Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, shaped modern British royalty with her style and turbulent personal life. Her spouse, Antony Armstrong-Jones, brought both creative prestige and complex challenges to the marriage.
This overview explains who her spouse was, how the union unfolded, and what changed for the royal family afterward. The following sections highlight key moments, roles, and the lasting impact of this high-profile partnership.
| Aspect | Details | Relevance | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon | Royal photographer and filmmaker | First commoner to marry a king’s daughter in over 300 years |
| Wedding Date | 6 May 1960 | Westminster Abbey | Televised event watched by millions |
| Children | David, Viscount Linley; Sarah, Duchess of York | Raised amid intense media attention | Continued public roles and artistic careers |
| Title at Birth | Lord Snowdon | Granted upon marriage | Later elevated to earl |
| Marriage Duration | 1960–1978 | Divorce after mutual separation | Both remarried |
Royal Wedding of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones
Planning and Public Interest
The engagement of Princess Margaret to photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones surprised many in Westminster and beyond. Planners chose Westminster Abbey to balance tradition with a more modern, less militaristic image.
Ceremony and Broadcast
The televised ceremony on 6 May 1960 drew one of the largest audiences for a royal event at the time. Guests included international dignitaries, marking the wedding as a global cultural moment.
Life as the Spouse of Princess Margaret
Court Duties and Public Engagements
As her spouse, Antony supported Margaret in ceremonial visits and arts initiatives while cultivating his own career in photography and film. His professional independence brought both prestige and tension.
Challenges and Privacy
The marriage faced intense media scrutiny and personal struggles, including Margaret’s smoking and drinking. Antony’s own reported infidelities further strained the household and public perception.
Separation and Aftermath
Divorce Process and Terms
The formal divorce in 1978 was rare for a senior royal and set precedents for media access and financial arrangements. Both parties moved on to new relationships without remarrying within the royal family.
Impact on Children and Title
Their children, David and Sarah, adjusted to shared custody amid ongoing publicity. The earldom of Snowdon remained in the family, but the dynamics of royal patronage shifted over time.
Photographer and Designer Legacy
Artistic Contributions
Beyond royal duties, Antony’s work in photography, staging, and design left a lasting imprint on British visual culture. His collaborations with artists and architects are still referenced in design history.
Later Career and Public Memory
Exhibitions and documentaries have revisited his partnership with Princess Margaret, highlighting both his creative brilliance and the personal costs of life in the spotlight.
Key Takeaways
- Antony Armstrong-Jones brought artistic vision and media savvy to the royal family.
- The 1960 wedding was a landmark televised event that redefined royal ceremonies.
- Challenges in the marriage highlighted the intense scrutiny faced by royal spouses.
- Their children continue to hold roles in public life and the arts.
- Their story reflects evolving attitudes toward royalty, privacy, and personal fulfillment.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was Princess Margaret’s spouse?
Her spouse was Antony Armstrong-Jones, a renowned photographer and filmmaker, later created Earl of Snowdon.
When did Princess Margaret marry Antony Armstrong-Jones?
They married on 6 May 1960 in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey that was televised to a global audience.
Did Princess Margaret and Antony have children?
Yes, they had two children: David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, and Sarah, Lady Armstrong-Jones, later Sarah, Duchess of York.
Why did Princess Margaret and Antony divorce?
They divorced in 1978 after years of separation, citing personal differences and the pressures of public life, with both later forming new relationships.