Biography
The biography of Princess Margaret is a sad story that even the inhabitants of royal houses are lonely, that even title, wealth and fame do not guarantee ordinary happiness and love. Princess Margaret Rose's life was spent in the shadow of her sister Elizabeth II (the current Queen of Great Britain). However, despite this, Margaret managed to be remembered by the whole world for her love of freedom, courage and even some eccentricity, unusual for the inhabitants of Windsor.
Marriage
The youngest daughter of George VI still got married. The wedding took place in the spring of 1960. Her chosen one was photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. This man did not belong to a noble family. After the wedding, Margaret's husband received the titles Viscount Linley and Earl of Snowdon. Was this marriage happy? As it turned out later, no. Anthony was burdened by the responsible mission of the royal spouse. But this union produced heirs. Princess Margaret's children: son David (born 1961) and daughter Sarah (born 1964).
Childhood and youth
Margaret Rose was born on August 21, 1930 in Glamis Castle, Scotland. The girl was the youngest daughter of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and George VI. Margaret's godfather was her paternal uncle, who later became King Edward VIII, and her godmother was the Swedish Princess Ingrid (later the Danish Queen). When Margaret was six years old, Edward abdicated the throne and the girl's father became king. This moment became a turning point in Margaret's fate.
Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret as children
In early childhood, Margaret and Elizabeth were inseparable. The girls spent a lot of time together and could not imagine life without each other. However, after their father ascended the throne, a spirit of rivalry emerged between the sisters.
At first this was not obvious, but soon the elder Elizabeth had to study the intricacies of politics and government, court etiquette and other palace nuances necessary for the future queen. Margaret found herself out of work.
Princess Margaret in her youth
The situation became more complicated after the death of the girls' father. The mother, wearing mourning, became isolated in her own experiences. Elizabeth found herself absorbed in palace obligations, and Margaret felt unwanted and lonely.
Elizabeth II: biography
When Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday, she became not only the oldest monarch in the world, but also the longest-reigning head of state in British history. She comes from the Windsor dynasty and, in addition to her native island, is recognized as queen in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Papua New Guinea, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas and eight other small countries. The reign of Elizabeth Alexandra Maria saw the final collapse of the British Empire and the withdrawal of the colonies from English rule. Despite quite impressive criticism, Elizabeth II is quite a popular person in her native country.
She was born on April 21, 1926, to Prince Albert, the future King George VI, and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. The girl received her name in honor of her mother, but the princess’s full name is also made up of the names of her grandmother and great-grandmother. The queen's zodiac sign is Taurus. Elizabeth II had a sister, Princess Margaret, who was born four years after her, but died at the age of 72.
The first title in the biography of Elizabeth II appeared immediately after birth: the girl was named Princess of York. At that time, her father and uncle Edward VIII stood in front of her on the way to the throne, as did any boy who could theoretically be born to each of the candidates for the throne. The uncle initially became king, but less than a year later he lost the title to his brother.
Elizabeth II and her parents move to a luxurious castle - Buckingham Palace, where she spends her childhood and youth. Elizabeth II studied at home, but received an excellent humanities education. She studied art, religion, law, and specifically the British Constitution at a high level. Elizabeth II is fluent in French and is believed to have learned it on her own.
For the first time, Elizabeth II addressed her future subjects at the age of 13. During World War II, she appeared on the radio and expressed support for children who were affected by the bombing. At the age of 16, the girl already independently appears in public, and a year later she becomes a state adviser and joins the women's self-defense unit. The princess learned to drive an ambulance, received training as a mechanic, and rose to the rank of lieutenant. She is the only head of state who served in real life in that war.
Queen's sister
This state of affairs depressed Margaret: by nature the girl had a cheerful character, a cheerful disposition and sociability. In addition, the princess was very beautiful and skillfully emphasized the advantages of her appearance with fashionable outfits and cosmetics. Later, Margaret will often be compared to actress Audrey Hepburn. Such interests were considered bad manners in the royal family: the princess was supposed to be more serious and think about palace duties, and not about dresses and parties.
Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret in their youth
This is how the sisters were very different - the prim Elizabeth attached a lot of importance to the established regulations, rules and etiquette. Margaret took pleasure in going against all odds, shocking her relatives and the public. Perhaps with such a rebellion the girl was trying to attract the attention of loved ones, which she so lacked after the death of her father.
