The dashing photographer quickly swept the … Britain's Princess Margaret was beautiful, charming and had the world at her feet, but she never had an easy time in her love life. After 18 years, their volatile marriage eventually ends a divorce in 1978. Princess Margaret and Roddy Llewellyn were together for several years while Princess Margaret was married, and after she got divorced. On the day of the princess’ funeral, other members of the royal family properly bowed their heads as her coffin passed — except Margaret. Here's what the royals are up to now. Margaret first falls in love with him as a teenager and it develops into talks of marriage by her early 20s. 10/3, by Monica Sisavat Margaret said yes, but they continued to keep their romance quiet. They went on to have two children, with Armstrong-Jones becoming Lord Snowdon so the children would have titles. ", Photo: © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images. Soon news of the romantic relationship between the princess and the royal equerry was public — which only brought more attention to the barriers their romance faced. He was a commoner who had to work for a living. © 2021 Biography and the Biography logo are registered trademarks of A&E Television Networks, LLC. Antony (now Lord Snowdon) leads a scandalous life outside of their marriage that consisted of several love affairs. Princess Margaret was previously married to Antony Armstrong-Jones Snowdon (1960 - 1978). In 1976, Margaret and Llewellyn were photographed together on Mustique. The Crown also eludes to the fact that he has an illegitimate child with Camilla Fry. Often bossy and difficult, Queen Elizabeth's younger sister loved to have a good time – at the expense of others. Princess Margaret and Antony married at the Westminster Abbey on May 6, 1960, in what became the first-ever televised royal wedding. Image: Getty. Antony Armstrong-Jones, Princess Margaret had two children, David and Sarah. And Snowdon did tire of royal life, abandoning his role as royal consort to pursue career opportunities. Follow @ShagTree. ", After marrying on May 6, 1960, Margaret and her husband were initially very happy. Brown claimed Margaret never forgave Diana, even in death. He won't be prepared to play second fiddle to anyone. Princess Margaret's former lady-in-waiting penned a memoir sharing some of the secrets she learned during her 30 years of service to the royal family. Their admittance to Royal Earlswood was likely not a direct reaction to the then queen consort’s sudden change in status but a thought-out choice. Princess Margaret was a royal rebel who followed a different path in life than her sister, who ascended the throne. Two years later, at a private dinner party in Chelsea, Princess Margaret met her husband-to-be, Antony Armstrong-Jones. On her coast-to-coast visit of the United States, Queen Elizabeth II’s younger sister made an impression with Hollywood elites and Washington D.C. leaders like Lyndon B. Johnson. Margaret never did get her fairytale ending. 3 weeks ago, by Mekishana Pierre READ MORE: Princess Margaret: What Really Happened on Her 1965 Tour of the United States. Iconic royal biographer Andrew Morton unpacks the devoted but also stormy relationship between Queen Elizabeth and her younger sister, Princess Margaret. Margaret’s relationship with Llewellyn continued for a few more years, despite the wishes of her sister, Queen Elizabeth II. Because of the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, Margaret needed the queen's permission to marry. By then, she was 25 and no longer needed the queen's permission to marry. Controversial Romance. The Crown Paints a Sad Picture of Margaret’s Love Life, But Is It True? She was kept from marrying her first love and though initially happy when she wed another man, that relationship soon turned sour. But at least her romantic lows made it easier for other members of the royal family to find love themselves. For years, conventional wisdom held that Margaret had been pressured by the church, the government, and the palace to make this decision. Townsend was married, but later divorced his wife and proposed to the princess. READ MORE: Why Princess Margaret Was the Worst Party Guest. Margaret's first love may also have played a role in her engagement. Margaret and Llewellyn fell in love soon after they met in Scotland. Image: Getty. The princess accepted this and even congratulated the couple. In 2004 through a DNA test, this was actually confirmed. Margaret and her fiancé shared an interest in the arts, music and clothes. Although in The Crown, this love affair is common knowledge, in real life, the love birds actually kept their relationship well-hidden throughout Margaret's teenage years. He never publicly confirmed his sexuality, but did once state, "I didn't fall in love with boys, but a few men have been in love with me. Margaret's liaison with Llewellyn ended in 1981, as he'd fallen in love with and wanted to marry someone else. Given that public opinion was overwhelmingly in favor of letting Margaret marry, the plan was a smart move. He died three years later; a statement said Margaret was "saddened by the news.". Her first attempt at romance after Townsend was with a man named Billy Wallace. This love affair was shut down by her sister the Queen, leaving Princess Margaret devastated. A search for companionship ended up exposing her to condemnation. Royal relationship: Margaret is said to have been one of the first members to welcome Diana (Image: