Hey there, history buffs and royal enthusiasts! If you’re planning to tune in on May 19, 2018, for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day, you’ve got Princess Margaret to thank. Her wedding back in 1960 was a game-changer. It was the first royal wedding ever broadcast on television, and trust me, it was nothing short of spectacular.
Princess Margaret’s Secret Engagement
Now, here’s the backstory. Margaret and her soon-to-be husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, shocked everyone when they announced their engagement. The media had no idea they were even dating. Margaret, known for her private nature, kept her romance under wraps. Their wedding at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 1960, drew an estimated TV audience of 300 million. Imagine that! To put it into perspective, that’s like half the world tuning in to watch. The guest list was equally impressive, featuring Winston Churchill himself and Antony’s mom, stepmoms, and even one of his ex-girlfriends. Yes, you read that right—his ex-girlfriend!
A Royal Snub
But not everyone got an invite. Biographer Ann de Courcy revealed that none of the staff from Clarence House made the cut. Why? Well, it turns out Margaret wasn’t exactly the kindest to them growing up. On her wedding day, as she left for Westminster Abbey, the household comptroller, Lord Adam Gordon, reportedly quipped, “Good-bye, Your Royal Highness… and we hope forever.” Oof, that’s got to sting a little.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
For the grand event, Margaret donned a stunning organza-and-tulle gown. While it’s credited to designer Norman Hartnell, Ann de Courcy claims Antony and one of his pals deserve much of the credit. She accessorized with the Poltimore tiara, featuring dazzling diamond leaves and flowers. Meanwhile, Antony sported a coat made by the same tailors who crafted his schoolboy outfits. Prince Philip, Margaret’s brother-in-law, escorted her down the aisle in front of 2,000 guests. Fun fact: that’s roughly the same number of guests who attended Queen Elizabeth’s and Prince William’s weddings.
Bridesmaids and Protocol
Margaret’s eight bridesmaids included her niece, Princess Anne, her goddaughter Marilyn Willis, and other family members. Interestingly, Margaret served as a bridesmaid at Queen Elizabeth’s wedding 13 years earlier, but Elizabeth didn’t return the favor. This decision aligns with royal protocol—Queens and queen consorts typically don’t serve as bridesmaids at other weddings. It’s a tradition that continues to this day, which is why Kate Middleton won’t be in Meghan’s wedding party.
The Wedding Breakfast and Aftermath
After the ceremony, the newlyweds enjoyed a lavish wedding breakfast. Prince Philip welcomed Antony into the royal family with a heartfelt speech before they cut into a six-foot wedding cake. Then, the couple set off in an open-topped Rolls Royce to the pier, where the royal yacht, Britannia, awaited to whisk them away for a six-week honeymoon in the Caribbean. Upon their return, Antony and Margaret settled into Kensington Palace, and he became the Earl of Snowdon. Unfortunately, their love story didn’t have a fairytale ending. They divorced in 1978, a plotline we’ll see unfold in Season 3 of Netflix’s The Crown.
Creator Peter Morgan recently teased, “We’re now writing Season 3, and without giving anything away— it’s on the record, it’s history—we’ll see the breakup of this extraordinary marriage between Margaret and Snowdon.” Can’t wait to see how they handle it!
