Introduction: Did Princess Margaret marry?
Yes, Princess Margaret did marry. Her notable union was with photographer and filmmaker Antony Armstrong-Jones, whom she wed in 1960 at Westminster Abbey. The marriage linked two prominent families and remained in the public eye through the 1970s, before the couple separated and eventually divorced in 1978. This article outlines Margaret's path to marriage, the ceremony and reception, the context of royal protocol at the time, and her earlier romantic history, drawing on royal records and contemporaneous reporting to present an evergreen, fact-first summary of her marital status.
Background on Princess Margaret
Born in 1930 as the younger daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret remained in the shadow of her elder sister, Queen Elizabeth II, throughout her youth. The postwar era shaped expectations around her role, behavior, and marriage. Royal biographers note that Margaret faced intense scrutiny regarding whom she could marry, including rules around religion, profession, and suitability. Her early relationships, notably with Peter Townsend, shaped much of the public narrative around her romantic life before her eventual marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones.
Relationship with Peter Townsend
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Margaret's relationship with Group Captain Peter Townsend drew widespread attention. Townsend was a divorcé, which conflicted with Church of England rules and official guidance for senior royals at the time. After deliberation and pressure from the government and palace, Margaret chose not to marry Townsend, citing the need to protect her public role and the monarchy's stability. This decision marked a pivotal chapter before her eventual marriage, clarifying the constraints on royal romantic choices in the modern era.
Engagement to Antony Armstrong-Jones
In 1959, the royal household announced Margaret's engagement to Antony Armstrong-Jones, a respected photographer and filmmaker. The engagement was presented as a private choice that aligned with evolving royal norms, since Armstrong-Jones was a commoner without a peerage. Palace officials emphasized that the couple had met through mutual friends and shared cultural interests. The engagement period allowed time for planning a wedding that balanced royal tradition with a more modern, public-facing image for the younger generation of royals.
Details of the Wedding
On 6 May 1960, Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was notable for being the first royal wedding to be televised, marking a significant shift in how the monarchy engaged with the public. The service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, with family, diplomats, and selected guests in attendance. Afterwards, a private reception at Buckingham Palace followed, with carefully managed photographs released to trusted press agencies to shape the public narrative of the day.
Life After Marriage and Children
Following the wedding, Margaret and Armstrong-Jones had two children: David, Viscount Linley, born in 1961, and Lady Sarah Chatto, born in 1964. The family maintained a distinct household, balancing official royal duties with a more private family life. Margaret's role as a working member of the royal family included overseas tours and patronage work, even as her marriage faced personal challenges. Over time, the couple's relationship became strained, leading to their formal separation in 1973 and divorce in 1978, though Margaret remained a prominent figure in public life.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Margaret Rose | Royal biography |
| Date of birth | 21 August 1930 | Official records |
| Marriage date | 6 May 1960 | Court circular |
| Spouse | Antony Armstrong-Jones (Earl of Snowdon from 1961) | Palace announcement |
| Wedding location | Westminster Abbey, London | Contemporary news reports |
| Children | David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon (b. 1961); Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones (b. 1964) | Official royal family records |
| Divorce | Decree nisi granted 28 February 1978 | Legal records |
Comparison with Other Marriages in the Royal Family
Margaret's marriage to a commoner distinguished her from some siblings and cousins who married within titled European families. While her sister followed more traditional dynastic patterns, Margaret's choice reflected a shift toward personal compatibility and professional compatibility. The televised wedding also set a precedent for future royal ceremonies, showing how media coverage could shape public perception of royal unions without diminishing the formalities of the occasion.
Legacy and Public Perception
Margaret's marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones remains a defining element of her public legacy. It illustrated the evolving relationship between the monarchy and media, showing that modern royals could marry for love while still fulfilling constitutional duties. Retrospective accounts emphasize her style, artistic interests, and candid approach to public life, with her marital status often cited as a key moment in the modernization of royal expectations around personal happiness and private life.