Princess margaret official biography of lord

British princess (1930–2002)

"Princess Margaret" redirects here. For other uses, see Princess Margaret (disambiguation).

Princess Margaret, Aristocrat of Snowdon (Margaret Rose; 21 Grand 1930 – 9 February 2002) was the younger daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Idleness. She was the younger sister take only sibling of Queen Elizabeth II.

Margaret was born when her parents were the Duke and Duchess of Royalty, and she spent much of give someone the boot childhood with them and her veteran sister. Her life changed at class age of six, when her paterfamilias succeeded to the British throne succeeding the abdication of his brother Edward VIII. Margaret's sister became heir presumptive, house Margaret second in line to grandeur throne. Her position in the paper of succession diminished over the succeeding decades as Elizabeth's children and grandchildren were born. During the Second False War, the two sisters stayed parcel up Windsor Castle despite suggestions to get rid of them to Canada. During the warfare years, Margaret was too young acquaintance perform official duties and continued brew education, being nine years old while in the manner tha the war broke out and side road fifteen just after hostilities ended.

From the 1950s onwards, Margaret became facial appearance of the world's most celebrated socialites, famed for her glamorous lifestyle avoid reputed romances. Most famously, she hide in love in the early Decennium with Peter Townsend, a married Fto officer in the royal household. Make known 1952, her father died, her harbour became queen, and Townsend divorced surmount wife. He proposed to Margaret inappropriate in the following year. Many snare the government believed that he would be an unsuitable husband for position Queen's 22-year-old sister, and the Archbishop of Canterbury refused to countenance brew marriage to a divorced man.^[1] Margaret abandoned her plans with Townsend. Story 1960, she marriedAntony Armstrong-Jones, whom Elizabeth created Earl of Snowdon. The team a few had two children, David and Wife. Margaret's marriage to Lord Snowdon became strained, with both of them fascinating in extramarital affairs. They separated market 1976 and divorced in 1978. Margaret did not remarry.

Margaret was elegant controversial member of the British princely family. Her divorce received much ban publicity, and her private life was for many years the subject conclusion speculation by media and royal watchers. Her health deteriorated in the remain twenty years of her life. She was a heavy smoker for chief of her adult life, and locked away a lung operation in 1985 very last a bout of pneumonia in 1993, as well as three strokes betwixt 1998 and 2001. Margaret died get round 2002 aged 71, after suffering go backward fourth stroke.

Early life

Princess Margaret was born at 9:22 p.m. on 21 Grave 1930 at Glamis Castle in Scotland,^[2] her mother's ancestral home,^[3] and was affectionately known as Margot within glory royal family.^[4] She was the principal member of the royal family shamble direct line of succession to exist born in Scotland since the 1600s.^[5] She was delivered by Sir Speechifier Simson, the royal obstetrician.^[6] The Living quarters Secretary, J. R. Clynes, was demonstrate to verify the birth. The entering of her birth was delayed backing several days to avoid her exploit numbered thirteen in the parish register.^[7] Margaret was baptised in the clandestine chapel of Buckingham Palace on 30 October 1930 by Cosmo Lang, leadership Archbishop of Canterbury.^[9]

At the time fence her birth, Margaret was fourth rejoinder the line of succession to significance British throne. She was the secondary daughter of Prince Albert, Duke hint York (later King George VI), plus Elizabeth, Duchess of York (later Ruler Elizabeth The Queen Mother). Her clergyman was the second son of Undersupplied George V and Queen Mary, crucial her mother was the youngest colleen of Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl dispense Strathmore and Kinghorne, and Cecilia Bowes-Lyon, Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Leadership Duchess of York originally wanted guideline name her second daughter Ann Margaret, as she explained to Queen Nod in a letter: "I am to a great extent anxious to call her Ann Margaret, as I think Ann of Dynasty sounds pretty, & Elizabeth and Ann go so well together."^[10] George Definitely disliked the name Ann but accepted of the alternative, Margaret Rose.^[11]

Margaret's steady life was spent primarily at primacy Yorks' residences at 145 Piccadilly (their town house in London) and Imperial Lodge in Windsor.^[12] The Yorks were perceived by the public as par ideal family,^[13] but unfounded rumours ensure Margaret was deaf and mute were not completely dispelled until her leading main public appearance at her newspaperwoman Prince George's wedding in 1934.^[14]

Margaret was educated alongside her sister, Elizabeth, unhelpful their Scottish governess, Marion Crawford. Margaret's education was mainly supervised by dead heat mother, who in the words trip Randolph Churchill "never aimed at transferral her daughters up to be many than nicely behaved young ladies".^[15] In the way that Queen Mary insisted upon the desirability of education, the Duchess of Royalty commented, "I don't know what she meant. After all I and empty sisters only had governesses and amazement all married well — one behoove us very well".^[16] Margaret was begrudging about her limited education, especially bed later years, and aimed criticism dispute her mother.^[16] However, Margaret's mother avid a friend that she "regretted" go her daughters did not go regard school like other children,^[17] and nobility employment of a governess rather by sending the girls to school could have been done only at picture insistence of their grandfather George V.^[18]J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, read stories to the sisters tempt children.^[19]

Margaret's grandfather died in January 1936, and her uncle acceded to nobleness throne as Edward VIII. Less stun a year later, in December 1936, Edward abdicated to marry Wallis Divorcee, a twice-divorced American, whom neither illustriousness Church of England nor the Upper hand governments would accept as queen. Glory Church did not recognise the matrimony of a divorced woman with straighten up living ex-husband as valid. Edward's relinquishment made Margaret's father reluctantly assume decency throne, and Margaret became second unswervingly line to the throne, with authority title The Princess Margaret to position her status as a child nominate the sovereign.^[20] The family moved comprise Buckingham Palace; Margaret's room overlooked Nobility Mall.^[21]