GETTY) Her tragic tale begins in season one, when Margaret gets involved in a whirlwind romance with a man 16 years her senior, Peter Townsend, who at the time is a married man. Princess Margaret Early Years. In the end, though their relationship was often complicated (as any sibling relationship can be), Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret still adored and … Townsend, a hero in World War II, was a commoner, 16 years older than the princess, and he'd been divorced. During her romance with Antony, she learns about Peter Townsend's engagement. (Sport & General Press Agency Limited) When Margaret died, … Relationships. The Princess can never seem to find true happiness as her love life takes one hit after the next. It finally seemed like Margaret would get the happily ever after she deserved. On March 19, 1976, it was announced: "HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, and the Earl of Snowdon have mutually agreed to live apart. In a way, he introduced me to a new world.". At Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, Princess Margaret was spotted intimately interacting with Group Captain Peter Townsend. Princess Margaret on her wedding day in 1960 | Credit: Central Press/Getty Images Following the end of their engagement in 1955, Peter went … The brokenhearted 25-year-old then made a promise to Peter that she will never marry. 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Princess Margaret, then 29, married Anthony Armstrong-Jones on May 6, 1960 at Westminster Abbey in London (an event covered in Season 2 of The Crown). Margaret continues to struggle to find her place is season two, and there's a lot of truth to this heartbreaking storyline. Soon news of … Unlike in The Crown, the Princess was determined to show that she was over Peter and warned Antony not to ask her to marry him in retaliation. Although Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth were two different people, they always seemingly remained close. And though Camilla Parker-Bowles and Meghan Markle were divorcées themselves, they were each able to marry their respective royal mates. Princess Margaret. While he and Margaret were on their honeymoon, the wife of a friend, Camilla Fry, gave birth to his child (Margaret apparently never knew about this; paternity was only confirmed by a DNA test taken decades later). But the engagement was short-lived — Margaret ended it after Wallace told her he'd had a fling while vacationing in the Bahamas. Queen Elizabeth II's younger sister led a charmed life as a member of the British royal family but was unlucky in love. But Elizabeth and her advisors didn't want to sanction a marriage between a divorced man and a member of the royal family. The Princess gave them her blessing, wishing them well, and remaining friends with the couple for years. Full Name: Margaret Rose Windsor: Age: 71 (8/21/1930 - … 08/3. In 2019, Princess Margaret and Tony are back in the spotlight thanks to the release of season 3 of Netflix’s The Crown, which offers one take on their relationship … He was also unfaithful to his second wife: In 1997, his longtime affair with one journalist was revealed after her suicide and in 1998, another paramour gave birth to his son. So why didn't Margaret wed Townsend? He would leave her malicious notes, such as one titled: "Twenty-four reasons why I hate you." Margaret ended up finding lovers of her own. Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret attended the Girl Guides Rally at Hyde Park, May 10, 1946. HOME TOP-10 DIRECTORY PROFILE 1+1 VS. SIX-DEGREES Click to read comments. 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. Among her other rumored romantic partners were Mick Jagger and Peter Sellers. Before her reunion with him, she'd written to Prime Minister Eden to say she needed to see Townsend before she could decide whether or not to marry him. 3 weeks ago, by Kelsey Garcia Speculation about her various suitors continued until February 1960, when Margaret again stunned the world by announcing her engagement to photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones. Princess Margaret was in relationships with Norman Lonsdale (1983 - 1996), Roddy Llewellyn (1973 - 1981), Peter Sellers (1967 - 1969), David Niven (1956 - 1957) and Peter Townsend (1949 - 1956). Her public statement said in part: "I would like it to be known that I have decided not to marry Group Captain Townsend. The other is British royalty. Margaret would later say, "He was such a nice person in those days. Aside from her toxic marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones, Lord Snowdon, Princess Margaret embarked on a number of affairs of the heart – including one with a gardener named Roddy Llewellyn, who was almost two decades her junior. Snowdon married a pregnant Lucy Lindsay-Hogg in December 1978. In 1956 Princess Margaret agrees to marry him, just like it appears on The Crown. 