Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, had a romantic life that was as eventful as it was tragic. Her most famous relationship was with Group Captain Peter Townsend, a divorced man whom she met in 1944. The couple fell in love, but their relationship was controversial due to Townsend's marital status and the fact that he was 16 years older than Margaret. Despite the obstacles, the couple planned to marry, but they eventually called off the engagement in 1955 under pressure from the British government and the Church of England.
Margaret eventually married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a photographer and filmmaker, in 1960. The couple had two children together, David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Chatto. However, the marriage was unhappy, and the couple divorced in 1978. Margaret never remarried, and she died in 2002 at the age of 71.
Margaret's first love, Peter Townsend, remained a close friend until his death in 1995. In her later years, she became a patron of the arts and a prominent figure in British society. Despite the challenges she faced in her personal life, Margaret remained a popular and beloved figure until her death.
who did princess margaret marry
Princess Margaret's marriages and love life:
- First love: Peter Townsend
- Controversial relationship
- Engagement called off
- Married Antony Armstrong-Jones
- Two children together
- Unhappy marriage
- Divorced in 1978
- Never remarried
Margaret remained a popular and beloved figure despite her personal challenges.
First love: Peter Townsend
Princess Margaret's first love was Peter Townsend, a divorced man whom she met in 1944. Townsend was a Group Captain in the Royal Air Force and had served as equerry to King George VI. He was 16 years older than Margaret, and their relationship was controversial from the start.
- Love and Controversy:
Margaret and Townsend fell in love, but their relationship was complicated by Townsend's marital status and the age difference between them. Townsend had been married twice before, and his first wife was still living when he met Margaret.
- Plans to Marry:
Despite the obstacles, Margaret and Townsend planned to marry. They received permission from the Church of Scotland to marry, but the British government and the Church of England refused to approve the union. The couple eventually called off the engagement in 1955 due to the intense public and media scrutiny.
- Enduring Connection:
Although Margaret and Townsend did not marry, they remained close friends until his death in 1995. Margaret was deeply affected by Townsend's death, and she often spoke about him with great affection.
- Impact on Margaret's Life:
Margaret's relationship with Townsend had a profound impact on her life. It was her first love, and it taught her about love, loss, and the challenges of following one's heart in the face of societal expectations.
Margaret's love for Townsend remained a constant throughout her life, and it shaped her relationships and decisions in the years that followed.
Controversial relationship
Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend was controversial for several reasons:
- Townsend's Marital Status:
Townsend was a divorced man, and his first wife was still living when he met Margaret. Divorce was still relatively uncommon in the 1950s, and it was considered scandalous for a member of the royal family to marry a divorced person.
- Age Difference:
Townsend was 16 years older than Margaret, which was considered a significant age difference at the time. Some people felt that Margaret was too young and inexperienced to make such a重大な決断.
- Public and Media Scrutiny:
The relationship between Margaret and Townsend was highly publicized, and it was subjected to intense scrutiny from the press and the public. The couple was constantly followed by reporters and photographers, and their every move was analyzed and criticized.
- Royal and Government Opposition:
The British government and the Church of England were opposed to the marriage between Margaret and Townsend. The government was concerned about the potential damage to the monarchy's reputation, and the Church refused to approve the union because Townsend had been divorced.
The controversy surrounding Margaret's relationship with Townsend eventually led to the couple calling off their engagement in 1955. However, the relationship had a lasting impact on Margaret's life and her subsequent relationships.
Engagement called off
Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend's engagement was called off in 1955, after intense pressure from the British government and the Church of England. Several factors contributed to this decision:
- Government Opposition:
The British government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Eden, was strongly opposed to the marriage between Margaret and Townsend. The government was concerned about the potential damage to the monarchy's reputation if Margaret married a divorced man.
- Church's Refusal:
The Church of England, of which Margaret was a member, refused to approve the marriage because Townsend had been divorced. The Church considered divorce to be a sin, and it did not allow divorced people to remarry in church.
- Public and Media Pressure:
The relationship between Margaret and Townsend was subjected to intense scrutiny from the press and the public. The couple was constantly followed by reporters and photographers, and their every move was analyzed and criticized. This pressure eventually became too much for the couple to bear.
- Margaret's Decision:
In the end, it was Margaret who made the decision to call off the engagement. She realized that the marriage would be too difficult and controversial, and she did not want to cause further damage to the monarchy or to her own reputation.
The decision to call off the engagement was a difficult one for Margaret, but it was ultimately the right decision. It allowed her to move on with her life and eventually find happiness with another man.
Married Antony Armstrong-Jones
After calling off her engagement to Peter Townsend, Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a photographer and filmmaker, in 1960. The couple had two children together, David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Chatto.
