Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth II shared a unique and complex sisterhood that captivated the British public and the world. Their lives, marked by contrasting personalities and royal duties, offer a compelling narrative of familial bonds within the constraints of monarchy.
Early Life and Upbringing
Born just four years apart, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret were raised in a royal household that emphasized duty and decorum. Their father, King George VI, famously remarked, “Lilibet is my pride; Margaret is my joy,” highlighting the distinct roles each daughter played in his life. The sisters enjoyed a relatively normal childhood for royals, living at 145 Piccadilly before moving to Buckingham Palace when their father ascended to the throne. Their early years were filled with playful sibling rivalry, as noted by their governess, who described them as “two entirely normal and healthy” girls, albeit with their share of squabbles.
Distinct Personalities
The sisters developed very different public personas. Elizabeth, the elder, was characterized by her sense of duty and discipline, while Margaret became known as the “rebel royal,” celebrated for her glamorous lifestyle and socialite status. Margaret’s vivacity and penchant for nightlife often drew media attention, contrasting sharply with Elizabeth’s more reserved demeanor. Margaret was known for her impeccable fashion sense, often seen in designs by Christian Dior, and she cultivated relationships with celebrities, further enhancing her image as a royal who embraced modernity and flair.
Princess Margaret: The Rebel Royal
Princess Margaret’s rebellious nature significantly influenced her public image, making her one of the most intriguing and controversial figures in the British royal family. Her defiance of royal norms and her glamorous lifestyle set her apart from her more reserved sister, Queen Elizabeth II.
Public Displays of Rebellion
Princess Margaret’s public acts of rebellion included behaviors that were considered scandalous at the time. She was often seen smoking in public, a habit that was frowned upon, especially for women, and particularly for a member of the royal family. This defiance extended to her social life, where she was known to enliven society events with her bold fashion choices and vivacious personality. Her penchant for late-night partying and her luxurious morning routines, which included breakfast in bed and a vodka pick-me-up, further cemented her image as a “party princess.”
Romantic Entanglements
Margaret’s romantic life was another area where her rebellious streak was evident. Her relationship with Group Captain Peter Townsend, a divorced man, was highly controversial and ultimately ended due to the pressures of royal duty and religious constraints. This relationship, and her subsequent marriage to society photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, who was later known as Lord Snowdon, highlighted her willingness to defy royal expectations in her personal life. Her tumultuous romantic life, including rumored affairs and a highly publicized divorce, further contributed to her image as a royal rebel.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Margaret’s rebellious nature made her a cultural icon of her time. She was considered ahead of her time, embodying a modern outlook that clashed with the traditional values of the monarchy. Her wit, often sharp and sometimes cruel, and her interactions with celebrities and artists, including rumored liaisons with figures like Mick Jagger and Pablo Picasso, added to her mystique. Her lifestyle and choices paved the way for future generations of royals, making it easier for them to navigate personal freedoms within the constraints of royal duty.
Close Relationship Amidst Tension
Despite their differences, Elizabeth and Margaret maintained a close bond throughout their lives. They shared a direct telephone line between Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, allowing them to communicate daily, often filled with laughter and gossip. However, the dynamics of their relationship were complicated by Margaret’s struggles with her role in the royal family, particularly after Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. As the Queen, Elizabeth held a position that made her sister one of her subjects, which created inherent tensions.
Margaret’s romantic life further strained their relationship, particularly her love for Group Captain Peter Townsend, a divorced man. The Church of England’s stance on divorce meant that their potential marriage was fraught with complications, leading to Margaret ultimately renouncing her plans to wed him in 1955. This decision, while reflecting her duty to the monarchy, also highlighted the sacrifices she made, which sometimes bred resentment towards her sister’s position.
Sisterly Bond Through Thick and Thin
Despite their differences in personality and public image, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret maintained a close relationship throughout their lives. Their bond was complex, marked by both sisterly affection and the unique dynamics of their royal roles.
Navigating Royal Roles
Complementary Public Personas
While Elizabeth embodied the stoic, dutiful monarch, Margaret’s more vivacious personality allowed her to connect with the public in different ways. This dynamic created a balance in how the royal family was perceived, with Margaret often taking on more informal, relatable public engagements.
Tensions and Reconciliations
Their relationship wasn’t without its strains. Margaret sometimes struggled with her position as the “spare” to Elizabeth’s “heir,” feeling overshadowed and restricted by royal protocol. However, they always managed to reconcile their differences, understanding the unique pressures each faced.
Shared Interests and Legacy
The sisters shared a love for the arts, participating in pantomimes during World War II to entertain troops and local children, showcasing their commitment to public service. Margaret’s artistic inclinations continued into adulthood, where she held various honorary titles in the arts, including president of the Royal Ballet.
Private Moments and Shared Interests
Daily Communication
The sisters maintained a private phone line between their residences, often speaking multiple times a day. These conversations were reportedly filled with gossip, laughter, and mutual support, showcasing the strength of their personal relationship away from public view.
Shared Passions
Both sisters shared a love for the arts, particularly music and theater. They often attended performances together and supported cultural institutions, demonstrating their shared interests despite their different public personas.
Later Years
Health Concerns and Support
As Margaret’s health declined in her later years, Elizabeth showed her sisterly devotion by visiting frequently and ensuring Margaret received the best care. This period demonstrated the depth of their bond, transcending their royal roles.
As they aged, their bond remained strong, even as Margaret faced health challenges later in life. Upon her death in 2002, Queen Elizabeth displayed a rare display of emotion, openly grieving her sister, which underscored the profound connection they shared despite the complexities of their royal lives.
Grief and Remembrance
Elizabeth’s visible grief at Margaret’s funeral in 2002 was a rare public display of emotion from the typically composed Queen, highlighting the profound loss she felt at her sister’s passing.
In conclusion, while Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret had distinctly different personalities and public images, their relationship was characterized by a deep, enduring bond. They navigated the complexities of royal life together, supporting each other through personal and public challenges. Their ability to maintain a close relationship despite their differences and the pressures of their positions is a testament to the strength of their sisterly bond.
The relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret was a blend of love, rivalry, and duty. Their lives reflected the dualities of royal existence — one bound by responsibility and the other by a desire for personal freedom — making their sisterhood a fascinating subject of public interest and historical significance.
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