More than 20 million viewers watch the first televised royal wedding when Princess Margaret marries Anthony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey.

Princess Margaret Rose, Countess of Snowdon, born on 21 August 1930, lived a life inextricably linked with the British monarchy, yet often marked by a distinctive path. As the younger daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and the only beloved sister to Queen Elizabeth II, her early years offered a glimpse of traditional royal upbringing, which later contrasted sharply with her more unconventional adult life. She passed away on 9 February 2002 at the age of 71.

Early Life and the Weight of Destiny

Margaret's childhood was initially characterized by a close bond with her parents and her elder sister, Elizabeth. Their lives, however, took an unforeseen and dramatic turn when Margaret was just six years old. In 1936, her paternal uncle, King Edward VIII, made the momentous decision to abdicate the throne in order to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson. This event profoundly reshaped the British monarchy and, consequently, Margaret's own destiny. Her father unexpectedly ascended to the throne as King George VI, elevating her sister Elizabeth to the status of heir presumptive, and placing Margaret directly second in line to the throne. This position in the line of succession naturally receded over the subsequent decades as Queen Elizabeth II's own children and grandchildren were born, gradually moving Margaret further down the order.

During the tumultuous years of the Second World War, the two young princesses remained at Windsor Castle. Despite suggestions and concerns about their safety, including proposals for their evacuation to Canada, their parents resolved that they should stay in Britain as a symbol of national solidarity. Margaret, being only nine years old when the war commenced and turning 15 just as hostilities concluded, was deemed too young to undertake any official royal duties. Instead, her focus remained on her education, continuing her studies within the secure confines of the castle, a protected environment during a period of immense global upheaval.

A Life in the Limelight: Society, Love, and Royal Protocol

As she matured from the 1950s onwards, Princess Margaret emerged as a captivating figure on the international social scene. She became renowned for her glamorous lifestyle, a penchant for social gatherings, and a magnetic personality that drew considerable public attention. Her personal life, particularly her romantic relationships, was a constant source of fascination and, at times, controversy. One of her most widely publicized romances involved Group Captain Peter Townsend, a distinguished Royal Air Force officer and a hero of the Battle of Britain, with whom she fell deeply in love in the early 1950s.

The landscape of Margaret's life shifted once more in 1952 with the death of her father, King George VI, and the subsequent ascension of her sister to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II. Around this time, Peter Townsend also divorced his first wife, Rosemary. Early the following year, he proposed marriage to Princess Margaret. However, their union faced formidable obstacles. The British government, deeply rooted in tradition and sensitive to public opinion, expressed significant reservations, believing Townsend would be an unsuitable husband for the Queen's 22-year-old sister, not least because of his divorced status. More critically, the Church of England, of which the monarch is the Supreme Governor, refused to countenance marriage to a divorced man if his former spouse was still living, holding firm to its doctrine on the sanctity of marriage. Faced with overwhelming opposition and the choice between her love and her royal duties, a heartbroken Princess Margaret ultimately abandoned her plans to marry Townsend, a decision that garnered immense sympathy and understanding from a public that had been closely following the unfolding drama.

Marriage, Family, and Divorce

Several years later, in 1960, Princess Margaret found love again and married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a talented and avant-garde photographer. Their wedding was a significant royal event, and upon their marriage, Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon him the title of the 1st Earl of Snowdon. The couple embarked on married life and soon welcomed two children: David Armstrong-Jones, who became Viscount Linley and later the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones (now Lady Sarah Chatto). Despite their initial happiness and shared creative interests, their marriage eventually encountered significant strain, leading to their highly publicized divorce in 1978. This was a particularly notable event, being the first divorce of a senior royal within the British monarchy since Henry VIII. Princess Margaret never remarried after her divorce from Lord Snowdon.

Later Years, Health Struggles, and Legacy

Throughout her life, Princess Margaret was often seen as a controversial figure within the British royal family. Her distinctive personality and the public nature of her private life, especially her divorce, attracted intense media scrutiny and speculation for many years. In the final two decades of her life, her health gradually deteriorated. A lifelong heavy smoker, she faced numerous health challenges that underscored the toll her habits took. In 1985, she underwent a lung operation. This was followed by a bout of pneumonia in 1993, and tragically, she suffered at least three strokes between 1998 and 2001. Princess Margaret passed away in London on 9 February 2002, at the age of 71, after suffering a fourth and final stroke. Her life remains a subject of considerable interest, remembered for her unique blend of royal duty, personal passion, and a distinct glamour that captivated the world.

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon: A Visionary Photographer

Antony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones, the 1st Earl of Snowdon, born on 7 March 1930 and passing away on 13 January 2017, was a highly celebrated British photographer and filmmaker. Before his marriage to Princess Margaret, and indeed throughout his life, he carved out a distinguished career based on his artistic talent and keen eye. He became particularly renowned for his captivating portraits of world notables, capturing the essence of his subjects with a distinctive style. Many of his iconic works graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Vogue and Vanity Fair, among other major international venues. His significant contribution to the art of photography is further cemented by the fact that more than 100 of his compelling photographs are held in the permanent collections of the National Portrait Gallery, a testament to his enduring legacy as a visual artist. His marriage to Princess Margaret from 1960 to 1978 brought him into the heart of the British royal family, making him a unique figure who bridged the worlds of artistic avant-garde and traditional royalty.

Frequently Asked Questions about Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon

Who was Princess Margaret's husband?
Princess Margaret was married to Antony Armstrong-Jones, who was created the 1st Earl of Snowdon upon their marriage in 1960.
Why couldn't Princess Margaret marry Peter Townsend?
Princess Margaret was unable to marry Peter Townsend because he was a divorcé. At the time, both the British government and the Church of England, of which the monarch is the Supreme Governor, strongly opposed the marriage of a senior royal to a divorced person whose former spouse was still living.
How many children did Princess Margaret have?
Princess Margaret had two children with Antony Armstrong-Jones: a son, David Armstrong-Jones (the 2nd Earl of Snowdon), and a daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto (née Armstrong-Jones).
What was Princess Margaret's official title?
Her full official title was Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. She was also styled Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret until her marriage, and then Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.
What caused Princess Margaret's death?
Princess Margaret died on 9 February 2002 after suffering a fourth and final stroke. Her health had been in decline for many years, marked by issues such as a lung operation, pneumonia, and previous strokes, largely attributed to her heavy smoking habit.
Was Antony Armstrong-Jones a member of the royal family by birth?
No, Antony Armstrong-Jones was not born into the royal family. He became connected to the monarchy through his marriage to Princess Margaret, after which he was granted the title of Earl of Snowdon.
What was Lord Snowdon primarily known for professionally?
Lord Snowdon was primarily known as a distinguished and celebrated British photographer and filmmaker. His portrait photography, especially of world notables, earned him widespread acclaim and his work is featured in prestigious collections like the National Portrait Gallery.