Exploring Princess Margaret's Legacy Through The Crown's Final Season

This article contains spoilers for The Crown Season 6, Part 2, which debuted on Netflix on Dec. 14.

Throughout The Crown's six-season run, a fan favorite character has been that of Queen Elizabeth II's younger sister, Princess Margaret. The show has captivated audiences with its portrayal of royal life, and Princess Margaret's character arc has been particularly poignant. As the final season unfolds, viewers are treated to a nuanced depiction of her life and struggles, especially the challenges she faced in her later years.

Margaret’s death in 2002 marked a dramatic milestone in the life of Queen Elizabeth, which was soon compounded by the death of her 101-year-old mother just weeks later. The emotional weight of these events resonates deeply within the narrative of The Crown, allowing audiences to reflect on both the personal and public implications of loss in the royal family.

With Oscar-nominated actress Lesley Manville stepping into the role, the final stages of Princess Margaret's life are portrayed with sensitivity and depth. This season reveals not only the glamorous aspects of her character but also the vulnerabilities that shaped her legacy, ensuring that her story remains both relatable and impactful.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Princess Margaret
• Personal Details
• Circumstances Surrounding Her Death
• Queen Elizabeth II's Tribute
• King Charles III's Tribute
• Princess Margaret's Role in The Crown

Biography of Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret Rose was born on August 21, 1930, and was the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. Her life was defined by her royal duties as well as her personal challenges. From a young age, Margaret was known for her vivacious spirit and beauty, capturing the attention of the public and the media alike. Her role within the royal family was often overshadowed by her sister, but she carved out her own identity through her various interests and pursuits.

Despite her royal status, Margaret's life was not without complications. She faced scrutiny over her relationships and lifestyle choices, leading to a tumultuous public image during her early adulthood. However, her charm and wit endeared her to many, showcasing a different side of royal life that was often hidden behind palace walls.

Personal Details

Circumstances Surrounding Her Death

Princess Margaret died at the age of 71 after suffering a stroke at her home at Kensington Palace on February 8, 2002. Following her stroke, she was hospitalized and faced significant health challenges, including cardiac problems. Her death occurred just hours after she was surrounded by her children, David Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto, showcasing the deep familial bonds that endured despite the strains of royal life.

Margaret had struggled with health issues for several years, including a mild stroke in 1998 while on vacation and complications from a previous accident. These struggles were dramatized in The Crown, highlighting not only her resilience but also the vulnerability that comes with fame and royal expectations.

Queen Elizabeth II's Tribute

In the wake of Margaret's passing, Buckingham Palace released a heartfelt statement from Queen Elizabeth II, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of her beloved sister. The Queen acknowledged the profound impact of Margaret's life and the shared memories that would remain cherished among the family. Elizabeth did not publicly address her grief further but instead chose to reflect on their relationship during her Christmas speech later that year, emphasizing the comfort she derived from the public tributes to Margaret.

King Charles III's Tribute

King Charles III, then Prince Charles, paid a moving tribute to his "darling aunt" in a televised address after her death. He expressed his sadness and reflected on the loss felt by the entire royal family, including his grandmother, the Queen Mother. Charles acknowledged Margaret's struggles in her final years and remembered her vibrant spirit and love for life.

He articulated how Margaret's unique talents, such as her musical abilities and sharp intellect, were often overlooked. Through his words, King Charles painted a picture of a complex woman who embodied both the joys and challenges of being a royal.

Princess Margaret's Role in The Crown

Throughout The Crown's six seasons, Princess Margaret's character has been a focal point for viewers. The show has delved into her glamorous youth, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby, and her more complex adult life, captured by Helena Bonham Carter and Lesley Manville in later seasons. Each actress brought their own interpretation to the role, helping audiences connect with Margaret's multifaceted personality.

The series has explored the intersections of personal ambition, love, and duty faced by Margaret, illustrating her as both a royal figure and a relatable individual. As the final season concludes, Margaret's story resonates with themes of resilience and legacy, reminding viewers of the human experiences behind the royal facade.