Who Did Princess Margaret Marry

The Enigmatic Heart of a Princess: Unpacking the Marriage of Princess Margaret

We all love a good royal romance, don't we? The fairy-tale weddings, the glittering tiaras, the whispered scandals… but sometimes, the most captivating stories aren't the ones that follow the script. Princess Margaret's love life, for instance, was a whirlwind of passion, heartbreak, and ultimately, a marriage that captivated and confounded in equal measure. So, who did Princess Margaret marry, and what can her story tell us about duty, desire, and the constraints of royal life? Let's delve in.

The Man Who Almost Was: Group Captain Peter Townsend

Before we discuss the marriage that did happen, we must acknowledge the one that didn't. Peter Townsend, a dashing RAF Group Captain and a family friend, captured Margaret’s heart in the aftermath of the Second World War. Their connection was intense, a passionate love affair that defied the rigid conventions of the British monarchy. Their relationship wasn't just a matter of affection; it was a powerful, undeniable chemistry, documented in countless photographs and personal letters. The problem? Townsend was divorced.

The Church of England, and by extension, the Establishment, wouldn't countenance a marriage to a divorced man, especially for a princess destined to be a prominent figure in the royal family. The pressure on Margaret was immense. She was torn between her love for Townsend and her responsibilities to the crown. The media frenzy surrounding their relationship was relentless, portraying the situation as a battle between love and duty – a drama played out on the global stage. Ultimately, in a heartbreaking decision, Margaret chose duty, a choice that cast a long shadow over her future. This episode highlights the immense pressures placed upon royals to prioritize the stability of the monarchy above personal happiness, a theme that resonates throughout Margaret’s life.

The Marriage: Antony Armstrong-Jones, the Earl of Snowdon

Five years after the Townsend heartbreak, Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a celebrated photographer known for his innovative and often provocative style. This union, announced with much fanfare in 1960, seemed to offer a fresh start. Armstrong-Jones, a commoner elevated to the peerage, represented a certain rebellion against tradition, mirroring perhaps Margaret’s own yearning for independence. The wedding, televised to millions, was a spectacular event, further solidifying the couple's status as iconic figures of the era.

Their early years were filled with a glamorous social life, reflected in Cecil Beaton's iconic photographs. They were considered the stylish, rebellious pair of the royal family, embracing modern art, fashion, and a certain level of bohemian flair. The birth of their children, David and Sarah, seemed to further cement their happiness. However, cracks began to appear. The marriage, initially portrayed as a modern fairy tale, became increasingly strained. The intense media scrutiny, coupled with differing personalities and ambitions, took its toll.

A Tumultuous Union and its Aftermath

The relationship between Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon was far from a smooth sailing. Their contrasting personalities – he, the independent artist; she, the princess bound by tradition – created tension. Both had extramarital affairs, and the constant media intrusion only exacerbated the existing problems. Their divorce in 1978 was a significant event, representing a major shift in the perception of the royal family. It demonstrated that even within the hallowed halls of royalty, marriage was not immune to the complexities and challenges faced by ordinary couples. The divorce, however, was handled with an unexpected level of dignity and privacy compared to the Townsend saga. This reflects a change in the times and the evolving approach to handling royal family matters.

Beyond the Headlines: A Legacy of Complexity

Princess Margaret’s marriage, while ultimately unsuccessful, serves as a compelling case study in the interplay between personal desires and societal expectations, particularly within the confines of a royal family. Her story remains a poignant reminder that even those seemingly privileged by birth are not immune to the complexities and heartaches of human relationships. She embodied both the glamour and the struggles of her era, leaving behind a legacy that is both fascinating and deeply human.

Expert-Level FAQs:

1. How did the Church of England's stance on divorce affect Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend? The Church's unwavering opposition to marriage with a divorced person, coupled with the pressure from the monarchy to maintain public image and stability, made it virtually impossible for Margaret to marry Townsend without significant repercussions for the royal family.

2. What were the key personality differences between Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon that contributed to their marital breakdown? Margaret craved stability and tradition despite her rebellious streak, whereas Snowdon was an independent artist who disliked the constraints of royal life and the intense media scrutiny. These fundamental differences in lifestyle preferences and expectations created continuous tension.

3. How did the media's portrayal of Princess Margaret's relationships influence public perception? The media played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, often fueling the narrative of a tragic love story in the case of Peter Townsend and highlighting the flaws and marital difficulties in her later marriage.

4. What impact did Princess Margaret's divorce have on the British monarchy? Her divorce marked a significant shift in the perception of the royal family, demonstrating that even within the monarchy, relationships could fail, and that royals were not immune to the complexities of modern life. It paved the way for a more open and accepting view of divorce within the royal family.

5. How did Princess Margaret's later life reflect her experiences with both relationships? While she remained publicly dignified, her later years suggest a certain quiet melancholy, hinting at the lasting impact of her failed relationships and the weight of societal expectations.

In conclusion, understanding who Princess Margaret married requires more than simply stating a name. It necessitates exploring the broader context of her life, the societal pressures, and the personal sacrifices she made. Her story offers a fascinating and complex glimpse into the human drama playing out behind the glittering façade of royalty, reminding us that even princesses grapple with love, loss, and the search for happiness.

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Wedding of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones The wedding of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones took place on Friday, 6 May 1960 at Westminster Abbey in London. [1] Princess Margaret was the younger sister of Queen …

Princess Margaret - The Royal Family In February 1960, Queen Elizabeth II announced her consent to the engagement of The Princess Margaret to Mr Antony Armstrong-Jones, and they were married in Westminster Abbey on 6 …

Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones's Marriage Timeline - Brides 28 Sep 2022 · Princess Margaret wed photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. The couple welcomed two children together: Viscount David Linley and Lady Sarah.

Who Did Princess Margaret Marry, and How Long Did They 11 Mar 2021 · Who did Princess Margaret marry? Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at the Westminster Abbey on May 6, 1960. Read on for more.

Princess Margaret | Biography, Love Life, Wedding, & Facts 26 Apr 2025 · Although Townsend and Margaret wished to marry, the fact that he was divorced made the marriage unsuitable, and Margaret gained worldwide sympathy in 1955 when she …

Princess Margaret - Children, Husband & Death - Biography 2 Apr 2014 · Princess Margaret eventually struck up a relationship with photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, who was appointed 1st Earl of Snowdon following their marriage in May …

A Timeline of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon's Marriage 23 Nov 2019 · After two years of separation and 18 years of marriage, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon formally announced their divorce on May 10, 1978. It was the first divorce for a …

Princess Margaret: When did Princess Margaret get married? 4 Jan 2021 · Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 1960, and thousands lined the streets of London to catch a glimpse of the Princess on her …

Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon - Wikipedia Most famously, she fell in love in the early 1950s with Peter Townsend, a married RAF officer in the royal household. In 1952, her father died, her sister became queen, and Townsend …

The Queen's "rebel sister": 13 facts about Princess Margaret 22 Jan 2020 · Princess Margaret did not remarry following her divorce, but she had a number of well-publicised relationships and affairs. “Some of her subsequent lovers were almost beyond …

Who Did Princess Margaret Marry

The Enigmatic Heart of a Princess: Unpacking the Marriage of Princess Margaret

The Man Who Almost Was: Group Captain Peter Townsend

The Marriage: Antony Armstrong-Jones, the Earl of Snowdon

A Tumultuous Union and its Aftermath

Beyond the Headlines: A Legacy of Complexity

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