Princess Margaret and Tony Armstrong-Jones: relationship, marriage, and key facts

Summary: Princess Margaret and Tony Armstrong-Jones

Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, married photographer and filmmaker Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. He was created Earl of Snowdon in 1961, making Margaret the Countess of Snowdon. The couple represented a modern, media-savvy partnership in the royal family, balancing official duties with contemporary arts and photography. Their marriage lasted 18 years, ending in divorce in 1978, though they continued to co-parent their two children. This evergreen profile clarifies who Tony Armstrong-Jones was, his role in the royal family, and how he is remembered.

Who was Tony Armstrong-Jones?

Antony Armstrong-Jones (1930–2017) was a British photographer and filmmaker, best known as the husband of Princess Margaret. Born in London to a wealthy industrialist family, he studied at Cambridge and began a career in photography that transformed royal portraiture. His intimate, unposed style reshaped how the monarchy was photographed in the age of television and mass media. As the husband of the Queen’s sister, he held a unique dual role: a royal consort by marriage and an influential artist in his own right.

Early life and education

Armstrong-Jones was born in Mayfair, London, and raised between London and Scotland. He attended Eton College, then studied architecture at Cambridge University, where his interest in photography deepened. He turned professional shortly before meeting Princess Margaret, building a reputation for crisp lighting and narrative visual storytelling. His upbringing and education gave him confidence and sophistication when navigating royal protocols and high-society circles.

Career and artistic contribution

Armstrong-Jones worked across photography, film, and television, producing work for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and the BBC. He documented pivotal royal moments and created innovative televised arts programming, including collaborations with leading figures in music and theater. His visual language helped modernize the image of the monarchy while maintaining its ceremonial dignity. As a maker of images and films, he balanced artistic freedom with the responsibilities of his position.

Marriage to Princess Margaret: background and ceremony

The romance between Princess Margaret and Armstrong-Jones blossomed in 1958. Their engagement was announced in February 1960, and their wedding took place on 6 May 1960 at Westminster Abbey. It was the first royal wedding to be televised, watched by an estimated 300 million viewers worldwide. The ceremony combined traditional ritual with modern flair, reflecting the couple’s role as harbingers of a new, more accessible monarchy in the television era.

Key facts at a glance

Life as a royal consort and public role

As Earl of Snowdon, Tony Armstrong-Jones carried out official duties alongside Princess Margaret, attending ceremonies, openings, and state visits. He represented the crown in the UK and abroad, often using his photographic skills to document Commonwealth tours and cultural events. His role was unusual: a working artist married to a senior royal, which allowed him to maintain a public-facing creative career while supporting his wife’s engagements. Together they embodied a blend of artistry, fashion, and modern monarchy that captivated the public imagination.

Duties and representation

• Supported Princess Margaret at official ceremonies and overseas tours.
• Produced photographic and televised material that humanized the royal family.
• Chaired arts and heritage organizations, leveraging his expertise in media and culture.
• Maintained a high public profile through dignified yet relatable appearances.

Challenges, separation, and divorce

By the mid-1970s, reports of marital difficulties became public, citing long separations and differing lifestyles. The couple formally separated in 1973 and divorced in 1978. The divorce was amicable compared with many high-profile splits of the era, and they remained on good terms for the sake of their children. Margaret continued to be referred to as Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, and Armstrong-Jones remained on friendly terms with the wider royal family, honoring commitments and protecting the dignity of his former wife.

Children and family life

Princess Margaret and Tony Armstrong-Jones had two children: David Armstrong-Jones, born in 1961, who later became the 2nd Earl of Snowdon; and Lady Sarah Frances, born in 1964. Both were raised with a mix of royal tradition and artistic encouragement, with David pursuing craftsmanship and design. The family maintained a relatively private upbringing despite intense media interest, and both children remained close to their parents after the divorce.

Legacy and public perception

Tony Armstrong-Jones is remembered as the only husband of Princess Margaret and the first person from a professional creative background to marry into the modern British royal family. His influence on royal portraiture and televised monarchy helped redefine the institution for a mass audience. Public memory recalls him as elegant, witty, and artistically brilliant. He remained a respected figure in royal circles, supporting charitable causes and preserving the arts throughout his life.

Conclusion

Princess Margaret’s husband, Tony Armstrong-Jones, played a distinctive role in the modern monarchy as a talented artist and devoted partner. Their marriage brought style, media innovation, and public interest to the royal family, while their family life remained a subject of enduring fascination. His legacy endures through his children, his artistic work, and the way he helped reshape the public image of the royal family in the television age.