Princess Margaret
Quite quickly, Margaret gained fame as a “rebellious princess.” Until her last days, she did not consider it necessary to deny herself any pleasures. The princess was repeatedly spotted in London clubs and pubs. There was even talk about Margaret's alcoholism. Notes constantly appeared in the press that the princess was not averse to drinking. In addition, she smoked two packs of cigarettes per day. Such incontinence in bad habits seriously undermined Margaret's health and affected her future life.
Governing body
On the day of her coming of age, Elizabeth II officially promised the British Empire to devote her life to serving people, although at that time her inheritance of the crown was still in doubt. After the death of her father George VI, on February 6, 1952, Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen. It is curious that the coronation of the girl was broadcast on television for the first time in history and many believe that this event gave a sharp impetus to the popularity of this media in Britain.
At the time of Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the throne, the ruler's possessions were much wider than they are today. The empire then included South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon, which later abolished British rule. Interestingly, Elizabeth II visited each country almost immediately, becoming the first monarch to visit Australia and New Zealand.
By tradition, Queen Elizabeth II has virtually no influence on the governance of the country. A woman’s task is to represent the country at international summits and maintain the authority of the British monarchy. Throughout her entire tenure on the throne, Elizabeth II maintains correct relations with all prime ministers. And although she is above the political fray and does not publicly express her own political opinions, statesmen consider it important to consult with her on many issues. She valued the opinion of Queen Margaret Thatcher, which she wrote about in her memoirs.
During her long reign over Great Britain, Elizabeth received both praise and harsh criticism. But both the queen's supporters and opponents emphasize the queen's humanity. The events of 1986 are an indicative fact. Elizabeth II was sailing on her yacht Britannia to one of her subject countries when she learned of the outbreak of civil war in Yemen. She immediately ordered a change of course and take on board as many ordinary people as possible. Thanks to the direct assistance of Queen Elizabeth II of England, over a thousand people were evacuated.
Justin Trude and Elizabeth II
In 2020, Buckingham Palace was visited by “Canada’s sexiest politician,” Justin Trudeau. Then the Queen noted that the meeting with the Prime Minister was a unique occasion, because the last time they saw each other was 40 years ago: Justin’s father took him to see Elizabeth II when the boy was 3 years old. At the meeting, Queen Fr. To which the politician retorted: “The last time we met, you were much taller.”
Today, the queen’s height is 152 cm and her weight is 55 kg.
Personal life
Princess Margaret's personal life was stormy and eventful. At the age of 23, the girl met the captain of the British Navy, Peter Townsend. The man was 16 years older than the princess, but this did not become an obstacle for the lovers. Unfortunately, palace rules did not allow Margaret to marry her chosen one. The fact is that Townsend was divorced, in addition, he had children from his first marriage.
Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend
This relationship outraged the royal family. It was unheard of impudence and the height of indecency on Margaret’s part to agree to have a relationship with a divorced man who was also much older.
However, the family's discontent did not frighten the girl, and the romance gained momentum. Margaret decided to wait until her 25th birthday: at this age she could officially renounce the title and marry her lover as an ordinary woman. It was precisely this path that the girl’s uncle took at one time, who sacrificed the throne for the love of a divorced woman.
Wedding of Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones
However, the situation did not turn out the way Margaret wanted. Soon, Captain Peter Townsend was sent on duty to Belgium, where the man had to stay for two years. The princess's family hoped that the girl's love would subside and she would forget about her lover. Thanks to this love story, Margaret became the idol of women in the country: gossip was passed from mouth to mouth, many hoped for a happy ending to the romance.
The reality turned out to be more prosaic. When Peter Townsend returned to England, Margaret announced her decision to separate. Most likely, the girl was forced to take this step by pressure from her mother and sister, who were opposed to what they believed was the princess’s reckless act.
Princess Margaret with her husband and children
What happened changed Margaret. It was as if the princess decided not to spare herself and went to great lengths. The press gossiped about the girl’s numerous novels, and her photos with new and new gentlemen appeared on the centerfolds of publications. Finally, Margaret did get married. The chosen one of the wayward beauty was photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. The wedding took place on May 6, 1960.
This marriage, unfortunately, broke up. In 1978, the princess divorced her husband. Over the years of their marriage, Margaret gave birth to two children - a son, David, and a daughter, Sarah. It was Lady Sarah who, years later, became a bridesmaid at the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Margaret had four grandchildren.