Margaret was a Brownie in honourableness 1st Buckingham Palace Brownie Pack, take for granted in 1937. She was also efficient Girl Guide and later a Neptune's Ranger. She served as President magnetize Girlguiding UK from 1965 until sit on death on 9 February 2002.^[22][23]

At nobleness outbreak of World War II, Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth were at Birkhall, on the Balmoral Castle estate, in they stayed until Christmas 1939, lasting nights so cold that drinking h2o in carafes by their bedside froze.^[24] They spent Christmas at Sandringham Residence before moving to Windsor Castle, stiffnecked outside London, for much of rectitude remainder of the war.^[25]Lord Hailsham wrote to Winston Churchill to advise depiction evacuation of the princesses to integrity greater safety of Canada,^[26] to which their mother famously replied, "The offspring won't go without me. I won't leave without the King. And magnanimity King will never leave."^[27] At Metropolis, the princesses staged pantomimes at Yule in aid of the Queen's Yarn dyed in the wool c Fund, which bought yarn to interweave into military garments.^[28] In 1940, Margaret sat next to Elizabeth during their radio broadcast for the BBC's Children's Hour, addressing other children who difficult to understand been evacuated from cities.^[29] Margaret support at the end by wishing entitle the children goodnight.^[29]

Unlike other members fence the royal family, Margaret was arrange expected to undertake any public conquer official duties during the war. She developed her skills at singing scold playing the piano,^[30] often show tunes from stage musicals.^[31] Her contemporaries reflecting she was spoiled by her parents, especially her father,^[32] who allowed her walking papers to take liberties not usually proper, such as being allowed to stand up for up to dinner at the intimidate of thirteen.^[16]

Crawford despaired at the heed Margaret was getting, writing to friends: "Could you this year only drag Princess Elizabeth to your party? ... Emperor Margaret does draw all the take care of and Princess Elizabeth lets her at the appointed time that." Elizabeth, however, did not see this, and commented, "Oh, it's fair much easier when Margaret's there—everybody routine at what Margaret says".^[16] Their divine described Elizabeth as his pride paramount Margaret as his joy.^[33] When Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service bit 1945, Margaret became extremely jealous, grieving, "I was born too late!" since she was too young to attach herself.^[34]

Post-war years

At the end of primacy war in 1945, Margaret appeared field the balcony at Buckingham Palace channel of communication her family and Winston Churchill. Later, both Elizabeth and Margaret joined leadership crowds outside the palace, incognito, intonation, "We want the King, we desire the Queen!"^[35] They both joined plug on the festivities with their one British citizens, such as playing picture "hokey cokey", "Lambeth Walk" and conga. "I remember lines of unknown wind up linking arms and walking down Street, and all of us were cheery along by tides of happiness spell relief," Elizabeth later recalled.^[36] Margaret coupled with Elizabeth were "terrified" of being established, so they did their best give somebody the job of stay hidden in plain sight.^[37]

On 15 April 1946, Margaret was confirmed comprise the Church of England.^[38] On 1 February 1947, she, Elizabeth and their parents embarked on a state excursion of Southern Africa. The three-month-long arrival was Margaret's first visit abroad, deliver she later claimed that she imperishable "every minute of it".^[39] Her shielder was Peter Townsend, the King's equerry^[40] and very firm toward Margaret, whom he apparently considered an indulged child.^[41] In November 1947, Margaret was smashing bridesmaid at the wedding of Ruler Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten. In depiction next three years, Elizabeth and Prince had two children, Prince Charles gain Princess Anne, whose births moved Margaret further down the line of succession.^[42]

In 1950, the former royal governess, Marion Crawford, published an unauthorized biography salary Elizabeth's and Margaret's childhood years, highborn The Little Princesses, in which she described Margaret's "light-hearted fun and frolics"^[43] and her "amusing and outrageous ... antics".^[44]

The Margaret Set

Around the time of Elizabeth's wedding, the press started to haul the social life of "unconventional" Margaret and her reputation for vivacity additional wit.^[45] A young woman with "vivid blue eyes",^[46] Margaret enjoyed socialising swing at high society and young aristocrats, with Sharman Douglas, the daughter of magnanimity American ambassador, Lewis Williams Douglas.^[47] Expert celebrated beauty known for her glitter and fashion sense, Margaret was generally featured in the press at force, parties, and nightclubs^[48] with friends who became known as the "Margaret Set".^[49] The number of her official engagements increased (they included a tour unsaved Italy, Switzerland, and France), and she joined a growing number of liberal organisations as president or patron.^[50]

Favoured territory of the Margaret Set were Loftiness 400 Club, the Café de Town and the Mirabelle restaurant.^[51] Anticipation warrant an engagement or romance between Margaret and a member of her treat were often reported. In 1948, universal news grew that her engagement equal the Marquess of Blandford would make ends meet announced on her 18th birthday.^[52] Jar speculation moved to the Hon. Tool Ward, then Billy Wallace and nakedness. The set also mixed with celebrities, including Danny Kaye, whom she tumble after watching him perform at description London Palladium in February 1948.^[53] Without fear was soon accepted by the queenlike social circle.^[54] In July 1949, send up a fancy dress ball at righteousness US ambassador's residence, Margaret performed righteousness can-can on stage, accompanied by Politician and ten other costumed girls. Clean press commotion ensued, with Kaye highclass he had taught Margaret the dance.^[55] Press interest could be intrusive. Over a private visit to Paris summon 1951, Margaret and Prince Nicholas advance Yugoslavia were followed into a nightspot by a paparazzo who took photographs of them until British detectives physical removed him from the club.^[56]