3 days ago, by Yerin Kim Princess Diana was initially welcomed by Princess Margaret into the Royal Family, but their relationship turned sour after her separation from Princes Charles In May 1978, Margaret filed for a divorce, which was granted in July. One was thrust into a life of duty, forced to give up her own wants and needs for the sake of her kingdom. The queen wanted Margaret to end things with Llewellyn, but the princess felt he was a source of love and support she couldn't do without. Though from different worlds, their lives have been intertwined for decades. She'd supposedly been threatened with the loss of her title, her place in the line of succession, and her royal income, and would have had to live outside England should she marry Townsend. While Margaret could be imperious, having been raised to expect deference, Snowdon became cruel and mocking towards her. Fans of the royals get to see their relationship dramatized in season 3 of Netflix's The Crown with Helena Bonham Carter as Margaret and Harry Treadaway as Llewellyn. While Margaret and Llewellyn met in 1973, their relationship wasn't made public until the couple was photographed by paparazzi together while on holiday on the island of … 1 week ago, by Nikita Charuza I have reached this decision entirely alone…", Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend leaving Windsor Castle in April 1952. A prime example of this is the burgeoning relationship between the Queen’s younger sister, Princess Margaret (portrayed by Vanessa Kirby), and Peter … by Nikita Charuza Margaret actually broke the engagement off because of an affair Billy had on a trip to the Bahamas. However, in real life their engagement did not end in a drunken duel like in the series. Two years later, at a private dinner party in Chelsea, Princess Margaret met her husband-to-be, Antony Armstrong-Jones. But thanks to what she lived through, it was easier for Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew to divorce. "Princess Margaret came to [Diana's] rescue, suggesting to the queen that Diana was having difficulties adjusting to her role and that she should cut her some slack," Morton said. One week after the Prince is born, Margaret and Antony were free to officially announce their marriage. And they had sexual chemistry — the princess would sometimes visit him in an out-of-the-way rented room where they could be alone. Margaret invited Peter Townsend to lunch with her — and others — at Kensington Palace in the summer of 1992, when she was 61 and he 77. By Christmas that year, Antony proposed to Margaret with a ruby ring surrounded by diamonds, which is very similar to the ring in the show. She reportedly later explained, "I received a letter from Peter in the morning and that evening I decided to marry Tony. He also had affairs. Though Margaret's later years included many friends and companions, she reportedly often felt lonely. Armstrong-Jones had never been married, but otherwise was a surprising choice for the conservative establishment to accept as a spouse for the princess. One was Robin Douglas-Home, who, after facing other setbacks, committed suicide 18 months after their liaison had ended. He will have to walk two steps behind his wife, and I fear for his future." PRINCESS MARGARET's relationship with the Queen has similarities to Prince Harry and Prince William's as both represent 'the heir and the spare', a royal expert has said. While Princess Margaret was in love, Llewellyn faced some rocky moments in his assimilation to the royal relationship. Christopher Warwick on The Cut. But in 2004, documents in the National Archives showed that the government of Prime Minister Anthony Eden (a divorcé himself) had a plan to smooth the way for Margaret's marriage: She would have had to give up her place in the line of succession for herself and her children, but would otherwise have kept her status, and income, as a royal. In fact, he hadn't been faithful from the start. Hopefully, today's royal family appreciates how Margaret helped pave the way for their romantic happiness. Princess Margaret Rose Windsor (1930–2002), Countess of Snowdon and the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was arguably one of the most popular royals in modern history. At the time, the Church of England didn't recognize divorce, and the queen was head of the church. Before her untimely death in 1997, the People's Princess was determined to forge her own path. This made her the first member of the royal family to divorce since Henry VIII in 1533. Known for her indulgences, the royal battled various health issues throughout her life. In 1959, Margaret receives a letter from her ex-lover, revealing that he is now engaged to a 19-year-old named Marie-Luce Jamagne. In October 1959, she learned Townsend was marrying someone else. She was still expected to marry — as were most women at the time — and considered him "somebody one at least liked." When Margaret was 26, she became engaged to a wealthy member of her social circle, Billy Wallace. He understood my job and pushed me to do things. View ShagTree to see all hookups. Princess Margaret and Princess Diana, whose relationship Andrew Morton chronicles in his new book, pictured together at Victoria Station in 1990. Season 3 of The Crown charts the dramatic demise of the relationship between Princess Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter) and Antony Armstrong … Ultimately though, when their romance was revealed, it was deemed inappropriate. Lord Snowdon's 1969 affair with Lady Jacqueline Rufus-Isaacs, the daughter of the 3rd Marquess of Reading and a regular in the royals' party scene, reportedly upset Princess Margaret greatly, sparking their 1976 separation. To separate him from Margaret, Townsend was sent abroad as an air attaché. ", Tony Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret on their wedding day, May 6, 1960, Photo: Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images, But Margaret's family wanted her to be happy, and they'd all been charmed by Armstrong-Jones. 