Scandals
A loud scandal occurred in the 90s associated with Prince Charles. As you know, the man married Diana Spencer, who fell in love with the royal family and the British public, but all his life the queen’s son loved Camilla Shand. However, the monarchs were against their son’s marriage to a rootless girl, so she also quickly found a gentleman. But meetings with the prince did not stop. Diana knew about her husband's infidelities. William and Harry's mother tried to save the marriage, but it didn't work out. In 1992, recordings of a telephone conversation between Charles and Camilla were presented to the public. The words that the lovers said to each other made the royals’ ears “sag.”
Diana then became furious. As a result, the marriage turned into a war that ended in divorce.
After the tragic death of Princess Diana, those who blamed Prince Charles for what happened appeared. There were rumors that the woman was killed, and this happened not without the participation of Elizabeth II.
They also said that Prince Philip, the queen's husband, cheated on his wife many times. The woman did not comment on such statements.
In 2012, there was a scandal associated with the name of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The future parents of George, Charlotte and Louis were vacationing in a private villa in France. The couple thought that they were alone on the beach, and calmly walked there, either in swimsuits or without any clothes at all. At this moment, the husband and wife were caught by the paparazzi lens.
At one time, the Queen’s sister Margaret “shone” in the center of gossip columns. In her youth, the girl was not allowed to marry for love, and she began to often visit dubious establishments. It was rumored that the ruler's closest relative was addicted to cocaine. Then she married an unloved man, whom she left after 18 years. During and after marriage, the woman did not give up pleasure walks. As a result, Margaret ended her life unhappy in a wheelchair.
The press wrote that Elizabeth II could help her sister and approve a bill that would allow her to marry her loved one. But this did not happen.
Once the queen was even buried. This happened live on the BBC. Then presenter Danny Kelly announced the death of the monarch. Later, the management of the television and radio corporation had to make an official apology to the royal family.
In 2020, there were rumors that the Queen was planning to abdicate in favor of Prince William and Kate Middleton, bypassing Prince Charles. But the rumors remained rumors.
Death
Margaret's last years were tragic: the princess was very lonely. The woman's health became worse and worse - addiction to alcohol and tobacco made itself felt. A couple of years before her death, an accident occurred: Margaret scalded her feet in the bathroom. After this incident, the princess practically could not stand on her feet, moving in a wheelchair.
On February 9, 2002, Princess Margaret passed away. Doctors named the cause of death as stroke. But even after her death, Margaret was able to amaze the people of Britain and members of the royal family by expressing a desire for her body to be cremated. The ashes of the rebellious princess are buried next to her father's grave.
The longest marriage in the history of the monarchy
Since childhood, the girl wanted to marry a farmer, but the biography of Elizabeth 2’s husband was not related to agriculture. The girl had an iron character, so her parents’ plans to marry her to a noble young man were in jeopardy. But in the end, the girl abandoned this idea because a sailor cadet attracted her attention. By the way, according to the royal family, it was not much better than a farmer.
Cadet Philip was of no interest to Elizabeth’s family, although he was distinguished by noble origin. The young man was the only son of six children of King George I of Greece, and at birth had the title of Prince of Denmark and Greece. Philip is the great-grandson of Queen Victoria and the last Emperor of the Russian Empire, Nicholas II. After the abdication of the Greek king Constantine, the family moved to France, and little Philip was sent to London to live with relatives.
The young people met at one of the family dinners. Then Elizabeth was only 13 years old, and the young prince was 18. The biography of Elizabeth 2 (the future queen of England) began to change. The girl actively took part in social events, because in the future she was destined to become a monarch. And the meeting with the prince marked the beginning of the love story of her life.
It is believed that during the war, when the young man wrote tender and passionate letters to his beloved from the front, his terminally ill father asked for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage from George VI, but was refused. The groom's family became impoverished, and during the war they almost completely sided with the Nazis, because Philip's sisters married German officers.
During the war, other candidates for marriage with the princess disappeared somewhere: some got married, others decided to continue their search. Only Philip remained. They say that Elizabeth herself proposed marriage to Philip. The parents were not happy with this decision, but were forced to agree to the marriage.
The engagement was officially announced in the summer of 1947. The wedding was planned for November. The wedding took place in Westminster. The groom was allowed to invite only his mother to the wedding, who had been seriously ill for several years. The bride was escorted to the altar by her father. Elizabeth chose a champagne-colored satin wedding dress, which was embroidered with pearl and crystal beads. It took the court designer several months to create this outfit.