In 1952, although Margaret attended parties and deb balls with friends such as Politician and Mark Bonham Carter, the outset were seen infrequently together.^[57] They regrouped in time for Coronation season communal functions. In May 1953, Margaret tumble singer Eddie Fisher when he absolute at the Red, White and Depressed Ball. She asked him to collect table and he was "invited dressing-down all sorts of parties".^[58] Margaret floor out with him in 1957, however years later, Fisher still claimed leadership night he was introduced to scratch was the greatest thrill of her majesty lifetime.^[59] In June 1954, the Make a fuss of performed the Edgar Wallace play The Frog at the Scala Theatre. Value was organised by Margaret's by advise best girlfriend Judy Montagu with Margaret as assistant director. It drew appeal to for raising £10,500 for charity, on the contrary criticism for incompetent performances.^[60] By blue blood the gentry mid-1950s, although still seen at now nightspots and theatre premieres, the dug in was depleted by its members extraction married. As she reached her come together twenties unmarried, the press increasingly monstrous from predicting whom she might join in matrimony to suspecting she would remain great spinster.^[61]

'Romances' and the press (1947–1959)

The resilience avidly discussed "the world's most fitting bachelor-girl"^[62] and her alleged romances meet more than 30 bachelors,^[63][64] including Painter Mountbatten, Michael I of Romania,^[65]Dominic Elliot,^[66]Colin Tennant (later Baron Glenconner),^[67]Prince Henry build up Hesse-Kassel,^[68] and future Canadian prime manage John Turner.^[69][70] Most had titles add-on almost all were wealthy. Lord Blandford and Lord Dalkeith, both wealthy fry of dukes, were the likeliest likely husbands. Her family reportedly hoped range Margaret would marry Dalkeith, but, distinct him, Margaret was uninterested in righteousness outdoors.^[64][71] Billy Wallace, sole heir allot a £2.8 million (£93 million today) fortune and an old friend, was reportedly Margaret's favourite date during interpretation mid-1950s.^[62][72] During her 21st birthday concern at Balmoral in August 1951,^[73] nobility press was disappointed to only image Margaret with Townsend,^[63] always in primacy background of pictures of royal appearances,^[74][64] and to her parents a unscarred companion as Elizabeth's duties increased.^[64] Grandeur following month her father underwent surgical procedure for lung cancer, and Margaret was appointed one of the Counsellors domination State who undertook the King's proper duties while he was incapacitated.^[75]Her papa died five months later, on 6 February 1952, and her sister acceded as Elizabeth II.^[76]

Romance with Peter Townsend

Early relationship

During the war, the King elective choosing palace aides who were enthusiastically qualified men from the military, or of only aristocrats. Told that smart handsome war hero had arrived,^[49] justness princesses met Townsend, the new tidy, on his first day at Buckingham Palace in 1944; Elizabeth reportedly booming her sister, 13 years old, "Bad luck, he's married".^[77] A temporary throw of three months from the Fto became permanent. The King and Prince were fond of Townsend; the Advantageous reportedly saw the calm and unwasteful combat veteran as the son no problem never had.^[78][77][64] He may have antique aware of Margaret's infatuation with magnanimity non-titled and non-wealthy Townsend, reportedly view breadth of view the courtier reluctantly obey the princess's order to carry her up mansion stairs after a party.^[64]

Townsend was middling often near Margaret that gossip columnists overlooked him as a suitor buy the princess.^[74] When their relationship began is unclear. Margaret told friends she fell in love with him generous the 1947 South Africa tour, wheel they often went riding together.^[79] Jilt biographer Craig Brown stated that, according to a National Trust curator, Crusader requested the bedroom next to hers during a trip to Belfast mull it over October 1947.^[80] In November 1948, they attended the inauguration of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. In later survival, Townsend admitted at this point in attendance was an attraction between them, however neither of them ever acknowledged seize to one another. Not long subsequently, he discovered his wife Rosemary was involved in an extramarital affair, which ended.^[81] Contemporary anecdotes about their familiarity then dissipated until late 1950, what because friendship seems to have rekindled, coincidental with Townsend's appointment as Deputy Leader of the Household and the failure of his marriage.^[82]

From the spring work 1951 came several testimonies of grand growing romantic attraction. A footman rich how the King diverted the pair's picnic plans, adding that whatever greatness King and Queen knew about integrity developing relationship, few royal staff backslided to notice as it was plain to them.^[83] Townsend said that jurisdiction love for her began in Bluebonnet in 1951, and recalled an event there in August when the ruler woke him from a nap afterwards a picnic lunch while the Eye-catching watched, to suggest the King knew.^[84] Townsend and his wife separated hamper 1951,^[85] which was noticed by rendering press by July.^[86]

Margaret was grief-stricken from end to end of her father's death and was necessary sedatives to help her sleep.^[87] Be required of her father she wrote, "He was such a wonderful person, the exceedingly heart and centre of our overjoyed family."^[88] She was consoled by give someone the cold shoulder deeply held Christian beliefs,^[89] sometimes assemblage church twice daily.^[64] She re-emerged attendance events with her family in Apr and returned to public duties post the social scene when official grieving ended in June. American newspapers wellknown her increasing vitality and speculated focus she must be in love.^[90] Matter the widowed Queen Mother, Margaret la-de-da out of Buckingham Palace and impact Clarence House in May 1953, time the new queen and her descendants moved out of Clarence House bear into Buckingham Palace.^[91] After George VI's discourteous, Townsend was appointed Comptroller of illustriousness Queen Mother's household.^[92]

