Princess Margaret captivated the public with her style, independence, and high-profile relationships. Her marital timeline was closely watched, blending royal tradition with modern media scrutiny.
Below is a concise overview of her key marital milestones, followed by deeper sections on each union, influences on royal protocol, and common public questions.
| Marriage | Spouse | Wedding Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Antony Armstrong-Jones | 6 May 1960 | 18 years (separated 1973, divorced 1978) |
| Second | Rada Stanislavovich Lokind | 5 July 1978 | 16 years until her death in 1994 |
Royal Wedding of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones
Planning and Public Interest
The engagement of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones was announced in February 1960. The wedding at Westminster Abbey was the first to be televised in Britain, drawing a global audience and setting new benchmarks for royal event coverage.
Ceremony Details and Titles
On 6 May 1960, the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony rich with tradition yet tailored for a modern age. Antony received the title Earl of Snowdon, creating a balance between royal formality and contemporary design, reflected in the artful photography of the day.
Life with Antony Armstrong-Jones
Public Roles and Charitable Work
As the wife of the Earl of Snowdon, Princess Margaret supported the arts, architecture, and photography. The couple attended state banquets, toured Commonwealth nations, and presented a progressive image within the rigid royal framework.
Challenges and Changing Dynamics
Despite the glamour, their marriage faced pressures from media intrusion and personal differences. By the early 1970s, they lived increasingly separate lives, leading to formal separation in 1973 and divorce in 1978.
Marriage to Rada Lokind
Background and Connection
Rada Lokind, a photographer and former girlfriend of Mick Jagger, brought a bohemian style to the royal circle. Their relationship developed quietly, culminating in a private wedding in 1978 after her divorce was final.
Privacy and Stability
This marriage offered Margaret a more private life away from the intense spotlight of the early 1960s. They remained married until her death in 1994, providing companionship in her later years and shifting public perception of her personal choices.
Impact on Royal Protocol and Media Narrative
Changing Standards for Senior Royals
Margaret's journey influenced how the monarchy approached divorce and non-traditional partnerships. Her unions prompted internal discussions around protocol, privacy, and the evolving role of senior royals in a media-driven era.
Comparisons with Earlier Royal Marriages
Unlike her sister’s carefully managed union, Margaret’s relationships were marked by greater personal agency and public turbulence. This difference highlighted a generational shift in expectations for royal women.
Key Takeaways
- Princess Margaret was married twice, first to Antony Armstrong-Jones and later to Rada Lokind.
- Her first marriage lasted 18 years; her second lasted 16 years until her death.
- Both unions reflected shifting royal attitudes toward personal choice and media scrutiny.
- The weddings were historic events, with the first televised royal ceremony setting new standards.
- Her marital history influenced protocol discussions and public perceptions of senior royals.
FAQ
Reader questions
How long was Princess Margaret married to Antony Armstrong-Jones?
Princess Margaret was married to Antony Armstrong-Jones for 18 years, from their wedding on 6 May 1960 until their divorce in 1978.
How long was Princess Margaret married to Rada Lokind?
She was married to Rada Lokind for 16 years, from their wedding on 5 July 1978 until her death in 1994.
Did Princess Margaret have any children from her marriages?
No, Princess Margaret did not have any children from either of her marriages.
Were her marriages considered controversial at the time?
Yes, both marriages were considered controversial due to the modern, sometimes turbulent nature of her relationships and the media attention they attracted.