The Vicissitudes of the Little Sister of Queen Elizabeth II: Princess Margaret

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

She was considered one of the first beauties not only in Great Britain, but throughout Europe. But Princess Margaret, by the will of fate, had to live in the shadow of her older sister, who eventually took the throne. A sense of duty made her abandon her feelings, and the inability to forget a dear person pushed her to the most extravagant actions. In fact, the fate of Princess Margaret did not look too much like a beautiful fairy tale.

Born to be a star

She was born in August 1930, when her older sister Elizabeth was already four. Her father's accession to the throne was still six years away. However, George VI was not the heir to the first order, but Edward VIII resolutely renounced the throne for the sake of feelings for the beautiful Wallis Simpson. In 1936, after the coronation of their father, Elizabeth and Margaret received the titles of princesses and it became clear: the eldest was destined to become the queen, and the youngest was destined to be content with just the role of the royal sister.

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However, the baby at that time did not care much, it was quite enough for her that her beloved parents and an older sister, who was always ready to help her, were next to her.

Parents and mentors involved in raising sisters did not divide the girls in any way: the same teachers, lessons and methods. But Lilibet, as the future queen was called by her relatives, and Margaret were completely different in temperament and temperament. Elizabeth was always restrained in showing feelings, but she loved order and honored traditions. Margaret was emotional and hot-tempered, did not tolerate senseless adherence to the established rules and earned the fame of a rebel and troublemaker.

The younger sister never envied the older one, but was burdened by the need to follow Lilibet everywhere, and not next to her. However, the relationship between the two princesses has always been very warm, and the difference in character and position did not prevent them from sincerely loving each other.

Princess Margaret was surprisingly pretty, and also smiling, charming and open. Could any conventions prevent her from enjoying life and becoming a real star?

Feelings or duty

By the age of 18, Princess Margaret was already a recognized beauty. She shone in society, was keenly interested in fashion and posed for magazines. Men invariably paid attention to her, she had many admirers, among whom the names of famous artists and writers were named. Christian Dior himself arranged his enchanting shows for the charming princess, and Margaret at official receptions and social events was invariably elegant in fashionable outfits that she chose, focusing exclusively on her own taste.

She turned 22 when George VI suddenly passed away. Princess Margaret grieved most of all for her father. She was very close to her father, and he understood his youngest daughter well, for for a long time he was in exactly the same position as herself: he was just a shadow of his older brother, who was supposed to inherit the crown.

Lilibet is no longer just an older sister for Margaret. She became queen and estranged from her family. In addition, Elizabeth was already married, and she had two children growing up. From Buckingham Palace, Princess Margaret moved with her mother to Clarence House, where she became close to Captain Peter Townsend.

For a long time, the lovers hid their relationship, when their romance became public, Margaret had to choose: remain a member of the royal family or, upon reaching the age of 25, give up the title, choosing life with a loved one. To marry Peter Townsend, who was by that time divorced, and she could not remain in the status of the princess of Great Britain.

Morally, everyone was already ready for the princess to choose happiness with her beloved, but at the age of 25, Margaret suddenly declared: realizing her duty to the country, she breaks off relations with Peter Townsend. Then they explained to her that the abandonment of the family could lead to a crisis of the monarchy and everything could end very badly for the country.

The decision was not easy for Margaret. They made a promise to each other not to connect their lives with anyone else, if they were not destined to be together. The princess was ready to keep her promise, but only 4 years passed and Peter himself informed Margaret about his upcoming marriage. She felt betrayed. And a few days later she made an offer to photographer Tony Armstrong-Jones, who had long tried to look after her.

This marriage did not bring happiness either to herself or to her husband. The couple had two children, and after 18 years they separated. All this time, Margaret did not deny herself pleasure. However, even after the divorce, she continued to live as if she was trying to take revenge on herself for refusing to love.

Endless entertainment events, a series of young lovers and squeamish condemnation from those who recently called her "The English Rose" - this was the lot of yesterday's beauty. She spent time in clubs, smoked a lot and loved gin.

In 1995, she learned that Peter Townsend was ill and would soon be gone. She rushed to him, not paying any attention to conventions and rules of decency. And for a long time I sat by his bed, talking, asking, listening and smiling happily. He was exactly the same as many years ago, only completely gray.

Seven years after the death of a loved one, she quietly passed away and she herself, without suffering a stroke. And the Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, every year on February 9, invariably grieves for her rebellious sister, who was never able to find her happiness. Probably because she abandoned it for the sake of the monarchy.

Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, almost 68 years have passed since then. She remains an extremely popular figure both in her country and around the world. She has set the record for the longest stay on the British throne, and this is not the only achievement of the Queen.