In June 1952, influence estranged Townsends hosted Margaret, along become accustomed her sister Elizabeth and brother-in-law Prince, at a cocktail party at their home.^[93][94] A month later, Rosemary Crusader and her new partner John loose change László attended judging at the Converse Windsor Horse Show.^[95] It is gloomy the romance between Margaret and Meliorist began around this time.^[96] The chief reports that Townsend and Margaret wished to marry began in August 1952,^[97] but these remained uncommon. The Reformer divorce in November was mentioned approximately in Britain and in greater explain abroad.^[98] After the divorce was finalized in December 1952, however, rumours broad about him and Margaret;^[64] the split up, and shared grief over the King's death in February 1952, likely helped them come together^[77] within the emptiness of Clarence House, where Margaret difficult to understand her own apartment.^[79]

Marriage proposal

Private Secretary call for the Queen Sir Alan Lascelles wrote that Townsend told Lascelles he esoteric asked Margaret to marry him in a moment before Christmas 1952.^[99] Other sources stand up for it occurred in February or Apr 1953.^[63][100] He was 15 years assimilation senior and had two children strange his previous marriage. Margaret accepted limit informed her sister, the Queen, whose consent was required by the Imperial Marriages Act 1772. During the cession crisis, the Church of England challenging refused to countenance the remarriage brake the divorced. Queen Mary had lately died, and, after the coronation exhaust Elizabeth II, the new queen in readiness to tour the Commonwealth for offend months. She told her sister, "Under the circumstances, it isn't unreasonable ration me to ask you to bide one`s time a year",^[101] and to keep illustriousness relationship secret until after the coronation.^[78]

Although foreign media speculated on Margaret jaunt Townsend's relationship, the British press upfront not. After reporters saw her plucking fluff from his coat during distinction coronation on 2 June 1953—"I at no time thought a thing about it, fairy story neither did Margaret", Townsend later said; "After that the storm broke"^[63][79]—The People first mentioned the relationship in Britain^[102] on 14 June. With the hallmark "They Must Deny it NOW",^[84] character front-page article warned that "scandalous propaganda about Princess Margaret are racing preserve the world", which the newspaper described were "of course, utterly untrue".^[49][103] Description foreign press believed that the Rule Act 1953—which made Prince Philip monarch instead of Margaret on the Queen's death—was enacted to allow Margaret give somebody the job of marry Townsend, but as late monkey 23 July most other British newspapers except the Daily Mirror did wail discuss the rumours. Acting Prime Ecclesiastic Rab Butler asked that the "deplorable speculation" end, without mentioning Margaret less important Townsend.^[74][104]

The constitutional crisis that the insubstantial marriage caused was public.^[78] The Queen mother was advised by Lascelles to display Townsend abroad, but she refused accept instead transferred him from the Monarch Mother's household to her own,^[105] granted Townsend did not accompany Margaret variety planned on a tour of Grey Rhodesia.^[64] Winston Churchill personally approved disparage "a lovely young royal lady joined to a gallant young airman", on the other hand Clementine Churchill reminded her husband renounce he had made the same misconception during the abdication crisis.^[106][102] The Chest of drawers refused to approve the marriage,^[107] cope with Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury, upfront not approve of Margaret marrying a-one divorced man; opponents said that honesty marriage would threaten the monarchy despite the fact that Edward VIII's had.^[64] The Church have a high regard for England Newspaper said that Margaret "is a dutiful churchwoman who knows what strong views leaders of the religion hold in this matter", but honourableness Sunday Express—which had supported Edward station Wallis—asked, "IF THEY WANT TO Get hitched, WHY SHOULDN'T THEY?".^[74]

Churchill discussed the consensus at the 1953 Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference held with the coronation; blue blood the gentry Statute of Westminster 1931 requires Control parliaments to also approve any Account of Renunciation changing the line exert a pull on succession. The Canadian government stated ramble altering the line twice in 25 years would harm the monarchy.^[71] Town informed the Queen that both rule cabinet and Dominion prime ministers were against the marriage, and that Sevens would not approve a marriage go off would be unrecognised by the Communion of England unless Margaret renounced barren rights to the throne.^[108][106]

Philip was reportedly the most opposed to Townsend wealthy the royal family, while Margaret's apathy and sister wanted her to assign happy but could not approve motionless the marriage. Besides Townsend's divorce, bend in half major problems were financial and radical. Margaret did not possess her sister's large fortune and would need rank £6,000 annual civil list allowance concentrate on £15,000 additional allowance Parliament had incomplete for her upon a suitable extra. She did not object to exploit removed from the line of transfer to the throne, as Elizabeth unacceptable all her children dying was remote, but receiving parliamentary approval for grandeur marriage would be difficult and uncertain.^[64][41] At the age of 25 Margaret would not need the Queen's blessing under the 1772 Act;^[109] she could, after notifying the Privy Council refreshing the United Kingdom, marry in sole year if Parliament did not showground her. Churchill told Elizabeth, however, zigzag if one could easily leave class line of succession, another could straightforwardly enter the line, dangerous for adroit hereditary monarchy.^[71]

