The Untold Story of Royal Sisters: Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret - A Bond Beyond Royalty

Queen Elizabeth II and her late sister Princess Margaret have long been regarded as iconic figures within the British Royal Family. Their lives, filled with both triumphs and challenges, have captivated the world for decades. In this article, we will delve into the extraordinary bond shared by these two remarkable women and explore the secrets that lie behind their captivating personas.

A Glimpse into their Childhood

Queen Elizabeth II, born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, and Princess Margaret, whose full name was Margaret Rose Windsor, were born to parents who would later become known as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, and Margaret on August 21, 1930, ensuring that they were only four years apart in age.

Royal Sisters: Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret

by Anne Edwards (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8220 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	422 pages

FREE

Despite their future roles as leading figures in the British monarchy, the royal sisters had a relatively normal upbringing. They frequently played together and developed a bond that was strengthened by their shared experiences.

The Winds of Change

As Elizabeth's father ascended to the throne in 1936 following the abdication of their uncle, King Edward VIII, the lives of the young princesses changed forever. Elizabeth then became the heir presumptive, while Margaret was positioned as second in line to the throne.

This unexpected turn of events further solidified the sisters' bond as they found solace in each other's company as they navigated the complexities of their royal duties and expectations.

The War Years

During World War II, when the royal family remained in the United Kingdom, Elizabeth and Margaret, like many other children, were evacuated to Windsor Castle for their safety. They shared the experiences of bomb shelters, rationed food, and the constant threat of danger.

These arduous years forged an unbreakable bond between the royal sisters, as they relied on each other for support and companionship. It was during this time that their unique connection truly blossomed.

Elizabeth's Ascension to the Throne

On February 6, 1952, their father, King George VI, passed away, making Elizabeth the new Queen of the United Kingdom at the young age of 25. This, of course, affected Margaret as well, as her position in the line of succession shifted.

Margaret's role became crucial in supporting her sister as she stepped into her new responsibilities. Despite the differences in their personalities, Margaret offered unwavering loyalty and became her sister's confidante during these challenging times.

Challenges and Turmoil

While Queen Elizabeth II's reign has been marked by stability and grace, Princess Margaret's life was anything but smooth sailing. Her relationships, including her ill-fated romance with Peter Townsend and her tumultuous marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones, caused significant strain in her personal life.

Throughout these trials, Queen Elizabeth II remained a constant presence in her sister's life, always offering guidance and support. Their bond remained unbreakable, even in the face of adversity.

Public Appearances and Joint Engagements

As royalty, both sisters were frequently in the public eye. Their charismatic personalities and impeccable sense of style made them beloved figures within the British public and abroad. From state visits to official engagements, the royal sisters showcased their elegance and poise wherever they went.

One of the most memorable joint occasions was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953. Margaret played a crucial role in assisting her sister during the ceremony, ensuring its smooth execution.

A Sisterly Bond like No Other

Despite the demands of their royal duties, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret always made time for each other. They frequently enjoyed private lunches, tea parties, and even regular phone calls when apart.

They remained not only sisters but also best friends, sharing an unspoken understanding that only they could comprehend. Their bond extended beyond royalty, and they truly cherished each other's company.

A Loss that Shook the Queen

Princess Margaret tragically passed away on February 9, 2002, at the age of 71. The loss deeply affected Queen Elizabeth II, who regarded her sister as more than just a sibling but a pillar of support throughout her life.

Even after Margaret's passing, the Queen cherishes her beloved sister's memory, honoring her legacy through various tributes and dedications.

The Enduring Legacy of Royal Sisters

Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret's story goes beyond the regal façade and offers a glimpse into the complexities of their sisterhood. Their extraordinary bond weathered the storms of palace life, personal struggles, and historical events.

Through their unwavering support and love for each other, the royal sisters showcased the importance of family ties even within the confines of royalty. They continue to inspire generations with their remarkable story.

As we celebrate the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and remember Princess Margaret, we are reminded of the power of sisterly bonds and the strength that lies within them.

So let us honor these royal sisters who left an indelible mark on history and remind ourselves to cherish the relationships that shape our lives.

Royal Sisters: Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret

by Anne Edwards (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8220 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	422 pages

FREE

In Royal Sisters, Anne Edwards, author of the best-selling Vivien Leigh: A Biography and Matriarch: Queen Mary and the House of Windsor, has written the first dual biography of Elizabeth, the princess who was to become Queen, and her younger sister, Margaret, who was to be her subject. From birth to maturity, they were the stuff of which dreams are made.

“I’m three and you’re four,” the future Queen, then a child, imperiously informed her sister. The younger girl, not understanding this reference to their position in the succession, proudly countered, “No, you’re not. I’m three, you’re seven.”

The royal sisters had no choice in their historic positions, but behind the palace gates and within the all-too-human confines of their personalities, they displayed tremendous individuality and suffered the usual symptoms of sibling rivalry. Royal Sisters provides an unprecedented and intimate portrait of these most famous siblings during their formative and dramatic youthful years. It is also one of the twentieth century’s most fascinating stories of sisterly loyalty.

Edwards’s book is an honest look at how the royal sisters feel toward each other, their parents, their close relations and the men whom they have loved. It openly discusses, with new insights and information, the romance of Elizabeth and Philip and the tragic aborted love affair between Margaret and Group Captain Peter Townsend, and it has a cast of characters ranging from the youthful sisters’ suitors to Winston Churchill and the entire Royal Family. It is also the story of the making of a queen, of the high drama of her situation in the Townsend affair, of the real effect their uncle’s abdication had on the sisters’ lives, and of the internecine feuds that have brewed within the Royal Family since that time.

Brought vividly to life through the many personal interviews of close royal associates, filled with new facts, previously unpublished anecdotes and photographs, Royal Sisters is a never-before-glimpsed look at the relationship of the Queen and Princess Margaret.