British royal family, making her a cousin to figures like King George V. Her mother was Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia, a German princess whose own heritage further strengthened Margaret's connections across the continent's royal families, blending the traditions of two significant European monarchies within her immediate ancestry.

A Royal Union and Life as Crown Princess

In 1905, Princess Margaret's life took a pivotal turn when she married Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden, then the Crown Prince. This union was not merely a romantic alliance but a significant diplomatic bond, reinforcing ties between the United Kingdom and Sweden. As Crown Princess, she quickly embraced her new role, demonstrating a keen interest in Swedish culture, arts, and social welfare. She was particularly celebrated for her horticultural talents, creating stunning gardens at their royal residences such as Sofiero Castle, and becoming an accomplished photographer, skills that showcased her creative spirit beyond her formal royal duties. Her warmth and dedication quickly endeared her to the Swedish people.

The marriage was a happy and fruitful one, blessed with five children who would continue her legacy across generations and nations. Their children were: Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten (who was the father of the current Swedish monarch); Sigvard Bernadotte, later Count of Wisborg; Ingrid, who would become the revered Queen Consort of Denmark; Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland; and Carl Johan Bernadotte, also later Count of Wisborg. This brood firmly established her as a pivotal figure in the lineage of modern European royalty.

Enduring Legacy Through Descendants

Though her life was tragically cut short, Princess Margaret's influence resonates powerfully through her descendants, who occupy prominent positions within European royal families today. She is the beloved grandmother of the reigning King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who continues the Bernadotte dynasty. Furthermore, her daughter Ingrid's marriage to King Frederik IX of Denmark meant that Margaret also became the grandmother of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Princess Anne-Marie of Greece, both significant figures in their respective royal histories. This intricate web of familial connections highlights her profound and lasting impact on the European monarchical landscape, linking the British, Swedish, Danish, and Greek royal lines.

An Untimely Passing

Tragically, Princess Margaret's life concluded prematurely on May 1, 1920, at the age of just 38. Her sudden death, caused by complications from erysipelas, an acute skin infection, during her sixth pregnancy, was a devastating blow to her family and to Sweden. Her passing occurred three decades before her husband, Gustaf VI Adolf, ascended to the Swedish throne in 1950. This meant she never had the opportunity to become Queen Consort of Sweden, a role she had been destined for and undoubtedly would have fulfilled with grace and dedication. Her memory, however, remains cherished, not least for her warmth, her commitment to her adopted homeland, and the remarkable lineage she helped to establish across Europe's royal houses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Margaret of Connaught

Who was Princess Margaret of Connaught's husband?
Princess Margaret was the first wife of Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden, who would later become King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden in 1950.
What was her connection to the British Royal Family?
She was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, being the elder daughter of Queen Victoria's third son, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught.
How many children did Princess Margaret have?
Princess Margaret and Gustaf Adolf had five children: Prince Gustaf Adolf, Sigvard, Ingrid, Bertil, and Carl Johan.
What is her legacy in modern European monarchies?
Her most significant legacy is her role as the grandmother to three reigning or former monarchs: King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece (consort).
How old was Princess Margaret when she died and what was the cause?
She died at the age of 38 on May 1, 1920, due to complications from erysipelas during pregnancy.