Princess Margaret's Tumultuous First Marriage: A Royal Affair To Remember

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Princess Margaret's Tumultuous First Marriage: A Royal Affair To Remember

Who was Princess Margaret's first husband? Princess Margaret's first husband was Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon.

Antony Armstrong-Jones was a British photographer and filmmaker. He was born in London, England, on 7 March 1930. He studied photography at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London. After graduating, he worked as a photographer for several magazines, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

In 1958, Armstrong-Jones married Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. The couple had two children, David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Chatto. Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret divorced in 1978.

Armstrong-Jones died in London, England, on 13 January 2017, at the age of 86.

Princess Margaret's marriage to Armstrong-Jones was a controversial one. Some people believed that Armstrong-Jones was not a suitable husband for a princess. However, the couple remained married for 18 years and had two children together.

Princess Margaret's First Husband

Princess Margaret's first husband was Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon. Their marriage was a controversial one, but they remained married for 18 years and had two children together.

  • Photographer
  • Controversial marriage
  • Two children
  • Divorced in 1978
  • Died in 2017
  • Legacy

Armstrong-Jones was a successful photographer before he married Princess Margaret. He was known for his fashion photography and his portraits of celebrities. After his marriage, he continued to work as a photographer, but he also became involved in filmmaking. He directed several documentaries and feature films, including the Academy Award-winning film "Don't Look Now" (1973).

Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret's marriage was often in the news. The couple was often photographed together at social events, and they were known for their glamorous lifestyle. However, there were also rumors of infidelity and other problems in the marriage. The couple divorced in 1978.

Armstrong-Jones died in 2017 at the age of 86. He left behind a legacy as one of the most successful photographers of his generation.

Personal details and bio data of Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon:

Born: 7 March 1930
Died: 13 January 2017
Spouse: Princess Margaret (1960-1978)
Children: David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon
Lady Sarah Chatto
Occupation: Photographer, filmmaker

Photographer

Princess Margaret's first husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, was a photographer. His work was known for its fashion photography and portraits of celebrities. He also directed several documentaries and feature films, including the Academy Award-winning film "Don't Look Now" (1973).

  • Fashion photography
    Armstrong-Jones was one of the most successful fashion photographers of his generation. His work was featured in magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. He was known for his innovative use of lighting and composition.
  • Portrait photography
    Armstrong-Jones also took many portraits of celebrities. His subjects included Princess Margaret, Audrey Hepburn, and the Beatles. His portraits were often praised for their intimacy and beauty.
  • Documentary filmmaking
    After his marriage to Princess Margaret, Armstrong-Jones became involved in filmmaking. He directed several documentaries, including "The Royal Family" (1969) and "A Year in the Life of Prince Charles" (1972).
  • Feature filmmaking
    Armstrong-Jones also directed several feature films, including "Don't Look Now" (1973) and "The Walking Stick" (1972). His films were often praised for their suspense and psychological insight.

Armstrong-Jones' work as a photographer and filmmaker has had a lasting impact on both the fashion and film industries. He was a pioneer in the use of photography to capture the glamour and beauty of the fashion world. He was also a gifted filmmaker who made several critically acclaimed films.

Controversial marriage

Princess Margaret's first marriage, to Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a controversial one from the start. Armstrong-Jones was a photographer and filmmaker, and he was not considered to be a suitable husband for a princess. The couple's marriage was also plagued by rumors of infidelity and other problems. They divorced in 1978.

  • The couple's different backgrounds
    Princess Margaret was a member of the British royal family, while Armstrong-Jones was a commoner. This difference in their backgrounds was a major factor in the controversy surrounding their marriage. Some people believed that Armstrong-Jones was not good enough for a princess.
  • Armstrong-Jones's career
    Armstrong-Jones was a successful photographer and filmmaker, but his career was also controversial. He was known for his avant-garde style, and some people believed that his work was too risqu for a member of the royal family.
  • The couple's personal problems
    The couple's marriage was also plagued by personal problems. They had different interests and lifestyles, and they were often photographed arguing in public. There were also rumors of infidelity on both sides.

The controversy surrounding Princess Margaret's first marriage had a lasting impact on her life. She was never able to fully recover from the public's disapproval of her marriage, and she remained a controversial figure until her death in 2002.

Two Children

Princess Margaret's first husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, had two children with Princess Margaret: David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Chatto.

  • David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon
    David Armstrong-Jones was born on 3 November 1961. He is the elder of Princess Margaret's two children. He is married to Serena Stanhope, and they have two children: Charles Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, and Margarita Armstrong-Jones.
  • Lady Sarah Chatto
    Lady Sarah Chatto was born on 1 May 1964. She is the younger of Princess Margaret's two children. She is married to Daniel Chatto, and they have two children: Samuel Chatto and Arthur Chatto.

Princess Margaret's children have both had successful careers. David Armstrong-Jones is a furniture designer and manufacturer. Lady Sarah Chatto is an artist and photographer.

Divorced in 1978

Princess Margaret's marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, ended in divorce in 1978. The divorce was a major scandal at the time, and it had a lasting impact on Princess Margaret's life.

