Princess Margaret was one of the most photographed women in history

Today, on what would have been Princess Margaret’s 95th birthday, we are remembering the royal and her glamorous lifestyle.

Walk down memory lane with us, as we commemorate the late princess with a selection of stunning photographs that epitomise her renowned ability to dazzle the public…

Remembering Princess Margaret on what would have been her 95th birthday

During her lifetime, Princess Margaret was one of the most photographed women in the world.

Born in 1930, the princess lived decades before the phenomena of digitised imagery, yet, there are still thousands upon thousands of images to sift through of her online.

A sentiment, to her impact and influence.

She was a muse to many, from Cecil Beaton to Slim Aarons and of course, her husband, Lord Snowdon, Antony Armstrong-Jones.

Whether it was her 29th birthday portrait, shot by Anthony Armstrong-Jones himself, or candid snaps of Margaret during royal engagements, most shots capture how Margaret was always the life of the party.

According to Anne de Courcey’s book, Snowdon, Margaret’s memorable 29th birthday shoot, which birthed the iconic snap of Princess Margaret gazing into the camera whilst sporting diamond jewellery, kicked off their eventual romance.

Which is unsurprising, as regardless of the setting, the princess looked to come alive in front of the camera.

Our favourite photos of Princess Margaret

This photo, taken in 1941, of the then Princess Elizabeth (left) and a young Princess Margaret (right) sheds light on the two royal sisters and their unwavering bond, which blossomed from childhood.
Elizabeth and Margaret were very close (Credit: Design Pics Inc/Shutterstock)

The adorable snap subtly depicts their differences. The future queen offered a well-practised smile whilst Margaret couldn’t disguise her cheeky grin as they were photographed driving a pony and trap in Great Windsor Park.

Quite fitting, as their father, King George VI would later describe Elizabeth as his “pride” and Margaret as his “joy”.

The two sisters matured quickly, as just five years later this photo was taken.
The two sisters remained close confidants until the end of Margaret’s life in 2002 (Credit: Design Pics Inc/Shutterstock)

Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth’s bond

A more proper affair this time, but again, it portrayed how Margaret would go on to stick beside Elizabeth’s side despite their contrasting personalities.

Although Margaret would become famed for her love for parties, alcohol, cigarettes and alleged love affairs, she was also a stickler for protocol and fulfilled her royal responsibilities where required.

Meanwhile, this 1950 snap below of the princess at a salute during the march past of 8,000 land see and air rangers at White City, London, illustrates her commitment to the crown and her family.
The princess took her duties seriously (Credit: Hudson/Daily Mail/Shutterstock)

Margaret’s mesmerising beauty

By 1956, the effortless glamour of Margaret had come to light in front of the lens.

Photographer Cecil Beaton captured such perfectly, especially in portraits photographed in the Drawing Room of Clarence House, for her 26th birthday.
The princess was one of the most fashionable royals (Credit: Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
Her Royal Highness wore an evening dress of pink tulle embroidered with flowers and sequins for the shoot. Her brunette locks were waved and piled high on her head, in what are now famous shots.
Margaret boasted effortless beauty (Credit: Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)

Princess Margaret on her wedding day

Photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones would marry his muse in 1960 and Margaret would capture the hearts of the nation as she wore a breathtaking Norman Hartnell dress with a nine-foot train for their nuptials.
Lord Snowdon and Her Majesty were together for almost two decades (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Their marriage went down in history as it was the first royal wedding to be televised and the first time a king’s daughter had married a ‘commoner’ in 400 years. 

The couple would ultimately separate in 1976, following several rumoured affairs on both sides and a slew of alleged marriage struggles.

Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones

But once upon a time, they appeared to be quite content and would go on to welcome two children together, David and Sarah. They were married for 18 years, finalising their divorce in 1978.
Margaret and Antony split in 1976 before finalising their divorce in 1978 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Margaret’s famous smile

One of the most memorable features of the late royal had to be her smile.

This photograph of Margaret, pictured on her arrival at St. Michael’s school in Chorley, following her attendance at the Rehallowing Ceremony of the renovated nave at Blackburn Cathedral in 1965, definitely encapsulates this.
Princess Margaret had a stunning smile (Credit: Daily Mail/Shutterstock)
Princess Margaret was famously outgoing and had a penchant for parties, luxurious hotels and brushing shoulders with Hollywood starlets and aristocrats.

Beloved royal meets Elizabeth Taylor

One of our favourites snaps of the princess shows her meeting with film stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1969. She greeted the pair with a dazzling smile that matched the glittering tiara perched on her head and the sparkling diamonds dangling from her ears.
Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Margaret were two of the most photographed women in the world (Credit: Cover Images)
Margaret’s authorised biographer Christopher Warwick once said of the princess and the actress Elizabeth Taylor: “In the Fifties, the world’s media were interested in having photographs of only two women.

“One was Elizabeth Taylor and one was Princess Margaret.”

Princess Margaret took pride in her family

Of course, we couldn’t finish this curation of photographs without this adorable family photo captured in 1974 of the princess and her family.

In the image, taken at Kensington Palace, the princess wore a snake-skin printed caftan. She was pictured with her son David Armstrong-Jones, her daughter Lady Sarah Chatto and of course, her then husband, Antony.
Margaret was very proud of her children (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Margaret expressed much pride in her children. She once stated that although she may not have achieved much herself, she felt her life had not been wasted because she had produced “two happy and well-adjusted children”.