Royal Rocker

[sgl]

Originally Posted by Kevin_of_Sussex

A great article! I remember Princess Margaret for three things. Firstly her romance with Peter Townsend, whom she was unable to marry (this was long before I was born). Second, for being the royal who openly smoked (I am a non-smoker, etc). Thirdly, and not least, she was the patron of my old school Mary Hare Grammar School for the Deaf. I remember her coming to Speech Day in 1973 (== prize giving day) as Guest of Honour. She made a glorious arrival in a helicopter which landed in the school's football pitch. The principal (== headmaster) was a nervous wreck trying to be correct in royal protocol, when he accompanied her. I did not see her smoking, and now wonder, looking back with hindsight, how she coped without a fag for two hours in the school hall during the prize-giving meeting!

Thank you Kevin for sharing this story. It is always nice to hear from people who have been fortunate enough to meet or see royalty in person. The stories are usually positive, and yours was so nice! It really puts a human face on someone who is usually only seen in magazines.

[Elspeth]

Here you go, Thomas; just go to picture 6 and you'll see the photo we couldn't get permission to post in the article.

BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Lord Snowdon

[Thomas Parkman]

Oh MY God, this is hysterical. The woman, and hubby dearest, (at least he seemed to be on the day of the wedding) did have a sense of humour. So sadly lacking in this degraded and degerate age. Prostrations and Praise, Oh MOST NOBLE SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED. It only goes to prove that a tiara looks good-if it is a decent piece of jewelry, anywhere and on anybody. This is right up there with story of the Indian princeling clad only in his bejeweled edged loincloth dripping with jewels and gems and goodies galore all over his absolutely gorgeous -bedecked with all those toys that is-body. That picture is as good as five pounds of the best grade chocolate. Cheers.

[tinkerbell1948]

A great article BeatrixFan, you have captured the essence of Margaret so well!

She married Anthony Armstrong-Jones when I was 13 (that dates me!) . I too often wonder how life would have turned out for her if she'd been able to marry Peter Townsend but of course coming right on the heels of Edward 8th's abdication (so to speak) it was unthinkable, her sister was already the Queen.

[Picmajik]

Originally Posted by Thomas Parkman

I hate to preach but it is the deamons Ethyl and Nick that did the poor woman in. If only she had been able to cut out or never take up the weed and had been more moderate in her pursuit of the bubbly we would probably still have her with us today. She was a Royal who knew very well how to be Royal. And these boring republicans and drearh political correctness apparatachiks are going to be the death of us all. cheers.

Ethyl and Nick--priceless!
I'm also sick to death of political correctness! I don't smoke but I don't care if you do in your own home or outside, just not in my face or dinner.
How lovely--reading two of my favorites today--BeatrixFan and Thomas!
I may not always agree with you all but I love your turn of phrase.
Thanks for brightening an otherwise dreary day (weatherwise).

BeatrixFan--great article! Unfortunately the younger set do not have the same sense of style nor where to draw the line for their antics today. However, they have to deal with more tabloids and paps than Margaret's generation so I see where some of the differences come from. I also loved your other article and agree that the "Queen Marys" are falling by the wayside. What bearing and grace the elder Royals have. I'm envious!