Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was a member of the British royal family known for her glamorous and unconventional life. One of the most significant aspects of her life was her marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones, a photographer and filmmaker who would later become the 1st Earl of Snowdon. In this article, we will delve into the life of Princess Margaret’s husband, exploring their relationship, his career, and the impact he had on the royal family.
Early Life and Career of Antony Armstrong-Jones
Antony Armstrong-Jones was born on March 7, 1930, in London, England, to Ronald Armstrong-Jones and Anne Parsons. He was educated at Eton College and later studied architecture at the University of Cambridge. However, he did not pursue a career in architecture, instead turning to photography, which became his true passion. Armstrong-Jones’s photography career took off in the 1950s, with his work appearing in various magazines and exhibitions. His unique and innovative style quickly made him a sought-after photographer, and he became known for his portraits of celebrities and members of the royal family.
Meeting Princess Margaret
Antony Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret met in 1958, when he was commissioned to take her portrait. At the time, Armstrong-Jones was already an established photographer, and Princess Margaret was immediately drawn to his charming and creative personality. The two began a romantic relationship, and their engagement was announced in February 1960. The marriage was seen as a modern and unconventional union, as Armstrong-Jones was a commoner and not a member of the aristocracy.
The Wedding and Early Marriage
The wedding of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones took place on May 6, 1960, at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was attended by members of the royal family, as well as celebrities and friends of the couple. The marriage was a significant event, marking a new era of modernity and informality in the royal family. The couple had two children, Lord Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto, and their early years of marriage were marked by happiness and a sense of freedom from traditional royal protocol.
Career and Interests of Antony Armstrong-Jones
As a photographer, Antony Armstrong-Jones was known for his innovative and creative style, which captured the essence of his subjects. He was particularly interested in portrait photography and took photographs of many famous people, including Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II, and other members of the royal family. In addition to his photography career, Armstrong-Jones was also a talented filmmaker and produced several documentaries and films, including a documentary about the royal family.
Titles and Honors
In 1961, Antony Armstrong-Jones was created the 1st Earl of Snowdon, Viscount Linley, and Baron Armstrong-Jones. He was also appointed as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in 1969, in recognition of his service to the royal family. The titles and honors bestowed upon Armstrong-Jones reflected his position as a member of the royal family and his contributions to the arts.
Personal Interests and Charity Work
Antony Armstrong-Jones was also known for his strong sense of social responsibility and his involvement in various charity organizations. He was particularly interested in supporting organizations that promoted the arts and education. He was also a talented designer and created several designs for the royal family, including the design for the royal family’s new aviary at Sandringham House.
Challenges and Controversies
The marriage of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones was not without its challenges and controversies. The couple faced intense media scrutiny and pressure from the royal family to conform to traditional royal protocol. They also faced personal challenges, including the difficulties of balancing their careers and family life. In 1978, the couple announced their decision to separate, and they eventually divorced in 1978.
Later Life and Legacy
After his divorce from Princess Margaret, Antony Armstrong-Jones continued to work as a photographer and filmmaker. He also became involved in various business ventures, including design and architecture. In his later years, he was recognized for his contributions to the arts and his service to the royal family. He passed away on January 13, 2017, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and innovative artist.
In conclusion, the life and marriage of Princess Margaret’s husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, were marked by creativity, innovation, and a sense of modernity. As a photographer, filmmaker, and member of the royal family, Armstrong-Jones left a lasting impact on the arts and the royal family. His marriage to Princess Margaret was a significant event in the history of the royal family, marking a new era of informality and modernity. Despite the challenges and controversies they faced, the couple’s legacy continues to be felt today, and their story remains an important part of the history of the British royal family.
Some notable facts about Antony Armstrong-Jones include:
- He was a successful photographer and filmmaker, known for his innovative and creative style.
- He was created the 1st Earl of Snowdon in 1961, in recognition of his marriage to Princess Margaret.
- He was appointed as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in 1969, in recognition of his service to the royal family.
Overall, the story of Antony Armstrong-Jones and his marriage to Princess Margaret is a fascinating and complex one, marked by both happiness and challenges. As a member of the royal family and a talented artist, Armstrong-Jones left a lasting impact on the arts and the royal family, and his legacy continues to be felt today.
Who was Antony Armstrong-Jones, the husband of Princess Margaret?
Antony Armstrong-Jones was a British photographer and filmmaker who married Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1960. Born on March 7, 1930, in London, England, Armstrong-Jones came from a wealthy family and was educated at Eton College and Cambridge University. He developed an interest in photography at a young age and eventually became a prominent figure in British society, known for his work as a photographer and his charismatic personality.
Armstrong-Jones’s marriage to Princess Margaret was a significant event in British royal history, as it was the first time a member of the royal family had married a commoner. The couple met in 1958, and their engagement was announced in 1960. They were married on May 6, 1960, at Westminster Abbey, in a ceremony that was widely covered by the media. The marriage was seen as a modernizing influence on the royal family, and Armstrong-Jones’s photographic skills and artistic talents were also widely admired. Despite their eventual divorce in 1978, Armstrong-Jones remained a notable figure in British society, continuing to work as a photographer and filmmaker until his death on January 13, 2017.
What was the nature of Princess Margaret’s relationship with Antony Armstrong-Jones?
