Princess Margaret Marriage: Key Facts
This article explains the circumstances, timeline, and main details of Princess Margaret's marriage. It focuses on verified information about her wedding and related family and public context. The goal is to clarify the key facts rather than speculation. Below you will find structured summaries of the most commonly asked aspects of her marital history.
Background to the Relationship
Princess Margaret, the younger daughter of King George VI and sister of Queen Elizabeth II, grew up in the public eye during the mid‑20th century. In her early adulthood, her romantic life drew considerable attention from the press and the public. At the time, expectations around royal marriages were shifting, making her choices especially scrutinized. The background of her relationship with Antony Armstrong-Jones thus unfolded against close media interest and evolving royal protocol.
Wedding Date and Event
On 6 May 1960, Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey in London. The ceremony was widely broadcast and covered in the press, marking one of the first major royal events to be televised in full. Guests included members of European royalty, diplomats, and figures from arts and society. The wedding affirmed her public role while highlighting the personal significance of the union.
Key Details of the Wedding Ceremony
- Venue: Westminster Abbey, London
- Date: 6 May 1960
- Officiant: The Archbishop of Canterbury
- Notable attendees: Queen Elizabeth II and other senior royals
Official Titles and Status After Marriage
Upon marriage, Antony Armstrong-Jones was granted the title Earl of Snowdon. Princess Margaret became known as Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon in official contexts. This arrangement reflected both her royal status and her husband’s new peerage. The combined title remained in use for decades and was recognized in formal and ceremonial settings.
Titles and Recognition After Marriage
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding Date | 6 May 1960 | Official records, contemporary news archives |
| Spouse Name | Antony Armstrong-Jones (later 1st Earl of Snowdon) | Peerage records, biographies |
| Venue | Westminster Abbey, London | Ceremony documentation |
| Children | David Armstrong-Jones (b. 1961), Sarah Chester (b. 1964) | Royal family records |
| Official Title | Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon | Court circulars, peerage references |
Family and Public Response
Queen Elizabeth II gave permission for the marriage, as required by the Royal Marriages Act at the time. Newspapers praised the wedding as a modern moment for the monarchy while also noting the intense scrutiny the couple would face. Public reactions were largely celebratory, though the marriage was also analyzed in the context of Margaret’s earlier romantic history. The union was seen as stabilizing and socially significant within the royal context.
Later Years and Legacy
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones remained married until their relationship experienced significant challenges in the 1970s. They separated in 1973 and divorced in 1978. After the divorce, Margaret continued to carry out royal duties, and Armstrong-Jones remained active in professional and charitable work. The marriage is remembered as a key period in modernizing the public image of the royal family while illustrating the personal complexities of life in the spotlight.
Summary of Main Points
Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones on 6 May 1960 at Westminster Abbey, receiving the title Countess of Snowdon. The wedding was notable for its television coverage and royal attendance. Official recognition, family support, and public interest characterized the event and its aftermath. Her marriage influenced perceptions of the monarchy during a period of social change.
Commonly Asked Questions
- When did Princess Margaret get married?
- Who did Princess Margaret marry?
- Did the Queen approve the marriage?
- Did Princess Margaret have children?
- Why is the marriage historically significant?
She married on 6 May 1960.
She married Antony Armstrong-Jones, who later became the 1st Earl of Snowdon.
Yes, Queen Elizabeth II granted permission, as was required under the Royal Marriages Act at the time.
Yes, she had two children: David Armstrong-Jones and Sarah Chester.
The wedding was one of the first major royal events televised in full, marking a shift in how royal ceremonies were shared with the public.
Tags
Tags: princess margaret, royal wedding, countess of snowdon