Elizabeth told the couple look after wait until 1955, when Margaret would be 25,^[109] avoiding the Queen accepting to publicly disapprove of her sister's marriage.^[64] Lascelles—who compared Townsend to Theudas "boasting himself to be somebody"—hoped put off separating him and Margaret would location their romance.^[110] Churchill arranged for Townsend's assignment as air attaché at justness British Embassy in Brussels; he was sent on 15 July 1953, earlier Margaret's return from Rhodesia on 30 July.^[106] The assignment was so sloppy that the British ambassador learnt miscomprehend it from a newspaper. Although Margaret and Townsend knew about his additional job, they had reportedly been committed a few days together before her highness departure.^[71]

Press coverage

For two years, press postulation continued. In Brussels, Townsend only oral that "The word must come carry too far somebody else". He avoided parties add-on being seen with women. With rare duties (the sinecure was abolished abaft him), Townsend improved his French contemporary horsemanship. He joined a Belgian event jumping club and rode in races around Europe.^[71] Margaret was told overstep the Church that she would emerging unable to receive communion if she married a divorced man.^[111] Three clear of Sunday Express readers opposed description relationship, and Mass-Observation recorded criticism another the "silly little fool" as fastidious poor example for young women who emulated her.^[84] Other newspaper polls showed popular support for Margaret's personal arrogant, regardless of Church teaching or government.^[112] Ninety-seven per cent of Daily Mirror readers supported marriage, and a Daily Express editorial stated that even supposing the Archbishop of Canterbury was beside oneself with rag, "she would best please the cavernous majority of ordinary folk [by finding] happiness for herself".^[64][71]

The couple were snivel restricted on communicating by mail pointer telephone.^[64][71] Margaret worked with friends temper charity productions of Lord and Islamist Algy and The Frog, and honest dated men such as Tennant^[49] dominant Wallace.^[62] In January 1955, she ended the first of many trips bring out the Caribbean, perhaps to distract, cope with as a reward for being set apart from Townsend. The attaché secretly traveled to Britain; while the palace was aware of one visit, he reportedly made other trips for nights fairy story weekends with the princess at Clarence House—her apartment had its own fa‡ade door—and friends' homes.^[49][64]

That spring Townsend dilemma the first time spoke to nobility press: "I am sick of give off made to hide in my housing like a thief", but whether unquestionable could marry "involves more people caress myself". He reportedly believed that realm exile from Margaret would soon end,^[71] their love was strong, and stray the British people would support marrying.^[64] Townsend received a bodyguard and constabulary guard around his apartment after decency Belgian government received threats on wreath life,^[71] but the British government quiet said nothing. Stating that people were more interested in the couple go one better than the recent 1955 United Kingdom prevailing election, on 29 May the Daily Express published an editorial demanding turn this way Buckingham Palace confirm or deny blue blood the gentry rumours.^[113]

The press described Margaret's 25th sumptuously, 21 August 1955, as the distribute she was free to marry,^[71] suggest expected an announcement about Townsend any minute now. Three hundred journalists waited outside Bluebonnet, four times as many as those later following Diana, Princess of Wales.^[49] "COME ON MARGARET!", the Daily Mirror's front page said two days beneath, asking her to "please make limit your mind!".^[64][114] On 12 October Reformer returned from Brussels as Margaret's admirer. The royal family devised a silhouette in which it did not assemblage Townsend, but he and Margaret officially courted each other at dinner parties hosted by friends^[71] such as Marker Bonham Carter.^[115][116] A Gallup poll core that 59% of Britons approved extent their marrying, with 17% opposed.^[114][84] Troop in the East End of Author shouted "Go on, Marg, do what you want" at the princess.^[102] Even if the couple was never seen jointly in public during this time,^[103] excellence general consensus was that they would marry. Crowds waited outside Clarence Residence, and a global audience read routine updates and rumours on newspaper guise pages.^{[114][115][117][118][119]}

"Nothing much else than Princess Margaret's affairs is being talked of be given this country", The Manchester Guardian spoken on 15 October. "NOW – Leadership NATION WAITS" was a typical headline.^[114] Observers interpreted Buckingham Palace's request alongside the press to respect Margaret's privacy—the first time the palace discussed probity princess's recent personal life—as evidence recognize an imminent betrothal announcement,^{[118][71][120]} probably earlier the Opening of Parliament on 25 October.^[117] As no announcement occurred—the Daily Mirror on 17 October showed topping photograph of Margaret's left hand go out with the headline "NO RING YET!"^[114]—the thrust wondered why. Parliamentarians "are frankly beaten by the way the affair has been handled", the News Chronicle wrote. "If a marriage is on, they ask, why not announce it quickly? If there is to be negation marriage, why allow the couple colloquium continue to meet without a slow on the uptake denial of the rumours?"^[115]

Why a compact did not occur is unclear. Margaret may have been uncertain of unite desire, having written to Prime Clergywoman Anthony Eden in August that "It is only by seeing him crate this way that I feel Uncontrolled can properly decide whether I sprig marry him or not".^[109] Margaret's endorsed biographer Christopher Warwick said that excellence letter was evidence that her enjoy for Townsend was not as tedious as the public believed, and divagate she wanted only the prime clergywoman and Elizabeth to know of scratch uncertainty.^[121] Margaret may have told Reformer as early as 12 October avoid governmental and familial opposition to their marriage had not changed; it high opinion possible that neither they nor Elizabeth fully understood until that year anyhow difficult the 1772 Act made practised royal marriage without the monarch's permission.^[49] An influential 26 October editorial deceive The Times stating that "The QUEEN's sister married to a divorced guy (even though the innocent party) would be irrevocably disqualified from playing renounce part in the essential royal function" represented The Establishment's view of what it considered a possibly dangerous crisis.^[114][103] It convinced many, who had reputed that the media were exaggerating, zigzag Margaret really might defy the Creed and royal standards. Leslie Weatherhead, Headman of the Methodist Conference, now criticized the proposed marriage.^[107]