- Antony Armstrong-Jones:
Armstrong-Jones was a successful photographer and filmmaker. He was known for his artistic and experimental approach to photography, and he was a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency. He was also a close friend of Princess Margaret's sister, Queen Elizabeth II.
- Royal Wedding:
Margaret and Armstrong-Jones were married in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The wedding was attended by many members of the royal family and other dignitaries. Margaret wore a beautiful dress designed by Norman Hartnell, and she was given a tiara as a wedding gift from her mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
- Happy Beginnings:
The early years of Margaret and Armstrong-Jones' marriage were happy. The couple had two children together, and they seemed to enjoy each other's company. Margaret was often photographed attending social events with her husband, and they were considered to be a glamorous and fashionable couple.
- Marital Problems:
However, the marriage began to experience problems in the late 1960s. Armstrong-Jones was known for his philandering, and he was often seen in the company of other women. Margaret was also unhappy with her husband's career, which she felt was taking him away from her and their children.
Margaret and Armstrong-Jones eventually divorced in 1978, after 18 years of marriage. The divorce was a difficult time for Margaret, but she eventually moved on and found happiness with other relationships.
Two children together
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones had two children together:
- David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon:
David was born in 1961, and he is the elder of Margaret's two children. He is a furniture maker and interior designer, and he has also worked as a television producer. David is married to Serena Stanhope, and they have two children together.
- Lady Sarah Chatto:
Sarah was born in 1964, and she is Margaret's younger daughter. She is an artist and former actress. Sarah is married to Daniel Chatto, and they have two sons together.
Margaret was a devoted mother, and she adored her children. She was often seen spending time with them, and she took great pride in their accomplishments. Her children have spoken fondly of their mother, and they have said that she was a loving and supportive parent.
Unhappy marriage
Princess Margaret's marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones was unhappy for a number of reasons:
- Armstrong-Jones' Infidelity:
Armstrong-Jones was known for his philandering, and he was often seen in the company of other women. This caused Margaret great pain and humiliation, and it led to frequent arguments and tension between the couple.
- Different Interests and Temperaments:
Margaret and Armstrong-Jones had very different interests and temperaments. Margaret was a social butterfly who loved to attend parties and events, while Armstrong-Jones was more introverted and preferred to spend his time at home or working on his photography. This difference in lifestyle led to a lack of common interests and activities, which further strained their relationship.
- Armstrong-Jones' Career:
Armstrong-Jones' career as a photographer and filmmaker often took him away from home for long periods of time. This put a strain on his relationship with Margaret, who felt neglected and alone. Margaret also resented the fact that Armstrong-Jones' career was more successful than her own.
- Margaret's Health Problems:
Margaret suffered from a number of health problems throughout her life, including depression and alcoholism. These health problems made it difficult for her to cope with the stresses of her marriage, and they further contributed to the couple's unhappiness.
By the late 1960s, Margaret and Armstrong-Jones' marriage was in tatters. The couple eventually divorced in 1978, after 18 years of marriage.
Divorced in 1978
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones divorced in 1978 after 18 years of marriage. The divorce was a difficult time for both Margaret and Armstrong-Jones, and it was widely reported in the media.
There were a number of factors that contributed to the divorce, including Armstrong-Jones' infidelity, the couple's different interests and temperaments, Armstrong-Jones' career, and Margaret's health problems.
The final straw that led to the divorce was Armstrong-Jones' affair with Lady Sarah Spencer, the daughter of the 8th Earl Spencer. Margaret found out about the affair in 1976, and she was devastated. She filed for divorce in 1977, and the divorce was granted in 1978.
Margaret and Armstrong-Jones' divorce was a public and messy affair. The details of the divorce were widely reported in the media, and it caused a great deal of embarrassment for the royal family.
After the divorce, Margaret was given the title of Princess Margaret, and she continued to live in her apartment atKensington Palace. She remained a popular member of the royal family, and she often attended public events and engagements.
Armstrong-Jones married Lady Sarah Spencer in 1978, and they had two children together. He died in 2017 at the age of 86.
Margaret never remarried, and she died in 2002 at the age of 71. She is buried at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore.
Never remarried
Princess Margaret never remarried after her divorce from Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1978. There were a number of reasons why she chose to remain single.
One reason was that Margaret was deeply hurt by her divorce. She felt betrayed and humiliated by Armstrong-Jones' infidelity, and she was not ready to trust anyone else again.
Another reason was that Margaret was a strong and independent woman. She was used to making her own decisions and living her life on her own terms. She did not want to be tied down to another marriage, and she enjoyed the freedom of being single.
