Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (b. 1930)

Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, born Margaret Rose on 21 August 1930, was a captivating and often controversial figure within the British royal family. As the younger and only sibling of Queen Elizabeth II and the cherished second daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, she occupied a unique and prominent position from birth until her passing on 9 February 2002.

A Childhood Shaped by Royal Duty and Crisis

Princess Margaret's early years were spent in the close companionship of her parents and elder sister, Elizabeth. However, her life, and indeed the course of the British monarchy, underwent a profound and unexpected transformation when she was just six years old. In 1936, her paternal uncle, King Edward VIII, made the unprecedented decision to abdicate the throne. This constitutional crisis stemmed from his unwavering desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, a union deemed incompatible with his role as Head of the Church of England and the British sovereign. This pivotal event thrust Margaret's father, Prince Albert, Duke of York, onto the throne as King George VI, dramatically altering the line of succession. Her sister, Elizabeth, immediately became heir presumptive, while Princess Margaret found herself second in line to the throne, a position that carried significant weight and public attention.

Over the subsequent decades, as Queen Elizabeth II welcomed her own children—Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward—and later grandchildren, Princess Margaret's place in the line of succession gradually receded. This natural progression is a standard aspect of monarchical succession, where direct descendants of the reigning monarch take precedence.

Princess Margaret During the Second World War

During the tumultuous years of the Second World War (1939-1945), despite recommendations for their evacuation to the relative safety of Canada, Princess Margaret and her sister remained in the United Kingdom, primarily residing at Windsor Castle. This decision was largely symbolic, demonstrating solidarity with the British people amidst intense bombing campaigns, particularly in London. While her elder sister, Elizabeth, eventually took on minor public duties and even trained as a mechanic with the Auxiliary Territorial Service towards the war's end, Margaret, being nine years old when the conflict began and turning fifteen just after its conclusion, was considered too young for official engagements. Instead, she continued her private education, receiving tutoring focused on languages, music, and royal protocol, preparing her for a life of public service that would soon follow.

The Royal Socialite: Glamour and Reputation

From the early 1950s, Princess Margaret cultivated an image as one of the world's most glamorous and fashionable socialites. Renowned for her vivacious personality, artistic flair, and a penchant for the bohemian, she became a prominent figure in London's elite social circles, mixing with actors, artists, and musicians. Her lifestyle was often described as lavish and unconventional for a royal of her generation, earning her a reputation as a "party princess" and frequently making headlines.

The Peter Townsend Affair: A Royal Romance Denied

Her romantic life was a constant source of media fascination. Most notably, in the early 1950s, she fell deeply in love with Group Captain Peter Townsend, a decorated Royal Air Force officer and equerry to her late father, King George VI. Their relationship became public after the King's death in February 1952, which also saw her sister ascend to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II. Townsend, who was 16 years Margaret's senior, divorced his first wife, Rosemary, in 1952 and subsequently proposed to the Princess in early 1953. However, this union faced formidable opposition.

Both the British government, led by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and the established Church of England vehemently opposed the marriage. At the time, the Church of England, of which the monarch is the Supreme Governor, did not permit the marriage of divorced individuals if their former spouse was still alive. Furthermore, there were concerns about the stability and image of the monarchy so soon after the abdication crisis. Facing immense pressure and the prospect of losing her royal prerogatives, including her place in the line of succession and public funds, Princess Margaret ultimately made the difficult decision to abandon her plans with Townsend in October 1955, a choice that garnered widespread public sympathy and debate.

Marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones and Divorce

Five years later, in May 1960, Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a bohemian society photographer, at Westminster Abbey. This was considered a modern and somewhat unconventional choice for a royal bride, as Armstrong-Jones was not of aristocratic birth. Upon their marriage, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon him the titles of Earl of Snowdon and Viscount Linley. The couple had two children: David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones, who became the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Frances Elizabeth Chatto (née Armstrong-Jones). Despite their initial public happiness, their marriage was plagued by difficulties and ultimately ended in 1978, making them the first royal couple to divorce in over 70 years, and certainly the first to do so with such extensive media coverage. Princess Margaret chose not to remarry after her divorce.

Controversy and Media Scrutiny

Throughout her life, Princess Margaret remained a magnet for controversy. Her private life, particularly in the wake of her divorce, was relentlessly scrutinised by the media and royal-watchers, often leading to intense speculation and public criticism. Her perceived rebellious spirit and unconventional choices frequently placed her at odds with traditional royal expectations, cementing her image as a complex and enigmatic figure.

Declining Health and Final Years

The final two decades of Princess Margaret's life were marked by a gradual decline in health. A heavy smoker for most of her adult life, she suffered from numerous health complications directly linked to this habit. In 1985, she underwent a significant lung operation (a partial lobectomy), followed by a severe bout of pneumonia in 1993. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a series of debilitating strokes, with at least three occurring between 1998 and 2001, severely impacting her mobility and public appearances. On 9 February 2002, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, passed away in London at King Edward VII's Hospital at the age of 71, following a fourth and final stroke. Her death preceded that of her mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, by less than two months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Margaret

When was Princess Margaret born and when did she die?

Princess Margaret was born on 21 August 1930 and passed away on 9 February 2002, at the age of 71.

Who were Princess Margaret's parents and siblings?

Her parents were King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother). She was the only sibling of Queen Elizabeth II.

Why couldn't Princess Margaret marry Peter Townsend?

Princess Margaret was unable to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend primarily due to the Church of England's strict rules at the time regarding marriage to a divorced person whose former spouse was still alive. This stance was compounded by government opposition and concerns about the stability and public perception of the monarchy following the abdication crisis.

Was Princess Margaret the first royal to divorce?

While not the first royal divorce in history, her divorce from Antony Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon, in 1978, was the first highly publicised royal divorce in over 70 years and garnered significant media attention, marking a shift in public and royal attitudes towards marital dissolution.

What was Princess Margaret's official title?

Her full official title was Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. She received the title Countess of Snowdon upon her marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones, who was created Earl of Snowdon.