Princess Margaret was born at Glamis Castle in Scotland, making her the first member of the royal family in direct line of succession to be born in Scotland since the 1600s. Her birth was a significant event, with the Home Secretary, J. R. Clynes, present to verify it. The registration of her birth was delayed to avoid her being numbered thirteen in the parish register.

Margaret was baptized in the private chapel of Buckingham Palace by Cosmo Lang, the Archbishop of Canterbury. This marked an important religious milestone in her early life.

Following the abdication of her uncle, King Edward VIII, Margaret's father, Prince Albert, Duke of York, ascended to the throne as King George VI. This change made Margaret second in line to the throne, after her sister Elizabeth.

During World War II, Margaret and her sister Elizabeth stayed at Windsor Castle, despite suggestions to evacuate them to Canada. They participated in various activities, including staging pantomimes at Christmas to support the Queen's Wool Fund.

Margaret fell in love with Peter Townsend, a married RAF officer in the royal household. However, due to societal and religious objections, they did not marry. This period was marked by intense press coverage and public interest in their relationship.

Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a photographer, in the first royal wedding to be televised. Armstrong-Jones was later created Earl of Snowdon. The couple had two children, David and Sarah.

The marriage between Margaret and Lord Snowdon became strained, with both engaging in extramarital affairs. They separated in 1976 and divorced in 1978, marking the first divorce of a senior member of the British royal family since 1901.

After her divorce, Margaret continued to perform royal duties and maintained close friendships with various celebrities and artists. She passed away on February 9, 2002, at the age of 71, in London.