Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (1930 - 2002) arrives in England after her tour of Canada, 12th August 1958. Image: Getty Images
Princess Margaret, the Countess of Snowdon. Without question one of the most controversial Royals we have seen and a real maverick.
Princess Margaret was born on the 21st of August 1930 and lived a life filled with drama, sadness, and excitement.
While the late princess was often viewed as living in her sister Elizabeth's shadow, she undoubtedly paved her own way in the world and was no stranger to the glitz and glamour (and trappings) of life as a Royal and a celebrity.
Margaret's legacy
Princess Margaret lived a quiet life with her parents and sister until her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated his crown in order to re-marry. This would prove to completely change the course of Margaret's life, as it meant her sister Elizabeth was now heir presumptive.
Rumors surrounded Margaret early in her life, as many believed her to be deaf and mute, though this was proved untrue following her first public appearance.
Princess Margaret's wedding was the first of its kind. Televised to more than 300 million people worldwide, it was a true celebrity wedding and attracted attention from around the world. Her husband was photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones.
Margaret would go on to have several extramarital affairs which lead to her and Jones eventually divorcing. This would go a long way in normalizing divorce among the Royal Family and society in general.
Princess Margaret was a socialite, who had many celebrity friends and was regularly spotted rubbing shoulders with famous figures from around the world. In many ways, this was unusual for members of the Royal Family, who typically stayed in Royal circles prior to this.
Princess Margaret died in 2002, at the age of 71 following a life filled with health issues. She left a legacy that would carry on to the modern era.
Here are our favorite photos of Princess Margaret
Queen Elizabeth II (as Princess Elizabeth) and her younger sister Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002) in the grounds of the Royal Lodge, Windsor. Princess Margaret is holding one of their pet dogs, a Cairngorm terrier called Chu-Chu.
Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002) at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, UK, 8th July 1946.
Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002) wearing riding habits at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, UK, 8th July 1946.
16th September 1948: Princess Margaret Rose (1930 - 2002), who was born in Scotland at Glamis Castle, inspecting troops in Glasgow, where she launched the tanker 'British Mariner'.
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (1930 - 2002) arrives in England after her tour of Canada, 12th August 1958.
Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002) and Antony Armstrong-Jones in the grounds of Royal Lodge on the day they announced their engagement.
Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002) shakes hands with George Harrison (1943 - 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr of the British pop group the Beatles at the premiere of their latest film 'Help'.
Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002) at the Royal Festival Hall after a Frank Sinatra concert in aid of the NSPCC, she is looking up at her husband Lord Snowdon.
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