35 Facts About Princess Margaret

Early Life and Family

Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, led a fascinating life filled with glamour, controversy, and dedication to royal duties. Here are some intriguing facts about her early years and family background.

1. Born on August 21, 1930, at Glamis Castle in Scotland, Princess Margaret was the first royal baby born in Scotland in over 300 years.
2. Her full name was Margaret Rose Windsor, and she was affectionately known as "Margot" by her family.
3. Princess Margaret was the second daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, making her fourth in line to the throne at birth.
4. She was christened in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace on October 30, 1930.
5. Margaret and her sister, Elizabeth, were educated at home under the supervision of their mother and their governess, Marion Crawford.

Royal Duties and Public Life

Despite being the younger sister, Princess Margaret took on numerous royal duties and was a prominent public figure. Here are some notable aspects of her public life.

6. Margaret carried out her first solo public engagement at the age of 17, opening a new wing of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.
7. She became the first member of the British royal family to visit the United States in an official capacity in 1965.
8. Princess Margaret was the president of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) for over 40 years.
9. She was also a patron of the Royal Ballet, reflecting her lifelong love of the arts.
10. Margaret represented the Queen at the independence celebrations of Jamaica in 1962 and Tuvalu in 1978.

Personal Life and Relationships

Princess Margaret's personal life was often the subject of public scrutiny and media attention. Here are some key facts about her relationships and personal experiences.

11. Margaret fell in love with Group Captain Peter Townsend, a divorced man, which caused a scandal in the 1950s.
12. She eventually married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a photographer, on May 6, 1960, becoming the first royal to wed a commoner in over 400 years.
13. The couple had two children, David, born in 1961, and Sarah, born in 1964.
14. Margaret and Antony were given the titles of Earl and Countess of Snowdon upon their marriage.
15. The marriage ended in divorce in 1978, making Margaret the first senior royal to divorce since Henry VIII.

Health and Later Years

Princess Margaret faced numerous health challenges throughout her life, particularly in her later years. Here are some facts about her health and final years.

16. She was a heavy smoker for most of her life, which contributed to her health problems.
17. In 1985, Margaret had part of her left lung removed due to a suspected cancerous growth.
18. She suffered a mild stroke in 1998, followed by a more severe one in 2001.
19. Margaret also experienced vision loss in her left eye and partial paralysis on her left side.
20. She passed away on February 9, 2002, at the age of 71, following another stroke.

Legacy and Influence

Princess Margaret's legacy extends beyond her royal duties and personal life. Her influence can be seen in various aspects of culture and society. Here are some facts about her lasting impact.

21. Margaret was known for her impeccable fashion sense, often setting trends and influencing royal and public fashion.
22. She was a muse for several artists, including Cecil Beaton and Lord Snowdon, her husband.
23. Princess Margaret's life has been depicted in various films and television series, most notably in the Netflix series "The Crown."
24. She was known for her sharp wit and sense of humor, often making headlines with her candid remarks.
25. Margaret's dedication to charity work and the arts left a lasting impact on numerous organizations and institutions.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond her official duties and personal life, Princess Margaret had many interesting quirks and hobbies. Here are some lesser-known facts about her.

26. Margaret was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the piano at private gatherings.
27. She was a fan of jazz music and often attended jazz concerts.
28. Princess Margaret was known for her love of parties and social gatherings, earning her the nickname "Party Princess."
29. She had a close friendship with Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones.
30. Margaret was an avid reader and had a vast collection of books in her personal library.

Controversies and Scandals

Princess Margaret's life was not without its share of controversies and scandals. Here are some notable incidents that made headlines.

31. Her relationship with Peter Townsend caused a constitutional crisis, as the Church of England did not permit remarriage after divorce.
32. Margaret was often criticized for her extravagant lifestyle and spending habits.
33. She was rumored to have had several high-profile affairs, including with actor Peter Sellers and musician Robin Douglas-Home.
34. In 1976, photographs of Margaret with a younger man, Roddy Llewellyn, were published, causing a media frenzy.
35. Despite the controversies, Margaret remained a beloved figure in the royal family and among the public.

Final Glimpse at Princess Margaret's Life

Princess Margaret's life was a whirlwind of glamour, controversy, and royal duties. From her lavish lifestyle to her complex relationships, she captivated the public eye. Her marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones and subsequent divorce made headlines, reflecting the changing norms of the time. Despite her rebellious streak, she remained a dedicated member of the British Royal Family, often overshadowed by her sister, Queen Elizabeth II.

Margaret's health issues in later years, including lung surgery and strokes, marked a stark contrast to her earlier vibrant persona. Yet, her legacy endures through her charitable work and the cultural impact she left behind. Her life story, filled with highs and lows, continues to fascinate and inspire, offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of royal life.