According to one account, she was now so lazy that she tried to glue matchboxes to her gin glasses, so that she could keep drinking while she was lighting her cigarettes. "There was no reason for it to become public," he continues, adding that it was "an isolated incident. And by the end of the evening, it wasn’t uncommon for Margaret to have smoked up to 60 cigarettes a day. Margaret begins seeing Roddy Llewellyn, a much younger flame introduced to her by mutual friends, and they seem enchanted by each other. They were ready in case she popped in for an informal visit, which she did more than once.” The staff member also noted that if another whisky was put in place of Famous Grouse, Margaret would know instantly. "Some people said she’d had a nervous breakdown, and there was a claim that it was attempted suicide," he continues. "When the ladies-in-waiting refused him entry to Princess Margaret’s bedroom, he would then get in his car outside in the courtyard…and he would drive round and round the courtyard blaring the horn…That’s a kind of indication of the stress that the marriage had put her under.". Warwick warns against the creative liberties The Crown has taken, though he says he has not seen the show and only knows what he’s read in reviews and heard from friends. Throughout season 3 of The Crown, Margaret is depicted as being volatile in her moods, and often under the influence of alcohol. The Guardian called her ‘a thoroughly rotten royal’, while the art historian Sir Roy Strong wrote that she was ‘tiresome, spoilt, idle and irritating. 2021 Showbiz Cheat Sheet, All Rights Reserved. The show never depicts Margaret without a cigarette in hand, but the princess loved scotch almost as dearly. He said that he worries Princess Margaret is "portrayed as a lush, which is totally unfair. "Two of her ladies-in-waiting…took it in turns to sit outside her bedroom door, and say, 'No, Tony, you are not going in. That’s also part of the reason it didn’t become public knowledge until years later. "But I spoke with her, and I spoke with friends of hers, and her friends didn’t believe that it was a suicide attempt at all." A friend of Margaret’s also confirmed the princess’s love of this particular whisky. Princess Margaret Really Did Have Surgery in 1985. Throughout the show, Queen Elizabeth’s younger sister is known as a loose cannon of sorts, always finding ways to rebel against the tradition she's expected to abide by. But in later life, Princess Margaret was plagued by health issu… In her despair, she ultimately overdoses on medication—whether accidental or not is left vague—and the queen is soon notified. It wasn’t just Margaret’s family and friends who knew she had a love for alcohol. Princess Margaret broke off the engagement in 1955. Princess Margaret lived to the age of 71, so The Crown viewers can rest easy that the onscreen overdose will not lead to her demise. How married Princess Margaret's affair with 'toy boy' 18 years her junior threatened to damage the whole royal family . On June 2, 1953, Princess Margaret inadvertently announced her romance with Peter Townsend to the world by brushing off a bit of fluff from his military uniform in the midst of Coronation Day. Warwick interviewed Margaret for his book, Princess Margaret: A Life of Contrasts, and she reinforced that story. Her first drink of the day never strayed from vodka, either, reports claim. She even liked red or white wine over champagne. The tabloids are quick to take hold of the newfound romance, and eventually Tony confronts the new couple in Margaret’s home. And several reports claim she certainly knew how to get out and party any day of the week. And as the spotlight passed to Princess Diana, so Margaret no longer bothered with the faintest semblance of politeness. Princess Margaret did not die as a result of drug or alcohol abuse. Aside from cigarettes being her vice, she also started drinking vodka around noon — and the drinks would be flowing before lunchtime. He says the incident occurred while Margaret was dealing with her explosive separation from Tony, and after Roddy had flown off on a trip to clear his head after the public learned of their relationship. Tony Parsons in The Mirror, 2001 When she … This also falls in line with her meal preferences, too. Roddy leaves the house when the fight between Margaret and Tony breaks out, and though she chases after him, Margaret cannot catch him. Diana Raised Crucial Awareness of Eating Disorders, What 'The Crown' Gets Right About Thatcher's Kids, Diana and Camilla Really Did Have Lunch Together. Margaret loved to indulge in a wide variety of beverages, but Famous Grouse whisky with a dash of water was reportedly one of her many go-to drinks. Though Princess Margaret … It was tragedy in her personal life, not hedonism, that led the Princess to use cigarettes and alcohol as a 'crutch', one has told The Observer in a remarkably frank assessment. It was a delightful sight. The Guardian notes officials from Clarence House mentioned Margaret preferred gin and tonics or whisky and sodas over any fancy beverages. Though Princess Margaret is often depicted as a party girl who struggled with romance, there was so much more to her. When Will Princess Diana Appear in 'The Crown'? Princess Margaret’s official royal biographer, Christopher Warwick, confirms to ELLE.com that in 1974, Margaret took a heavy dose of medication when things in her life became particularly stressful. But she certainly wasn’t a lush. Princess Margaret was much more than her relationship to alcohol or drugs. The ashtray had to be changed every three minutes. Princess Margaret at the Royal Windsor Horse Show| Hulton Archive/Getty Images. She liked to drink, don’t we all? Still the Queen Mum lived to see 101. "The only constants in the blindingly mediocre life of Princess Margaret would appear to be privilege, illness and lashings of alcohol." Always with a daily intake of at least 8 units of alcohol, according to modern standards she would be labeled as a heavy drinker. The section was said to be "innocent", or non-malignant, but it was the first of a series of warnings about her deteriorating health. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Margaret’s father had died after the war and her sister had become Queen, leaving the princess– played by Vanessa Kirby in The Crown – grief-stricken and lonely. ", According to Warwick, Tony "still wanted to have a go" at Princess Margaret, even after the stress of the situation had caused her to take these pills. Princess Margaret in 1951| AFP/Getty Images. Her favorite drinks were neat scotch with a … But he says her reasoning for taking the tablets wasn’t sinister. You Can Watch the Royal Family Doc in London, Inside Diana's Relationship with The Queen. She spent much of her childhood with her parents and sister. She died in London in 2002, months after suffering a stroke and developing heart problems. While Princess Margaret is often portrayed as helpless to the situation, the Telegraph reported in 2009 how an unearthed letter dated from 1955 showed the Princess … To order a copy at £18 (p&p free), call 0870 161 0870. He tells Margaret he will "bring her to her knees" if she continues to see Llewellyn, despite the fact that Tony has been ignoring Margaret for some time and is carrying on affairs of his own. "She’d taken a handful of Mogadon tablets, and it was difficult to rouse her on this particular morning," Warwick says over the phone, referring to a brand of sleeping pills. Is Prince Andrew the Queen's Favorite Child? He stresses that Princess Margaret "just wanted to sleep" to get away from the overwhelming circumstances for a bit, and he waves off any notion that it might have been an attempt to end her life. Princess Margaret at the Royal Windsor Horse Show| Hulton Archive/Getty Images It wasn’t just Margaret’s family and friends who knew she had a love for alcohol. Princess Diana Archive/Getty Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. She died in London in 2002, months after suffering a stroke and developing heart problems. To order a copy at £18 (p&p free), call 0870 161 0870. She was a controversial figure, criticised for her extravagance, rudeness and disdainful hauteur.. From her extramarital affairs to her partying ways, the attention was just as much on her as it was her queen sister. Princess Margaret was well known for her love of booze, cigarettes and men, but new revelations have come to light in a shocking tell-all book. Abridged extract from Princess Margaret: A Life Unravelled, by Tim Heald, published by Weidenfeld on July 5 at £20. • Abridged extract from Princess Margaret: A Life Unravelled by Tim Heald, published by Weidenfeld on July 5 at £20. Taylor is a communications specialist and freelance writer who specializes in entertainment and lifestyle content. When he was born, his title was styled as Viscount Linley, and he was fifth in line to the throne, though now he occupies the 18th spot in the order of succession. Princess Margaret, in full Princess Margaret Rose Windsor, countess of Snowdon, (born August 21, 1930, Glamis Castle, Scotland—died February 9, 2002, London, England), British royal, the second daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (from 1952 Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother) and the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. ", Rachel Sennott on ‘Shiva Baby’ and Bagel Dresses, Fendi's Capsule Collection is Inspired by Couture, Inside Princess Margaret's Real-Life Marriage, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. ", Warwick says when Princess Margaret woke up the following afternoon, "she was fine." She needs to rest,'" Warwick says. Princess Margaret eventually struck up a relationship with photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, who was appointed 1st Earl of Snowdon following their marriage in … According to Scotch Whisky, after Margaret visited Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, he said, “She started with Scotch and went on drinking for three hours. Margaret's first child and only son arrived on November 3, 1961. And while many would assume her tastes would be ultra-refined and expensive considering her lifestyle, this wasn’t necessarily the case. In real life, she … But according to her lady-in-waiting, the royal gave up her bad habits without looking back. The Guardian reports at one charity supported by Margaret, a staff member said, “‘During the later years there were always two bottles, one of Famous Grouse and one of Highland Spring mineral water. While Margaret was delightful to be around, the friend mentioned that if Famous Grouse wasn’t present in her glass (or, if the ice melted), she could get testy with the staff. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden (1930-2002) was the sister of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, the current monarch. There were certainly better brands of whisky out there aside from Famous Grouse, but Margaret remained loyal to her favorite brands. Princess Margaret has been dogged by ill-health in recent years. "And I did, right through to the following afternoon. The snapper to the stars and Princess Margaret's ex-husband died yesterday aged 86 after a lifetime of debauchery involving affairs and secret love-children Emily Fairbairn 14 Jan 2017, 3:18 Princess Margaret did not die as a result of drug or alcohol abuse. Their relationship is far from perfect, and they are both depicted seeking other relationships. ° Tim Heald 2007. … This development comes after a season of romantic and personal struggles, and the trigger is an explosive fight between Margaret and her husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon. As the criticism mounted, Margaret retreated ever deeper into an alcohol-soaked haze. “I was so exhausted because of everything, that all I wanted to do was sleep,” she told him. We may think of Prince Harry as the now-reformed wild child of the royal family — but long before him, there was another scandalous royal who was getting all of the media attention. She was admitted to hospital in January 1985 for an operation when part of her lung was removed. Margaret reportedly didn’t like caviar or oysters, and she preferred simpler meals rather than long, elaborate dinners. I say that because she was an intensely religious woman, and suicide would have been contrary to her religious beliefs. Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. The 22-year-old royal is thought to have fallen in love with the RAF pilot and former equerry to King George IV gradually — but the relationship garnered heated controversy anyway. Viewers will have to wait until next season to learn about the aftermath of the tumultuous episode, but in the meantime, let’s hash out what really happened. It’s no secret that Margaret loved to smoke and drink — and it eventually led to many health problems and an earlier death than many of her other family members. SHE was the Queen’s party-loving younger sister, known for smoking 60 cigarettes a day, high-profile romances and iconic style. Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, the Countess of Snowdon, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II of England, singing a … But in season 3, her onscreen struggles are worse than ever, and in the season finale, Princess Margaret suffers an overdose. It’s even been reported that she’d start her day by chain-smoking in bed. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Inside Diana & Philip’s Complicated Relationship, The True Story of Princess Alice's Dramatic Life, ‘The Crown’ to Resume Filming This Summer, Imelda Staunton Addresses 'The Crown' Disclaimer, How Princess Diana Redefined Royal Motherhood, The Royal Family Members Who've Gone to Therapy. When Princess Diana joined the royal family, Queen Elizabeth's sister, Princess Margaret, welcomed her as a breath of fresh air amid others' doubts.. At first, Margaret saw a kindred spirit in Diana, who struggled to find her own place within the royal family. When his father passed away in January of 2017, David became the 2nd Earl of Snowdon. ELLE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Princess Margaret was known to have a good time, usually with a cigarette or cocktail in hand. In February 1960, Snowdon, then known as Antony Armstrong-Jones, became engaged to the Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, and they married on 6 May 1960 at Westminster Abbey.The ceremony was the first royal wedding to be broadcast on television. Thankfully, Margaret survives, and tells her big sister that she’s finally decided to split from Snowdon for good. Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II’s younger sister, was known for living a life of glitz, glamour, and fun. Despite waiting the allotted time, the pair were still met with problems within the monarchy. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, CI, GCVO, CD (Margaret Rose; 21 August 1930 – 9 February 2002) was the younger daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and the only sibling of Queen Elizabeth II. Suffered nervous breakdown. Though later in the day, it was followed by her other beverages of choice. Famous chef Gordon Ramsay, who has cooked for the royals in the past, has also given his account of what serving Princess Margaret was like. Despite the public enthusiasm, some critics "disapproved" of a commoner marrying into the royal family. "I can well believe she found it exhausting, but I tend to think she wasn’t the sort of person who would have seriously considered suicide. ° Tim Heald 2007. Last updated at 16:31 21 August 2005 Princess Margaret is to be portrayed as a promiscuous drug-user and drunk in a television drama. I find it hard to believe that she could have tasted the pudding.”. ", Warwick says the idea of suicide would not have been an option in Princess Margaret's mind. Princess Margaret lived to the age of 71, so The Crown viewers can rest easy that the onscreen overdose will not lead to her demise. Released today, “Ma'am Darling: 99 Glimpses” reveals Her Majesty’s sister in all her snobby glory earning her the new title of “Her Rude Highness”. Margaret was going through an "extremely difficult time," Warwick says, and "would have found it exhausting." Princess Margaret’s harrowing journey through The Crown’s newest episodes comes to a boiling point in the dramatic conclusion to the third season. After more than 50 years of heavy smoking and drinking, Princess Margaret's final years were dogged with ill health.