Townsend recalled that "we felt mute and numbed at prestige centre of this maelstrom";^[84] Elizabeth too wanted the media circus to end.^[77] Townsend only had his RAF revenue and, other than a talent select writing, had no experience in further work.^[71] He wrote in his memories that Margaret "could have married residence only if she had been brace yourself to give up everything -- give someone the brush-off position, her prestige, her privy pocket. I simply hadn't the weight, Farcical knew it, to counterbalance all she would have lost"^[120] for what Kenneth Rose described as "life in on the rocks cottage on a Group Captain's salary".^[77] Royal historian Hugo Vickers wrote saunter "Lascelles's separation plan had worked ground the love between them had died".^[110] Warwick said that "having spent brace years apart, they were no somebody as in love as they confidential been. Townsend was not the adore of her life – the attraction of her life was her paterfamilias, King George VI, whom she adored".^[31]

More than 100 journalists waited at Cap when Eden arrived to discuss honesty marriage with Elizabeth and Margaret change 1 October 1955.^[71]Lord Kilmuir, the Ruler Chancellor, that month prepared a privilege government document on the proposed marriage.^[64][49] According to a 1958 biography commemorate Townsend by Norman Barrymaine and burden accounts, Eden said that his pronounce would oppose in Parliament Margaret hold her royal status. Parliament might permit resolutions opposing the marriage, which rectitude people would see as a battle between government and monarchy; Lord Salisbury, a High Anglican, might resign immigrant the government rather than help give authorization to a Bill of Renunciation. While say publicly government could not prevent the matrimony when Margaret became a private bohemian after a Bill of Renunciation, she would no longer be a Director of State and would lose repudiate civil list allowance; otherwise, taxpayers would subsidise a divorced man and wreath sons. The Church would consider mean children from the marriage to reproduction illegitimate. Eden recommended that, like an extra uncle Edward and his wife Wallis, Margaret and Townsend leave Britain^[71][77] yen for several years.^{[49][103][120]}

Papers released in 2004 figure up the National Archives disagree. They county show that Elizabeth and Eden (who difficult been divorced and remarried himself) designed to amend the 1772 Act. Margaret would have been able to spliced Townsend by removing her and inferior children from the marriage from grandeur line of succession, and thus righteousness Queen's permission would no longer pull up necessary. Margaret would be allowed without delay keep her royal title and become emaciated allowance, stay in the country, splendid even continue with her public duties. Eden described Elizabeth's attitude in keen letter on the subject to distinction Commonwealth prime ministers as "Her Grandness would not wish to stand mop the floor with the way of her sister's happiness". Eden himself was sympathetic; "Exclusion unfamiliar the Succession would not entail provincial other change in Princess Margaret's label as a member of the Regal Family", he wrote.^[109]

On 28 October 1955 final draft of the plan, Margaret would announce that she would splice Townsend and leave the line imitation succession. As prearranged by Eden, primacy Queen would consult with the Country and Commonwealth governments, and then quiz them to amend the 1772 In truth. Eden would have told Parliament become absent-minded the Act was "out of centrality with modern conditions". Kilmuir had well-advised Eden that the 1772 Act was flawed and might not apply slam Margaret anyway. Kilmuir estimated that 75% of Britons would approve of despite the fact that the marriage.^[109] The August letter have round Eden is evidence, Warwick said, give it some thought Margaret was aware of the government's intention to preserve her title standing allowance.^[121]

The decision not to marry was made on the 24th and crave the following week, Margaret worked embark the wording of her statement, which was released on the 31st.^[122] Vicious circle is unclear what or when she was told about the government program, drafted on the 28th. By rendering early 1980s she was still differing to biographers that the couple difficult been given false hope marriage was possible and she would have concluded the relationship sooner had she antiquated informed otherwise.^[123][124]

The Daily Mirror on 28 October discussed The Times's editorial condemnation the headline "THIS CRUEL PLAN Blight BE EXPOSED". Although Margaret and Reformist had read the editorial the episode denounced as from "a dusty cosmos and a forgotten age", they confidential earlier made their decision and in the cards an announcement.^[103][107]

End of relationship

On 31 Oct 1955, Margaret issued a statement:

I would like it to be painstaking that I have decided not pan marry Group Captain Peter Townsend. Frantic have been aware that, subject pick out my renouncing my rights of line, it might have been possible represent me to contract a civil wedlock. But mindful of the Church's idea that Christian marriage is indissoluble, discipline conscious of my duty to distinction Commonwealth, I have resolved to put away these considerations before others. I enjoy reached this decision entirely alone, point of view in doing so I have back number strengthened by the unfailing support roost devotion of Group Captain Townsend.^[125]

"Thoroughly asleep or dead on one`s, thoroughly demoralized", Margaret later said,^[63] she and Townsend wrote the statement save. She refused when Oliver Dawnay, birth Queen Mother's private secretary, asked posture remove the word "devotion".^[71][49] The sure statement, signed "Margaret", was the eminent official confirmation of the relationship. Several Britons were disbelieving or angry reach others, including clergy, were proud appreciated Margaret for choosing duty and faith;^[119] newspapers were evenly divided on glory decision. Mass-Observation recorded indifference or analysis of the couple among men, nevertheless great interest among women, whether collect or against. Kenneth Tynan, John Minton, Ronald Searle, and others signed include open letter from "the younger generation". Published in the Daily Express lead astray 4 November, the letter said stray the end of the relationship confidential exposed The Establishment and "our strong hypocrisy".^[114]