After the marriage, the young couple led an active social life. They often appeared at social events. Elizabeth showed an iron character, and the romantic prince even fell in love with singer Pat Kirkwood, but Philip was always devoted to his queen. Elizabeth did everything to stop the rumors. Very soon she gave birth to her first child, and then the couple left for the Philippines. Philip was sent there on duty.
Memory
Princess Margaret's name has appeared in films more than once. In 2005, the film “Princess Margaret, a Love Story” appeared. The picture was based on rumors and gossip, for which the princess never tired of giving reasons. Three years later, director Roger Donaldson's film The Baker Street Job was released.
Here, the plot was also based on Margaret’s provocative actions, which allegedly became known to the criminals. They want to steal dirt on the princess in order to blackmail members of the royal family. The main roles in the film were played by Jason Statham and Saffron Burrows.
And in 2020, Peter Morgan’s series “The Crown” was released, which reveals the history of the royal family. After the first season, the project received a Golden Globe Award and received positive responses from both critics and viewers. Princess Margaret was played by actresses Vanessa Kirby and Helena Bonham Carter. Ben Miles plays Peter Townsend. Also participating in the filming were Claire Foy (as young Elizabeth), John Lithgow (who played Winston Churchill), Matt Smith, and Jeremy Northam.
Passionate romance
When the princess was 23 years old, she met 39-year-old Peter Townsend and fell in love. Because he was a captain in the RAF, he had access to Buckingham Palace. The couple began a whirlwind romance, but Princess Margaret did not have the right to marry him. This man was already married and just recently divorced. He also had children from this marriage. Royal regulations and the Church of England did not allow marriage with a divorced person. The entire royal court was outraged, since Townsend was both older than the young princess and previously married. Of course, Margaret had one opportunity to stay with her beloved, but for this she would have to wait until she was 25 years old, in which case she would be able to sign a renunciation of the title of princess. This also meant that no more funds would be allocated for its maintenance. But Princess Margaret was a rebel in her youth, and therefore such threats did not frighten her. It is worth noting that twenty years ago her uncle did exactly this for the sake of his beloved. He renounced the throne and all privileges and married an American woman who was divorced from her ex-husband.
Actor biography
On December 15, 1972, in a small Irish village called Howth, Stuart Townsend, the future famous actor, was born.
He was born into a family of a professional athlete and a fashion model. Peter, Stuart's father, played golf and wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. Lorna, his mother, was very successful in her profession in Ireland, but she did not become a world-class star.
Stewart himself had not the slightest interest in golf or fashion. But cinema was his real passion. He studied in a theater studio, constantly went to the local video store to buy new tapes and, enjoying watching them, dreamed that someday he would play the main role in a film.
Pictured: Stuart Townsend
Stuart has a brother, Dylan, and a sister, Chloe, who are 13 and 15 years younger than him, respectively. And after the death of his mother in 1994, the cause of which was a cerebral hemorrhage, his father married again. The new marriage gave birth to two more children: a boy, Hugo, and a girl, Ella.
Stuart with brother Dylan and sister Chloe
The actor is married. Stuart Townsend currently has two children.
Notes
- Because of the letter combination sh, the surname is often erroneously rendered as "Townshend", which is actually a two-part word pronounced [ˈtaʊnzənd].
- “The Who unveil first new song in eight years.” BBC News
- Classic Rock's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time! (undefined)
. - "Biographies - Pete Townshend". The Hypertext Who Archived November 23, 2011.
- 10 facts about Pete Townshend
A little about personal
Both in his youth, and in childhood, and now, Jim Carrey (pictured in the material) enjoyed success with the opposite sex. However, for some reason this did not help the actor’s family life. He was married twice. He first entered into an official marriage with actress Melissa Womer in 1987. This marriage produced a daughter, Jane, but the couple divorced in 1995.
Kerry experienced a very painful and difficult divorce, but was able to get back on his feet. A year later, he married again - to actress Lauren Holly. This marriage lasted less than a year, and since then the actor has not officially connected himself with anyone. Many people associate these oddities in Jim Carrey's personal life with his passion for work.
Personal life of Stuart Townend
Despite the fact that the actor has many fans around the world who want to know everything about him, nevertheless, Stuart Townsend tries not to advertise his personal life much. It is known that he was in a civil marriage with Charlize Theron, but the couple broke up. After that, some time later, he married an ordinary girl.
Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend
Charlize is considered the first wife of Stuart Townsend, although they were never officially married. Their love story could be used to make a beautiful melodrama, but no one will play their role better, and the actors themselves are unlikely to agree to such an offer.
