Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret, younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, has died early Saturday morning, following a stroke and cardiac complications. The princess had been of failing health for some time, suffering the first of three strokes in 1998. More >>

The "odd man out in the royal family", the princess was known for her glamorous looks and star-crossed romances.

The Diana of Her Day

Born in 1930, Princess Margaret was only 23 when she fell in love with a divorcee, Battle of Britain pilot Peter Townsend. Facing public and private pressures over marrying a divorced man, the princess elected not to wed. They remained friends until Townsend's death in 1995.

In 1960, Princess Margaret and photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones [now Lord Snowden] were married. They had two children, became seperated after a marriage of 16 years, and finally divorced in 1978. The seperation and divorce were considered a shock by members of the public, as the royal family did not share domestic downturns publicly.

Later speculation on the princess' personal life focused on her relationship with Roddy Llewellyn, several years her junior. The princess first met Mr. Llewellyn in 1973. The couple remained friends after their romance of 8 years ended.

Patron of Arts and Children

For many years, Princess Margaret worked to protect children as president of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. A patron of arts as well, she was president of the Royal Ballet. Following her keen sense of duty and public service, she was president of several other organisations as well, including Grand President of St John Ambulance Brigade. In total, the princess was patron to over 40 organisations.

She was last seen in public during the summer of 2001, attending the Queen Mother's 101st birthday.

Princess Margaret will be well remembered by her family, close friends, and fond public. She was 71.