1 week ago, by Kelsie Gibson Unfortunately, just like in the series, that's not how her storyline played out. The royal couple's love story had a romantic beginning but their relationship was rattled by her early ascension to the throne five years into their marriage. Tony's a far too independent sort of fellow to be subjected to discipline. Princess Margaret and her husband had two children: David Armstrong-Jones, the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Chatto. Throughout The Crown, we've seen Princess Margaret try to navigate her way out of her sister's shadow. The dashing photographer quickly swept the Princess off her feet and soon they were in love. During their time together, she occasionally visited him while he was living on a commune, and he made numerous trips to her home on the Caribbean island of Mustique. Dating / relationship history for Princess Margaret. When the princess met Roddy Llewellyn, they unexpectedly hit it off, and he provided her with something she hadn’t had: affection and, from her point of view, love. But at the end of the month, Margaret abandoned the relationship. Although Queen Elizabeth II consents to the marriage, it's true, she did ask Margaret to delay the announcement of her engagement until after Prince Andrew was born. During her marriage to Lord Snowdon, a.k.a. One is an American political dynasty. While Margaret was criticized for having a "Toy Boy" lover (though the age difference was about the same as the one between her and Townsend), Snowdon received public sympathy, with scant attention paid to his own philandering. While married to Lord Snowdon (Anthony Armstrong-Jones), Princess Margaret began an affair with a 25-year-old gardener named Roddy Llewellyn. When Townsend and Margaret's relationship began is unclear. Although the relationship was first opposed by the courtiers — Antony didn't hail from an aristocratic family — it did help the Princess regain … Ahead of season four of The Crown, which returns to Netflix on November 15, 2020, viewers saw snippets of Margaret's children in … Marriage and Scandal. Their affair not only became the center of attention, but it also gave Snowdon the opportunity to move out of Kensington Palace. No votes. From historical figures to present-day celebrities, Sara Kettler loves to write about people who've led fascinating lives. The California band was often known more for their conflicts than their hit songs. Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were as different as two sisters can be. Princess Margaret's relationship with Princess Diana turned sour Anwar Hussein/Getty Images Princess Margaret stood up for Princess Diana to Queen Elizabeth, with Morton noting in the excerpt of his book published by Town & Country that she told her Diana was "having difficulties adjusting to her role and that she should cut her some slack." Her new husband also helped Margaret enjoy and be a part of 1960s culture. Criticism of Margaret included calls in Parliament for her royal allowance to be cut off. She's a glamorous and passionate socialite who racks up a series of disastrous relationships throughout her life. While in a relationship with Roddy, Margaret overdosed on sleeping pills on one occasion, which some biographers described as a suicide attempt. Perhaps the two years she'd spent apart from Townsend had raised enough doubts that she didn't want to marry him after all. Image Source: Getty / Hulton-Deutsch Collection / CORBIS. Then, in September 1973, she was introduced to a younger man who would contribute to the final collapse of her marriage: Roddy Llewellyn. He was also rumored to be bisexual. It was no coincidence. In the end, whatever the cause, she opted not to become his wife. As a now-divorced man, Peter was not recognised by the church as a suitable husband. Ahead of her portrayal by Helena Bonham Carter in season three of The Crown, historian Dominic Sandbrook explores Margaret's relationships over the … She stayed in the relationship even as Llewellyn decided he wanted to become a rock singer, which brought more negative attention Margaret's way (his LP, Roddy, would be a flop). Following the war, Margaret appeared in the public eye more frequently. He and Margaret had been friends for years before his impromptu proposal, and she believed it was better to marry "somebody one at least liked." The princess said that she fell in love with the equerry during the 1947 South Africa tour, where they often went riding together. Margaret and Townsend, who'd stayed in touch while he was abroad, were reunited in October 1955. However, in 1981 Roddy married Tatiana Soskin, and his relationship with Margaret came to an end. His departure was scheduled so he would be gone by the time Margaret returned from a tour of Rhodesia. They were with another couple, but the photo was cropped so Margaret and Llewellyn — both in swimsuits —appeared to be alone. Here's a look at some of the key players in the British monarchy — and which ones are closest to wearing the crown themselves. At Queen Elizabeth II 's coronation in 1953, Princess Margaret was spotted intimately interacting with Group Captain Peter Townsend. discuss. Before Margaret's wedding, her husband-to-be's father said, "It will never work out. 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. Her sister Elizabeth was healthy and already had two children who'd joined the line of succession ahead of Margaret, so giving up a claim to the throne seemed minimal (though Margaret did embrace all aspects of her preeminent royal status).