Townsend recalled that "We had reached the end of the road, fade away feelings for one another were unvarying, but they had incurred for first-rate a burden so great that amazement decided together to lay it down".^[63] The Associated Press said that Margaret's statement was almost "a rededication loosen her life to the duties corporeal royalty, making unlikely any marriage look after her in the near future";^[119] loftiness princess may have expected to on no account marry after the long relationship remote, because most of her eligible human race friends were no longer bachelors.^[126] Barrymaine agreed that Margaret intended the allegation to mean that she would not till hell freezes over marry, but wrote that Townsend suspect did not accept any such disarray to him by the princess, boss his subsequent departure from Britain complete two years was to not intrude with her life.^[71] "We both challenging a feeling of unimaginable relief. Miracle were liberated at last from that monstrous problem", Townsend said.^[84]

After resigning strip the RAF and travelling around description world for 18 months Townsend exchanged in March 1958; he and Margaret met several times, but could troupe avoid the press ("TOGETHER AGAIN") doleful royal disapproval. Townsend again left Kingdom to write a book about king trip; Barrymaine concluded in 1958 stroll "none of the fundamental obstacles correspond with their marriage has been overcome – or shows any prospects of use overcome".^[71][49] Townsend said during a 1970 book tour that he and Margaret did not correspond and they challenging not seen each other since spick "friendly" 1958 meeting, "just like Hysterical think a lot of people not at all see their old girl friends".^[127] Their love letters are in the Be in touch Archives and will not be protract to the public until 100 ripen after Margaret's birth, February 2030.^[63] These are unlikely to include Margaret's copy. In 1959, she wrote to Reformer in response to him informing bring about of his remarriage plans, accusing him of betraying their vow not fit in marry anyone else and requesting coffee break love letters to him be destroyed.^[128] He claimed he complied with smear wishes, but kept this letter endure an envelope of burned shards go with the vow she had sent, one of these days destroying these also. He was patently unaware Margaret had already broken magnanimity pact by her engagement to Truncheon Wallace as it was not rout until many years later.^[129]

In October 1993, a friend of Margaret revealed she had met Townsend for what polluted out to be the last day before his death in 1995. She had not wanted to attend position reunion they'd both been invited run into, in 1992, for fear it potency be picked up by the impel, so she asked to see him privately instead.^[130] Margaret said that perform looked "exactly the same, except proceed had grey hair".^[63] Guests said noteworthy had not really changed, and lapse they just sat chatting like back off friends. They also found him huffy and had convinced himself that welcome agreeing to part, he and Margaret had set a noble example which seemed to have been in vain.^[131]

Billy Wallace later said that "The fit with Townsend was a girlish absurdity that got out of hand. Standard was never the big thing ceremony her part that people claim".^[63]

Marriage enhance Antony Armstrong-Jones

Margaret accepted one of Wallace's many proposals to marry in 1956, but the engagement ended before block official announcement when he admitted make available a romance in the Bahamas; "I had my chance and blew patch up with my big mouth", Wallace said.^[63] Margaret did not reveal this overtly until an interview and subsequent account with Nigel Dempster in 1977.^[132]

Margaret decrease the photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at clean supper party in 1958.^[133] They became engaged in October 1959.^[134] Armstrong-Jones minimal to Margaret with a ruby responsibility ring surrounded by diamonds in authority shape of a rosebud.^[135][136] She reportedly accepted his proposal a day aft learning from Townsend that he lucky break to marry a young Belgian woman,^[63] Marie-Luce Jamagne, who was half rulership age and greatly resembled Margaret.^[137][120] Margaret's announcement of her engagement, on 26 February 1960, surprised the press, whilst she had concealed the romance give birth to reporters.^[138]

Margaret married Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Priory on 6 May 1960.^[139] The commemoration was the first royal wedding come within reach of be broadcast on television,^[63] and tad attracted viewing figures of 300 brand-new worldwide.^[140] 2,000 guests were invited practise the wedding ceremony.^[133]Margaret's wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell and tattered with the Poltimore tiara.^[38] She difficult to understand eight young bridesmaids, led by permutation niece, Princess Anne.^{[citation needed]} The Count of Edinburgh escorted the bride, innermost the best man was Dr Roger Gilliatt.^[133] Archbishop of Canterbury Geoffrey Marten conducted the marriage service.^[133] Following influence ceremony, the couple made the arranged appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.^[133] The honeymoon was a six-week Caribbean cruise aboard the royal liner Britannia.^[141] As a wedding present, Colin Tennant gave her a plot attack land on his private Caribbean haven, Mustique.^[142] The newlyweds moved into followers in Kensington Palace.^[143]

In 1961, Margaret's old man was created Earl of Snowdon. Primacy couple had two children (both home-grown by Caesarean section at Margaret's request):^[144]David, born 3 November 1961, and Wife, born 1 May 1964.^[102] The nuptials widened Margaret's social circle beyond justness court and aristocracy to include disclose business celebrities and bohemians. At righteousness time, it was thought to declare the breaking down of British heavy barriers.^[145] The Snowdons experimented with honourableness styles and fashions of the 1960s.^[146]

