HM King George VI tours South Africa with his consort, Queen Elizabeth and their daughters Elizabeth and Margaret (courtesy of British Pathé).

1947 ROYAL TOUR

She was a beautiful young princess in love with a much older war hero. It was the love story of the century turned into a doomed affair.

Princess Margaret’s decision not to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend, a divorcee, has always been thought to have been made under pressure from the Court and senior figures within the Church of England. The Queen herself had bowed to the pressure as a young new monarch, causing a rift between her and her sister.

Now, a letter written by Princess Margaret to then-Prime Minister Anthony Eden has been unearthed, changing the history of events entirely.

Christopher Warwick, the princess’ official biographer and close friend, said the letter was “a very remarkable and significant historical document which puts a completely different complexion on the accepted version of events”.

It was a confident Princess Margaret who wrote, very much in control of her destiny, questioning whether or not she loved Townsend as much as she thought.

“At the end of October or early November I very much hope to be in a position to tell you and the other Commonwealth Prime Ministers what I intend to do,” she stated.

The Queen, said Margaret, knew that she was writing to Prime Minister Eden but told him to keep the letter confidential since everything was still “so uncertain”.

Margaret was not as helpless or pressured as was once believed.

“What is certain as a result of this letter,” continued Mr. Warwick, “is that she knew the Government was paving the way for the marriage if she wanted it and it proves that she was so much more involved in the process than she ever let on.”

The Telegraph

I discuss the controversy and chaos swirling around the Royal Family right now. Does it ever end? Find out more at the RoyaltyNow! podcast.

On sale are photos belonging to Sidney Cumper, a footman to Elizabeth II’s grandmother, Queen Mary. The shots include Princess Elizabeth, as the sovereign was then, playing with her little sister Margaret.

In another picture a young Prince Philip larks around with his Mountbatten relatives….

More @ Hello!

I have a thought-provoking question for all of you.

We all know how clever, witty, and beautiful Princess Margaret was, but her behavior was sometimes known to be frightfully horrendous. People commented that the late Princess was brilliant but bratty, the result of being given all she wanted her entire life. The Queen Mother, whom Margaret most resembled in personality and interest, was probably no help.

The late Queen Elizabeth would wave her hand as if to say, “What can one do?” when confronted with her little princess’ lack of discretion and demands. The Queen seemed to enjoy her daughter’s outgoing nature and talent for entertaining, and would overlook her imperiousness. Her Majesty’s eldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth, was heading down the same path of entitlement.

One story finds ‘Lilibet’ taking offense at being called a “little lady” by a kindly gentleman. Drawing herself up to full height, she says haughtily, “I am not a little lady, I’m Princess Elizabeth.”

Queen Mary quickly intervenes. “She is not a lady yet, but hopes to be one day.”

This stern admonishment from ‘Granny’, among others, set the path of the future queen on an entirely different road from her younger sister Margaret. Queen Mary knew that Elizabeth would one day head the monarchy and decided that she would establish in her granddaughter manners and a devotion to the country.

Today, Queen Elizabeth II is legendary for her cool, calm demeanor and her adherence to protocol. I feel that Queen Mary’s influence may have saved Elizabeth from having a similar fate to that of Princess Margaret. It’s true that the Princesses were not that similar in temperament, and perhaps Elizabeth would not have been that much like Margaret, but with a life full of having whatever you want, it could spoil anyone… even the Queen.

I say Queen Mary drove Elizabeth’s future to a brighter direction, and the Queen Mum let Margaret do what she wanted and in the end it cost the Princess dearly. What do you think?

In the latest issue of Vogue, Vic Beckham tries to look like Princess Margaret.

An accountant who believes himself to be Princess Margaret’s illegitimate son went to the High Court yesterday in an attempt to see the wills of the princess and Queen Mother in the hope that it will to prove his parentage.

[More]