  • The reasons for the divorce
    The reasons for Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones's divorce are complex. Some of the factors that contributed to the breakdown of their marriage include:
    • Their different personalities and lifestyles
    • Armstrong-Jones's infidelity
    • The pressures of royal life
  • The impact of the divorce on Princess Margaret
    The divorce had a devastating impact on Princess Margaret. She was deeply hurt by Armstrong-Jones's infidelity, and she struggled to adjust to life as a single woman. The divorce also damaged her reputation, and she was never able to fully recover from the public's disapproval.
  • The impact of the divorce on the British royal family
    The divorce was also a major embarrassment for the British royal family. It was the first time that a member of the royal family had divorced since Henry VIII in the 16th century. The divorce also raised questions about the stability of the monarchy.
  • The legacy of the divorce
    The divorce of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones had a lasting impact on the British royal family. It led to a more relaxed attitude towards divorce within the royal family, and it also helped to pave the way for the eventual divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1996.

Princess Margaret's divorce was a significant event in British history. It was a major scandal at the time, and it had a lasting impact on the British royal family. The divorce also raised important questions about the role of the monarchy in modern society.

Died in 2017

Princess Margaret's first husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, died in 2017 at the age of 86. His death marked the end of an era for the British royal family, as he was one of the last surviving members of Princess Margaret's generation.

  • Legacy as a photographer and filmmaker
    Armstrong-Jones was a renowned photographer and filmmaker, and his work has had a lasting impact on both industries. His fashion photography was groundbreaking, and his portraits of celebrities are still considered to be among the best in the world. He also directed several critically acclaimed films, including the Academy Award-winning "Don't Look Now" (1973).
  • Controversial marriage to Princess Margaret
    Armstrong-Jones's marriage to Princess Margaret was one of the most controversial royal marriages of the 20th century. The couple was often photographed arguing in public, and there were rumors of infidelity on both sides. They divorced in 1978, and the divorce was a major scandal at the time.
  • Later life and death
    After his divorce from Princess Margaret, Armstrong-Jones married again in 1980. He continued to work as a photographer and filmmaker until his death in 2017. He was 86 years old.

Armstrong-Jones's death was a reminder of the passing of an era for the British royal family. He was one of the last surviving members of Princess Margaret's generation, and his death marked the end of an important chapter in royal history.

Legacy

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, the first husband of Princess Margaret, left behind a complex and multifaceted legacy. As a renowned photographer, filmmaker, and member of the British royal family, his life and work continue to be of interest to historians, biographers, and the general public.

  • Photography
    Armstrong-Jones was one of the most influential photographers of his generation. His fashion photography was groundbreaking, and his portraits of celebrities are still considered to be among the best in the world. His work helped to shape the public image of the British royal family, and his photographs continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

  • Filmmaking
    Armstrong-Jones also had a successful career as a filmmaker. He directed several critically acclaimed documentaries and feature films, including the Academy Award-winning "Don't Look Now" (1973). His films explored a wide range of topics, from the British royal family to the Vietnam War. His work as a filmmaker helped to raise awareness of important social and political issues.

  • Royal Family
    Armstrong-Jones's marriage to Princess Margaret made him a member of the British royal family. He was a controversial figure, but he also played an important role in the modernization of the monarchy. His marriage to Princess Margaret helped to humanize the royal family and to make them more relatable to the public.

  • Controversy
    Armstrong-Jones's life was not without controversy. His marriage to Princess Margaret was often in the news, and there were rumors of infidelity on both sides. He was also criticized for his avant-garde style of photography and filmmaking. However, despite the controversies, Armstrong-Jones remained a popular figure, and his work continues to be admired by people around the world.

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a complex and fascinating figure. His legacy as a photographer, filmmaker, and member of the British royal family is sure to continue to be debated and discussed for many years to come.

FAQs about Princess Margaret's First Husband

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, the first husband of Princess Margaret.

Question 1: Who was Princess Margaret's first husband?


Answer: Princess Margaret's first husband was Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon.

Question 2: What was Antony Armstrong-Jones's profession?


Answer: Antony Armstrong-Jones was a photographer and filmmaker.

Question 3: How did Antony Armstrong-Jones meet Princess Margaret?


Answer: Antony Armstrong-Jones met Princess Margaret at a dinner party in 1958.

Question 4: When did Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones get married?


Answer: Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones got married on 6 May 1960.

Question 5: How many children did Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones have?


Answer: Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones had two children: David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Chatto.

Question 6: When did Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones divorce?


Answer: Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones divorced in 1978.

Summary: Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a renowned photographer and filmmaker who married Princess Margaret in 1960. Their marriage was controversial at the time, but they had two children together. The couple divorced in 1978.

Transition to the next article section: Antony Armstrong-Jones's legacy as a photographer, filmmaker, and member of the British royal family is complex and multifaceted. His work continues to be admired by people around the world.

Conclusion

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a complex and fascinating figure. His marriage to Princess Margaret made him a member of the British royal family, and his work as a photographer and filmmaker helped to shape the public image of the monarchy. His legacy is sure to continue to be debated and discussed for many years to come.

Armstrong-Jones's story is a reminder that even the most public figures have private lives. He was a talented artist and a devoted father, but he also struggled with personal demons. His life is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and the importance of finding balance in one's life.

Princess Margaret's life explored in new BBC documentary
Princess Margaret's life explored in new BBC documentary

La tiara del “desconsuelo” de Lord Snowdon
La tiara del “desconsuelo” de Lord Snowdon

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