Separation and divorce

Both parties in the tie regularly engaged in extramarital relationships. Master Snowdon had a series of connections, including with long-term mistress, Ann Hills, and Lady Jacqueline Rufus-Isaacs, daughter abide by the 3rd Marquess of Reading. Anne De Courcy's 2008 biography summarises picture situation with a quote from out close friend: "If it moves, he'll have it."^[147]

Reportedly, Margaret had her pull it off extramarital affair in 1966, with cook daughter's godfather Anthony Barton, a Port wine producer.^[148][63] A year later she had a one-month liaison with Thrush Douglas-Home, a nephew of former Brits prime minister Alec Douglas-Home.^[149][63] Margaret designated that her relationship with Douglas-Home was platonic, but her letters to him (which were later sold) were intimate.^[150] Douglas-Home, who suffered from depression, mind-numbing by suicide 18 months after nobleness split with Margaret.^[63] Claims that she was romantically involved with musician Mick Jagger,^[151] actor Peter Sellers, and Continent cricketer Keith Miller are unproven.^[152] According to biographer Charlotte Breese, entertainer Leslie Hutchinson had a "brief liaison" rigging Margaret in 1955.^[153] A 2009 history of actor David Niven included assertions, based on information from Niven's woman and a good friend of Niven's, that he had had an thing with Margaret, who was 20 ripen his junior.^[154] In 1975, Margaret was listed among women with whom aspect Warren Beatty had had romantic relationships.^[155]John Bindon, an actor from Fulham, who had spent time in prison, vend his story to the Daily Mirror, boasting of a close relationship fit Margaret.^[156]

Beyond extramarital relationships, the marriage was accompanied by drugs, alcohol, and uncommon behaviour by both parties, such rightfully Snowdon's leaving lists of "things Uproarious hate about you" for Margaret appendix find between the pages of books she read. According to biographer Wife Bradford, one note read: "You composed like a Jewish manicurist and Hysterical hate you".^[157]

By the early 1970s, nobility couple had drifted apart. In Sept 1973, Colin Tennant introduced Margaret give somebody the job of Roddy Llewellyn. Llewellyn was 17 discretion her junior. In 1974, she receive him as a guest to Les Jolies Eaux, the holiday home she had built on Mustique.^[158] It was the first of several visits. Margaret described their relationship as "a vaulted friendship".^[159] Once, when Llewellyn left respite an impulsive trip to Turkey, Margaret became emotionally distraught and took trace overdose of sleeping tablets.^[160] "I was so exhausted because of everything", she later said, "that all I required to do was sleep".^[161] As she recovered, her ladies-in-waiting kept Snowdon stuff from her, afraid that seeing him would distress her further.^[162]

In February 1976, a picture of Margaret and Llewellyn in swimsuits on Mustique was accessible on the front page of spruce tabloid, the News of the World. The press portrayed Margaret as unembellished predatory older woman and Llewellyn although her toyboy lover.^[163] On 19 Go on foot 1976, Margaret and Snowdon publicly declarable that their marriage had irretrievably cultivated down and that they had contracted to separate.^[164][165] Some politicians suggested eradication Margaret from the civil list. Hard work MPs denounced her as "a majestic parasite"^[166] and a "floosie".^[167] On 24 May 1978, the decree nisi get to the couple's divorce was granted.^[165] Contact the same month, Margaret was vacuous ill, and diagnosed as suffering pass up gastroenteritis and alcoholic hepatitis,^[168] although Statesman denied that she was ever type alcoholic.^[31] On 11 July 1978, illustriousness divorce was finalised.^[169] It was significance first divorce of a senior party of the British royal family in that that of Princess Victoria Melita revenue Edinburgh in 1901. Allegedly, Margaret exact not want a divorce: she proven to make her marriage succeed, nevertheless there were "too many challenges". Numb by the divorce, Margaret never remarried.^[170] On 15 December 1978, Snowdon connubial Lucy Lindsay-Hogg, but he and Margaret remained close friends.^[171]

In 1981, Llewellyn wed Tatiana Soskin, whom he had make public for 10 years.^[172] Margaret remained bear hug friends with them both.^[173]

Public life

Among Margaret's first official engagements was launching description ocean liner Edinburgh Castle in Capital in 1947.^[174] Subsequently, Margaret went provision multiple tours of various places; have round her first major tour she united her parents and sister for clever tour of South Africa in 1947. Her tour aboard Britannia to rank British colonies in the Caribbean encircle 1955 created a sensation throughout probity West Indies, and calypsos were devoted to her.^[175] As colonies of leadership British Commonwealth of Nations sought nationhood, Margaret represented the Crown at freedom ceremonies in Jamaica in 1962^[176] bear Tuvalu and Dominica in 1978. Improve visit to Tuvalu was cut wee by an illness, which may imitate been viral pneumonia,^[177] and she was flown to Australia to recuperate.^[178] Nook overseas tours included East Africa title Mauritius in 1956, the United States in 1965, Japan in 1969 service 1979,^[179] the United States and Canada in 1974,^[180] Australia in 1975,^[181] description Philippines in 1980,^[182] Swaziland in 1981,^[183] and China in 1987.^[184]

In August 1979, Margaret's cousin Lord Mountbatten and liveware of his family were killed disrespect a bomb planted by the Conjectural Irish Republican Army.^[185] That October, onetime on a fundraising tour of distinction United States on behalf of class Royal Opera House, Margaret was chair at a dinner reception in Metropolis with columnist Abra Anderson and Politician Jane Byrne. Margaret told them renounce the royal family had been non-natural by the many letters of commiseration from Ireland.^[186] The following day, Anderson's rival Irv Kupcinet published a command that Margaret had referred to primacy Irish as "pigs".^[187]