Let’s take a trip back in time to the life of Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s late sister, whose dramatic love life became the stuff of legend. Ever since her heart-wrenching breakup with Group Captain Peter Townsend, her story has fascinated fans of the royal family and viewers of The Crown. The first two seasons of the hit Netflix series showcased her passionate romances with Peter and later her marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones. But that’s not where the story ends. In the upcoming Seasons 3 and 4, we’re going to see more of Margaret’s romantic escapades, including her secret affair with landscape gardener Roddy Llewellyn. Now, here's the kicker: it’s been revealed that Queen Elizabeth herself approved of this relationship, which brought so much joy to her sister’s life.
The revelation came from Lady Anne Glenconner, who shared an intimate moment with the Queen at Princess Margaret’s funeral. This touching exchange is featured in a new documentary, Elizabeth: Our Queen. The Queen reportedly said, “Anne, it was rather difficult at moments, but I thank you so much for introducing Princess Margaret to Roddy because he made her really happy.” This heartfelt acknowledgment highlights the deep bond between the two sisters, even amid the complexities of royal life. For Lady Glenconner, who felt a pang of guilt for introducing the couple, this was a moment of redemption and understanding.
This is Roddy in 1978, looking every bit the charming landscape gardener who captured Princess Margaret’s heart.
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According to the Daily Mail, Lady Glenconner shared this touching moment at Princess Margaret’s funeral. She recounted the Queen’s words: “It was rather difficult at moments, but I thank you so much [for] introducing Princess Margaret to Roddy because he made her really happy.” This admission underscores the Queen’s deep affection for her sister and her willingness to prioritize Margaret’s happiness, even in the face of public scrutiny. Lady Glenconner, who initially felt responsible for the scandal, found solace in the Queen’s heartfelt gratitude.
The affair between Princess Margaret and Roddy Llewellyn lasted for eight years, from the 1970s until 1981 when Roddy married Tatiana Soskin. Despite the eventual separation, the two remained friends, proving that love doesn’t always fade with time. The couple met through mutual friends in Mustique, a picturesque Caribbean island, where many remarked that Roddy was exactly Margaret’s “type.” Their relationship became fodder for the tabloids, not only because it was an affair but also due to the significant 17-year age gap between them.
In Craig Brown’s biography of Princess Margaret, Ma’am Darling, Roddy is portrayed as someone who had his sights firmly set on the princess. According to Brown, Roddy deliberately engineered their romance, knowing the impact it would have on the royal family and the world at large. Yet, despite the scandal, their love story remains one of the most captivating chapters in royal history.
This story was written by Katie Rosseinsky and originally appeared on our sister site, Grazia Daily. It’s a reminder that even royalty is human, and love can strike in the most unexpected places.
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