Hey there! You might be surprised to learn that Queen Elizabeth II had a younger sister named Princess Margaret. Now, Margaret's life was not without its drama, and it certainly made headlines during her time. Tragically, she passed away in February 2002 at the age of 71 after suffering multiple strokes. Before her passing, Princess Margaret was often seen as the more controversial member of the royal family. Her story has been brought back into the spotlight thanks to Netflix's hit series, The Crown, which dives deep into Elizabeth's life, from her early years to her rise as Queen of the United Kingdom. Stick around to uncover all the fascinating details about Princess Margaret's life!
How Close in Age Were Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret?
Queen Elizabeth II, now in her nineties, was born on April 21, 1926. Four years later, her little sister, Princess Margaret, came into the world on August 21, 1930. At her birth, Margaret was fourth in line to inherit the British throne. Their parents were the late King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, known affectionately as The Queen Mother. Growing up, Margaret called her older sister "Lillibet," a nickname that has stuck with Queen Elizabeth to this day. Within the royal family, Princess Margaret was fondly referred to as "Margot." The bond between these two sisters was strong and shaped much of their lives.
Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth in 1942. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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Who Was Princess Margaret Married To?
Princess Margaret tied the knot with photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at London's iconic Westminster Abbey on May 6, 1960. Their wedding was a historic event, as it was the first royal marriage broadcast on television, captivating over 300 million viewers worldwide. Unfortunately, their marriage didn't last, and they divorced in July 1978 after 18 years together. Antony passed away at the age of 86 in January 2017. Before marrying Antony, Margaret had a secret romance with Peter Townsend, a divorcee and royal family employee. At 22, she fell in love with the 38-year-old Peter, who eventually proposed to her in 1953. Margaret informed her sister, Queen Elizabeth, of their intentions to marry. However, their plans were thwarted by the Church of England's stance against remarriage after divorce. After years of waiting for approval from Elizabeth and the British government, the couple split in 1955, leaving the public heartbroken.
Did Princess Margaret Have Children?
Absolutely! Princess Margaret and her husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, had two children together. Their son, David Armstrong-Jones, became the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, born in November 1961. Their daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto, was born in May 1964. David, now 56, is married to Serena Armstrong-Jones, Countess of Snowdon, and they have two children: son Charles Patrick Inigo Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, 18, and daughter Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, 15. Sarah, 53, is married to Daniel Chatto, and they have two sons: Samuel Chatto, 21, and Arthur Chatto, 18. The family continues to grow and thrive, keeping Margaret's legacy alive.
Why Was Princess Margaret Seen as Controversial?
Princess Margaret's life was filled with drama and intrigue. Her relationship with Peter Townsend became a major media sensation, and the public was heartbroken when they couldn't marry due to societal and religious restrictions. Years later, her divorce from Antony brought negative attention to both Margaret and the royal family. She is often credited with paving the way for greater acceptance of divorce within the monarchy. Reports suggest that Margaret had numerous affairs during her marriage and later claimed romantic connections with famous figures like Mick Jagger and Warren Beatty. Known for her extravagant fashion sense and extravagant lifestyle, Margaret was also a heavy smoker and drinker from a young age. Despite the controversies, her life remains a captivating chapter in royal history.
