Who Was Princess Margaret's Second Husband

Who Was Princess Margaret's Second Husband

Princess Margaret's second husband was Antony Armstrong-Jones, later known as the 1st Earl of Snowdon. He was a British photographer, filmmaker, and designer who married Margaret in 1960. Their wedding was one of the most prominent royal events of the 20th century. Armstrong-Jones brought a creative, modern background to the royal family, distinguishing himself from traditional court figures. Their marriage lasted until 1978, making it one of the most widely covered royal divorces of the era. Biographical overview of Antony Armstrong-Jones.

Before marrying Princess Margaret, Armstrong-Jones established himself as a prominent society and fashion photographer. He studied architecture at Cambridge and later focused on design and visual arts. His work appeared in leading British publications and he built connections across politics, entertainment, and the arts. His professional profile gave the royal family a contemporary image during a period of significant public scrutiny. Coverage of Armstrong-Jones as a photographer before the royal wedding.

Marriage to Princess Margaret and Public Role

The marriage between Princess Margaret and Armstrong-Jones took place at Westminster Abbey in May 1960. The ceremony was broadcast globally and attracted extensive media coverage. Armstrong-Jones became a working member of the royal household, taking on public duties and patronages. He and Margaret had two children, David and Sarah, who grew up under intense public attention. Royal.uk profile of Earl of Snowdon.

During the marriage, Armstrong-Jones balanced royal obligations with creative projects in film and design. He produced documentaries and worked on design commissions, maintaining a public profile outside the palace. The couple's high-profile divorce in 1978 drew significant tabloid and public interest. The divorce was finalized on the grounds of adultery, and Armstrong-Jones later received the title Earl of Snowdon. Guardian obituary covering the marriage and divorce.

Later Life, Legacy, and Financial Context

After the divorce, Armstrong-Jones continued to work as a designer and photographer while living a more private life. He remained connected to the royal family through shared children and occasional public appearances. His later years were marked by health challenges, and he died in 2017 at the age of 86. His legacy includes contributions to British design, photography, and the broader cultural narrative around the modern monarchy. BBC obituary and legacy overview.

From a financial and institutional perspective, Armstrong-Jones's marriage to Princess Margaret illustrates the intersection of royal wealth, public funding, and personal careers. The royal family's finances involve a mix of sovereign grants, inherited assets, and private income, with public scrutiny on spending and taxation. Armstrong-Jones's own earnings from design and media work provided a contrast to the traditional sources of royal revenue. Forbes overview of royal family finances.