Princess Margaret’s relationship with Antony Armstrong-Jones was a long and complex one, marked by both romance and turmoil. The couple’s early years together were happy and fulfilling, with Armstrong-Jones bringing a sense of excitement and modernity to the royal family. However, their marriage was not without its challenges, including the scrutiny of the media and the pressures of royal life. The couple had two children, Lord Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto, but their relationship ultimately ended in divorce in 1978, due to a combination of factors including infidelity and a growing sense of disconnection.
The end of the marriage was a difficult time for both Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, but they remained on good terms and continued to share a deep affection for each other. Despite the challenges they faced, their relationship had a profound impact on the British royal family, helping to modernize its image and pave the way for future generations of royals to marry commoners. The legacy of their relationship continues to be felt today, with their children and grandchildren playing important roles in British society and culture. Through his work as a photographer and filmmaker, Armstrong-Jones also left a lasting impact on the world of arts and culture, and his memory continues to be celebrated by those who knew him.
How did Antony Armstrong-Jones’s photographic career influence his relationship with Princess Margaret?
Antony Armstrong-Jones’s photographic career had a significant influence on his relationship with Princess Margaret, as it brought him into contact with the royal family and helped to establish him as a prominent figure in British society. Armstrong-Jones’s work as a photographer was highly regarded, and he was known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects through his lens. His photographs of Princess Margaret and other members of the royal family are still widely admired today, and they offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the royal family during the 1960s and 1970s.
Armstrong-Jones’s photographic career also gave him a sense of independence and creative fulfillment, which was important for his relationship with Princess Margaret. As a member of the royal family, Princess Margaret’s life was highly scrutinized and regimented, and Armstrong-Jones’s career provided a welcome escape from the pressures of royal life. Through his photography, Armstrong-Jones was able to express himself and pursue his own interests, which helped to keep their relationship fresh and exciting. However, his career also took him away from Princess Margaret and their children at times, which put a strain on their relationship and ultimately contributed to their divorce.
What was the social and cultural context of Princess Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones?
Princess Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones took place in 1960, a time of significant social and cultural change in Britain. The 1960s were a period of great upheaval and transformation, with the rise of youth culture, the emergence of new artistic and musical movements, and a growing sense of rebellion against traditional social norms. The marriage of a member of the royal family to a commoner was seen as a symbol of this changing times, and it helped to modernize the image of the royal family.
The social and cultural context of the time also had a profound impact on the couple’s relationship, as they navigated the challenges of royal life and the pressures of the media. The couple’s marriage was subject to intense scrutiny, with every aspect of their relationship being reported on and analyzed by the press. This level of attention took a toll on their relationship, and they faced numerous challenges as they tried to balance their public and private lives. Despite these challenges, their marriage remained a significant cultural phenomenon, and it continues to be celebrated and studied by historians and royal watchers today.
How did Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones’s divorce affect the royal family?
The divorce of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1978 had a significant impact on the royal family, as it marked the first time a member of the royal family had divorced since the reign of King Henry VIII. The divorce was seen as a sign of the changing times and the growing acceptance of divorce as a social norm. However, it also raised questions about the role of the royal family in modern society and the relevance of traditional institutions such as marriage.
The divorce of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones also had a personal impact on the royal family, particularly on Queen Elizabeth II, who was deeply affected by her sister’s marital troubles. The divorce led to a re-evaluation of the role of the royal family and the importance of marriage and family in their public and private lives. It also paved the way for future generations of royals to navigate the challenges of marriage and divorce in a more modern and accepting way. Today, the royal family is more diverse and inclusive than ever before, with members of the family marrying commoners and pursuing careers outside of traditional royal duties.
What legacy did Antony Armstrong-Jones leave behind, and how is he remembered today?
Antony Armstrong-Jones left behind a lasting legacy as a photographer, filmmaker, and member of the British royal family. His work as a photographer is still widely admired and celebrated today, and his photographs of Princess Margaret and other members of the royal family are considered some of the most iconic and enduring images of the 20th century. Armstrong-Jones’s legacy extends beyond his work, however, as he played an important role in modernizing the image of the royal family and paving the way for future generations of royals to marry commoners.
Today, Antony Armstrong-Jones is remembered as a charismatic and talented individual who brought a sense of excitement and modernity to the royal family. His relationship with Princess Margaret was a significant part of his legacy, and their marriage and divorce continue to fascinate and inspire people around the world. Through his work and his relationship with Princess Margaret, Armstrong-Jones left an indelible mark on British society and culture, and his memory continues to be celebrated by those who knew him and admired his work. His legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of photography and the importance of capturing the beauty and essence of the world around us.
How did Princess Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones influence the modern royal family?
Princess Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones had a profound influence on the modern royal family, as it helped to pave the way for future generations of royals to marry commoners and pursue careers outside of traditional royal duties. The marriage was seen as a modernizing influence on the royal family, and it marked a significant shift away from the traditional norms and expectations that had governed the lives of royals for centuries. Today, the royal family is more diverse and inclusive than ever before, with members of the family marrying commoners and pursuing careers in fields such as business, media, and the arts.
The influence of Princess Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones can be seen in the lives of many modern royals, including Prince William and Prince Harry, who have both married commoners and pursued careers outside of traditional royal duties. The marriage also had a significant impact on the way the royal family is perceived by the public, with many people seeing them as more relatable and down-to-earth as a result of Princess Margaret’s marriage to a commoner. Overall, the legacy of Princess Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones continues to shape the modern royal family and its relationships with the public, and it remains an important part of British history and culture.