Queen Elizabeth II shared a strong bond with her sister, Princess Margaret, throughout their lives. Margaret, the younger sister, tragically passed away in 2002, leaving the Queen deeply saddened.
Princess Margaret’s early life saw her grow up with a close relationship to her older sister, the royal, who was also her godmother. Margaret was born in Scotland in 1930, to the then-Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
During her childhood, Margaret received her education at Buckingham Palace before moving to Windsor Castle during World War II. After the war, she was more frequently seen in the public eye and was known for her socialite reputation, despite her involvement with numerous charity organizations.
The sisters remained close into adulthood, with Margaret serving as a bridesmaid for Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. The Queen was deeply fond of Margaret, as they shared a familial bond that lasted throughout the years.
Margaret initially grew close to Captain Peter Townsend, but their relationship faced opposition due to his recent divorce. Margaret later married Antony Armstrong Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, with whom she had two children. Their marriage eventually ended in 1978, and she became involved with society gardener Roddy Llewellyn.
Despite her socialite persona, Princess Margaret faced various health challenges. She suffered from several strokes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, eventually leading to her passing in February 2002. Her death deeply affected the Queen, who openly wept at her funeral, a rare display of emotion in public.
The close bond between the two sisters serves as a testament to the enduring love and support between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret throughout their lives, despite the challenges they faced.