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That's why she was cremated

That's why she was cremated

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
That's why she was cremated
That's why she was cremated

Princess Margaret's Final Farewell in "The Crown" and Beyond the Series

The hit Netflix drama "The Crown" continues to captivate viewers with its exploration of the royal family's private lives. In the latest season, the sixth, the series bids farewell to a beloved character, Princess Margaret, played by Lesley Manville (67). Previously, Vanessa Kirby (35) and Helena Bonham Carter (57) portrayed the vivacious and complex princess.

Season six dedicates an entire episode to Princess Margaret's tenure, focusing on her close bond with her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, played by Imelda Staunton. This touching tribute provides an insight into the princess's life in her last days.

The Real-Life Princess Margaret

Born in 1930, Princess Margaret and her elder sister Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) enjoyed a deep bond throughout their lives. Despite the Princess's untimely demise on February 9, 2002, at King Edward VII Hospital, London, at the age of 71, her sister's grief remained profound. Their mother, Queen Mum, also known as Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900-2002), passed away just seven weeks later at the age of 101.

Personal Life and Children

Princess Margaret's love life was a rollercoaster, beginning with her disapproved relationship with Peter Townsend, a divorced man ten years her senior. The relationship eventually broke down, leaving the princess heartbroken. However, she later found love with Antony Armstrong Jones, Earl of Snowdon (1930-2017), and married him in 1960. Their union produced two children - David Armstrong-Jones, born on November 3, 1961, and Lady Sarah Frances Elizabeth Armstrong-Jones on May 14, 1964.

Sadly, their marriage ended in 1978, with Armstrong Jones having an affair with a flight attendant. The couple's children, cousins of King Charles III (b. 1948), lead unconventional lifestyles. David Armstrong-Jones is an entrepreneur and furniture designer, while Lady Sarah Chatto works as an artist.

Health Challenges and Cause of Death

As "The Crown" portrays, Princess Margaret was a chain-smoker for years, a habit that eventually took a toll on her health. She suffered multiple strokes between 1998 and 2001, leading to partial paralysis and long-term vision loss. The princess is also reported to have had a nervous breakdown in the 1970s and depression later in life. Although she did manage to give up smoking in 1991, her health continued to deteriorate drastically.

On February 9, 2002, pressing reports announced Princess Margaret's death due to heart problems following another stroke. The heartbroken Queen Elizabeth declined to share specific details of her sister's demise.

Cremation and Final Resting Place

Princess Margaret holds the unique distinction of being the only high-ranking royal family member to be cremated. In accordance with her wishes, she was cremated at Slough Crematorium and her ashes were laid to rest alongside her parents, Queen Mum and King George VI, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Trivia

  • The New York Times reported that at her request, Princess Margaret opted for cremation to be interred near her father's grave and did not want any member of her family to attend her cremation ceremony.*

Additional Reading

  • "Caught up in the present: the end of "The Crown"
  • "40 years of the music show "Formel Eins"
  • "These TV annual reviews will be shown in 2023"
  • "Sky documentary: "23 - The mysterious death of a hacker""

Sources:

  • Princess Margaret's health decline and eventual death were attributed to a combination of advanced age and chronic health conditions, including a serious lung operation in 1985, waning role as an official representative of the royal family, and decades of service as a Counsellor of State.

Key takeaways:

  • "The Crown" season six features the poignant departure of Princess Margaret, played by Lesley Manville.
  • The real-life Princess Margaret and her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, shared a strong bond that persisted until her death.
  • Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend met with disapproval, and her marriage with Antony Armstrong Jones ended in divorce.
  • The princess suffered multiple strokes, a nervous breakdown, depression, and chronic illnesses in her later years.
  • Princess Margaret's request to be cremated was honored, and her ashes were laid to rest close to her father's grave at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

"Death of Princess Margaret in 'The Crown' - That's why she was cremated" (2023, January 3). .

"Princess Margaret" (n.d.). .

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