21 August 2023 , 09:55
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The late Queen's sister Princess Margaret is widely remembered for her glamorous lifestyle and her troubled love life.
The Princess - who passed away in 2002 - was linked to many famous and recognisable names throughout her life, many of whom were deemed inappropriate to mix in royal circles. Her life was one that fascinated the public as it was tainted by scandal and the struggle to find a suitable partner. She was also famed for her love of partying, drinking and smoking - making her a true trailblazer for rebellious royals who came after her.
Princess Margaret Rose of York was born on this day, August 21, 1930 at Glamis Castle in Scotland to the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother). She was the younger sister of Princess Elizabeth who had been born in London a few years before in 1926.
Princess Margaret would have turned 93 today (Getty Images)The Princess's first romantic association was far from being a suitable choice as she fell madly in love with her father's equerry, Group Captain Peter Townsend - a divorced man 16 years older than her. The news of their relationship came when a journalist noticed her pick a piece of lint off of Townsend's uniform at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.
The pair became engaged in April 1953 but the wedding never took place as the remarriage of a divorced person was not in line with the Royal Marriages Act 1772. They dissolved their relationship in 1955 and Margaret released a statement which read: "I would like it to be known that I have decided not to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend. I have been aware that, subject to my renouncing my rights of succession, it might have been possible for me to contract a civil marriage.
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"But mindful of the Church's teachings that Christian marriage is indissoluble, and conscious of my duty to the Commonwealth, I have resolved to put these considerations before others. I have reached this decision entirely alone, and in doing so I have been strengthened by the unfailing support and devotion of Group Captain Townsend."
Margaret with Group Captain Peter Townsend in 1952 (Popperfoto via Getty Images)Princess Margaret was then linked to her friend Billy Wallace and even accepted his proposal but it was never officially announced. The Princess then met society photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1958 and they announced their engagement in 1959. The couple married at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 1960 and the ceremony was watched by 300 million people worldwide.
The new Earl and Countess of Snowdon moved into Kensington Palace and soon welcomed their two children, David, Viscount Linley (now 2nd Earl of Snowdon), who was born on November 3, 1961 and Lady Sarah Chatto completed the family on May 1, 1964.
The couple soon drifted apart and both began numerous extramarital affairs with notable individuals. Princess Margaret is rumoured to have been linked to the likes of Robin Douglas-Home, Mick Jagger, Peter Sellers and Warren Beatty.
Margaret cradles her neworn son with husband Antony Armstrong-Jones and the Queen Mother (AFP via Getty Images)One of the most famous relationships had by Princess Margaret was with Roddy Llewellyn - a man 17 years younger than her who was frequently pictured visiting the princess in Mustique. In 1976, a picture of the pair in swimsuits on the beach was broadcast around the world and there was enormous backlash.
The Princess and Armstrong-Jones acknowledged that their marriage was beyond repair soon after and their divorce was finalised on July 11, 1978. Antony remarried in December of the same year but remained close with Margaret.
The Queen with Princess Margaret in 1979 (Getty Images)The Princess - who had smoked heavily since she was a teenager - suffered from numerous bouts of ill health. On February 9, 2002 Princess Margaret died in London after suffering from another stroke which lead to cardiac problems the day before.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "The Queen, with great sadness, has asked for the following announcement to be made immediately. Her beloved sister, Princess Margaret, died peacefully in her sleep this morning at 6.30am, in The King Edward VII Hospital."
Margaret was one of very few royals to be cremated and her ashes were placed in the Royal Vault of St George's Chapel before being transferred to the King George VI Memorial Chapel where she now rests alongside her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, as well as her beloved sister Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.