Finally, Margaret was aware of the public scrutiny that she would face if she remarried. She knew that her every move would be analyzed and criticized, and she did not want to put herself through that again.
As a result of these factors, Margaret decided to remain single for the rest of her life. She focused on her work, her friends, and her family. She also became a patron of many charities and organizations, and she used her platform to raise awareness for important causes.
Margaret's decision to never remarry was a personal one. She made the choice that was best for her, and she lived a full and happy life.
Margaret died in 2002 at the age of 71. She is remembered as a glamorous and independent woman who lived life on her own terms.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Princess Margaret's marriage:
Question 1: Who was Princess Margaret married to?
Princess Margaret was married to Antony Armstrong-Jones, a photographer and filmmaker.
Question 2: When did Princess Margaret get married?
Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones on May 6, 1960.
Question 3: How many children did Princess Margaret have?
Princess Margaret had two children with Antony Armstrong-Jones: David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Chatto.
Question 4: Why did Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones divorce?
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones divorced in 1978 due to a number of factors, including Armstrong-Jones' infidelity, the couple's different interests and temperaments, Armstrong-Jones' career, and Margaret's health problems.
Question 5: Did Princess Margaret ever remarry after her divorce?
No, Princess Margaret never remarried after her divorce from Antony Armstrong-Jones.
Question 6: Why did Princess Margaret choose to remain single after her divorce?
Princess Margaret chose to remain single after her divorce for a number of reasons, including the pain of her divorce, her independence, and the public scrutiny she would face if she remarried.
Question 7: What did Princess Margaret do after her divorce?
After her divorce, Princess Margaret focused on her work, her friends, and her family. She also became a patron of many charities and organizations, and she used her platform to raise awareness for important causes.
Closing Paragraph: Princess Margaret lived a full and happy life, both as a married woman and as a single woman. She was a strong and independent woman who made her own choices and lived life on her own terms.
Here are some additional tips for learning more about Princess Margaret and her marriage:
Tips
Here are some tips for learning more about Princess Margaret and her marriage:
Tip 1: Read books and articles about Princess Margaret.
There are many books and articles available that provide detailed information about Princess Margaret's life and marriage. Some popular books include "Princess Margaret: A Life of Contrasts" by Theo Aronson and "Margaret: The Last Real Princess" by Anne de Courcy.
Tip 2: Watch documentaries and interviews about Princess Margaret.
There are also a number of documentaries and interviews available that provide insights into Princess Margaret's life and marriage. Some popular documentaries include "Princess Margaret: A Love Story" and "The Real Princess Margaret." Margaret also gave a number of interviews throughout her life, which provide a firsthand account of her experiences.
Tip 3: Visit places associated with Princess Margaret.
There are a number of places associated with Princess Margaret that you can visit, including Kensington Palace, where she lived for many years, and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, where she was married. Visiting these places can help you to learn more about Margaret's life and her marriage.
Tip 4: Talk to people who knew Princess Margaret.
If you have the opportunity, talk to people who knew Princess Margaret. This could include friends, family members, or people who worked with her. These conversations can provide you with unique insights into Margaret's personality and her marriage.
Closing Paragraph: By following these tips, you can learn more about Princess Margaret and her marriage. Margaret was a fascinating and complex woman, and her story is one that is both tragic and inspiring.
In conclusion, Princess Margaret was a remarkable woman who lived a life that was both privileged and challenging. Her marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones was a major event in her life, and it had a profound impact on her both personally and publicly.
Conclusion
Princess Margaret was a remarkable woman who lived a life that was both privileged and challenging. She was the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, and she was born into a life of luxury and privilege. However, Margaret also faced a number of challenges throughout her life, including her struggles with love and marriage.
Margaret's marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones was a major event in her life. The couple had two children together, and they seemed to be happy at first. However, the marriage eventually fell apart due to a number of factors, including Armstrong-Jones' infidelity and the couple's different interests and temperaments. Margaret was devastated by the divorce, and she never remarried.
Despite the challenges she faced in her personal life, Margaret remained a popular and beloved figure. She was known for her glamorous lifestyle and her independent spirit. Margaret also used her platform to raise awareness for important causes, and she was a patron of many charities and organizations.
Margaret died in 2002 at the age of 71. She is remembered as a complex and fascinating woman who lived life on her own terms. She was a strong and independent woman who faced adversity with courage and grace.
Closing Message: Princess Margaret's life is a reminder that even those who are born into privilege and wealth can face challenges and heartbreak. However, Margaret's story is also a reminder that it is possible to overcome adversity and live a full and happy life.