Tue, Aug 23, 2022
Four years younger than her sister, Elizabeth, Margaret was six years old when her Uncle abdicated the throne, completely unaware that this was about to change her life forever. Tragedy struck in 1952 when King George VI died in his sleep after struggling with lung cancer, which elevated Elizabeth, just 25 at the time, to the throne. Margaret and her father were exceptionally close, and it was believed that she was one of the last people to see him in his final hours. The death of her father pushed her further into the arms of Group Captain Peter Townsend, who consoled her throughout the tragedy. Despite being sixteen years her senior, Peter developed a strong affection for Margaret and subsequently divorced his wife in 1952, with the intention of marrying the Princess. Elizabeth wanted Margaret to be happy, but as Margaret was under the age of 25 at the time, the Queen had to consent to her sisters marriage. Her role as Queen and the Head of the Church of England made this difficult, the marriage would not be approved. Nobody warned the lovers that the public were taking note of their closeness, that just one small display of affection would send the papers into turmoil.
Tue, Aug 23, 2022
After her shocking public announcement that she would not be marrying Peter Townsend, Margaret appeared at more Royal engagements and events, with several different suitors. Eventually, Margaret began secretly seeing photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. Although the press were obsessed with following her and identifying her likely suitors, Antony was completely overlooked. She would visit him in secret at his studios and he would accompany her to events, but Antony was often in the background. Antony Armstrong-Jones was considered a 'commoner', not considered a real prospect for Margaret, which is why their romance went undetected for so long. The announcement of their engagement in February 1960 caught many by surprise. Despite appearing to be happily married, both of the Snowdons engaged in public love affairs. But Margaret was also keeping secrets. In 2002, Margaret's passing came just three days after the 50th anniversary of her father King George VI's death. Princess Margaret was in many ways the quintessential modern royal, caught between tradition, duty, desire and public opinion. She maintained a love for life, not worried about how the tabloids perceived her, as once told French poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau, "Disobedience is my joy".