The Tragic Tale of the English Rose: How Queen Elizabeth II’s Younger Sister Never Forgave Her for a Broken Love

It’s hard to imagine, but just sixty years ago, the British monarchy was rocked by sensational scandals, with the Queen praying that the tabloids wouldn’t publish another story involving her family. The main instigator of these upheavals was Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II.

While Meghan Markle is often labeled the primary disruptor of royal traditions and many still question how Queen Elizabeth II allowed her grandson to marry a divorced commoner from abroad, those familiar with history remember that the Queen once forbade her own sister, Princess Margaret, from pursuing a similar relationship.

On August 21, the rebellious princess would have turned 94. She was a striking woman by any measure and, by British standards, often outshone Elizabeth II in beauty. Yet, in daily life, she was relegated to a secondary role.

Fans affectionately called her the "English Rose," but she was far from delicate—known for her sharp wit and fiery temperament. Impulsive and outspoken, Margaret often spoke her mind bluntly. Her aristocratic pride was so intense that even close friends struggled to accept it. Numerous rumors surrounded her, fueled not by royal decorum but by her unconventional behavior.

She drank heavily, smoked since the age of 15, and openly engaged in fleeting romances.

Contemporaries believed her parents spoiled her, granting her far more freedom than Elizabeth. However, many argue that Queen Elizabeth II herself played a significant role in the challenging life of this often-forgotten woman.

The Shadow of a Sister

Elizabeth and Margaret were born four years apart on the 21st of their respective months (Elizabeth in April 1926, Margaret in August 1930). They shared a close bond in childhood, yet their differences were striking. Their father famously called Elizabeth his pride and Margaret his joy.

Everything changed after the death of King George VI and Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne at 26. The last threads of sisterly affection frayed as all attention focused on Elizabeth, leaving Margaret feeling neglected and unwanted.

A Young Girl and an Older Man

Margaret found solace in one person: Peter Townsend. The handsome World War II hero and officer frequently visited their home, and Margaret fell for him as a teenager. She was 14; he was 16 years her senior—hardly the foundation for a conventional relationship. Yet, over the years, their bond deepened into genuine, mutual love.

Their romance had to remain secret until a subtle gesture—a dusting of Townsend’s shoulder by Margaret—was caught by journalists at a public event. The next morning, a British newspaper published a scathing article revealing their relationship.

A wedding was out of the question: Townsend was divorced with two children and a commoner. Elizabeth opposed the union and, despite having the power to change laws to permit it, issued Margaret an ultimatum: marry Townsend and lose all royal privileges and lifetime financial support. Heartbroken, Margaret publicly renounced the marriage, citing her duty to the country over personal happiness.

Vices and Scandalous Rumors

Many believe that this painful separation led Margaret down a darker path. Though she always loved to have fun, losing her true love seemed to unleash a wild streak. She became a regular at nightclubs, returning home only at dawn. Her drinking escalated, favoring strong whiskey over light sparkling wine, and she smoked up to 60 cigarettes daily, eventually resulting in the removal of part of her lung.

This lifestyle sparked endless gossip. While the media branded her "spoiled," "irritating," and "cynical," it was Queen Elizabeth II who felt the sting most deeply; Margaret herself paid little mind to the criticism.

The princess often said, "If one sister is the queen, the embodiment of goodness, then the other is destined to be the incarnation of evil and corruption—the queen of the night."

There were even rumors that Margaret had an affair with her sister’s husband, Prince Philip, who was long rumored to be unfaithful. Likely, her actions stemmed from a desire to retaliate against the sister who deprived her of true love.

• Discover the women linked to Prince Philip by rumor and why Queen Elizabeth II remained silent.

A Wedding That Made History

Years passed, and Margaret reached 30 still unmarried. She showed no interest in politically advantageous matches, and her fleeting romances failed to capture her heart. The only man who truly caught her attention was photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones.

Another commoner! Yet, the genuine happiness Margaret displayed with Antony softened Elizabeth’s stance, and she consented to the marriage. However, she requested postponing the ceremony planned for mid-February to avoid overshadowing the upcoming birth of Prince Andrew.

On May 6, 1960, the UK stood still as the wedding of Princess Margaret was broadcast live on television—the first royal wedding ever televised—held at Westminster Abbey.

The bride wore an unusually modest gown designed by royal couturier Norman Hartnell. Her ensemble, featuring the diamond Poltimore Tiara from Queen Victoria’s collection and a bouquet of delicate orchids, created a beautiful yet understated look. It was clear: she was a princess, not a queen.

Explore the most iconic Windsor wedding dresses—from daring to body-positive styles.

Britain Had Never Seen Anything Like It

The marriage lasted 18 years but was far from blissful. Two strong personalities and egos clashed increasingly, and both Antony and Margaret began extramarital affairs. Margaret’s attention turned to her husband’s close friend, Antony Barton. Her feelings were so intense she brazenly called Barton’s wife to confess her love for him. Somehow, Eva Barton reclaimed her husband, and Margaret quickly moved on.

Next came the long-haired hippie Roderick Llewellyn, 17 years her junior. Known in niche circles as a landscape designer, Roddy’s main interests then were partying and alcohol. Together, they enjoyed luxury resorts and exclusive celebrity gatherings, embracing the high life.

After two years, The Sunday Times published photos of 46-year-old Margaret embracing her young lover, sparking outrage. Exhausted by her antics, Elizabeth II cut off Margaret’s annual allowance of approximately $280,000 USD. Antony Armstrong-Jones finally saw the truth and announced his departure. This marked the first royal divorce in 400 years—a precedent for many more to come.

A Forgotten Style Icon

By her 50th birthday, Margaret had lost not only her status as a married woman but also her reputation as a style icon. From the mid-1970s, as her personal life unraveled, she frequently landed on lists of the worst-dressed celebrities. Fashion critics dubbed her "a curse on global fashion." One even remarked, "Margaret’s appearance makes Londoners mourn the absence of fog."

Critics argued that her tweed suits made her look squat, mini-skirts—her favorite—didn’t suit her, and shirt dresses hung loosely. Such harsh judgments were a blow to a woman once admired by Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. Margaret adored these designers and disregarded royal expectations to wear British fashion. Unlike her sister, she embraced bold style experiments. In 1965, her then-husband Antony captured a rare photo of Margaret in a bathtub wearing the diamond tiara she wore on her wedding day—a scandalous image for a royal at the time.

An Unfortunate End to a Beautiful Life

Despite the glamour and luxury, the "spare" princess always suffered from loneliness, especially in her later years.

In 1991, she suffered her first stroke. She surprisingly gave up alcohol and cigarettes, much to her family’s relief. She stopped attending parties, and invitations dwindled. Men lost interest in the once-beautiful woman, now faded and lacking her former sparkle. Margaret’s zest for life faded too.

In 1998, a tragic accident left her severely burned while bathing, confining her to a wheelchair. By late 2001, she began losing her vision, and in early 2002, she was hospitalized. Princess Margaret passed away on February 9, surrounded by family, including the 101-year-old Queen Mother.

Interesting Facts:

• Margaret did her own makeup and had a hairdresser visit her twice daily.

• Standing just 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm), she always wore heels and had special seat cushions in cars.

• Despite being spoiled, her taste in food was simple: she disliked oysters and caviar, preferring stews and mashed potatoes.

Photo credit: Getty Images

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