Many viewers of The Crown will be familiar with the racy photo of Princess Margaret, taken by Antony Armstrong-Jones, that shows her in a very different light.
It’s a moment in the show that points to a woman willing to break the rules, who is far more progressive than her contemporaries. After meeting photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at a party, Princess Margaret visits him in his studio, and has a portrait taken – one that stands in stark contrast to the one she’s recently had taken at the palace.
She's attracted to Antony, and as he photographs her, the tension grows. Then he approaches her, and pulls down the sleeves of her dress. She's wearing no tiara, no pearls, and what appears to be no clothes. And that photo - one that goes firmly against the conventions of the time - is published in the newspaper.
While The Crown, as always, took some artistic license with the scene, there's substantial truth behind it. The real Antony Armstrong-Jones did take a racy portrait of Princess Margaret in 1959, the year before they were married, and it's remarkably similar to the one we see in the show.
It seems the photo featured in The Crown might be a conglomeration between the 1959 portrait and another photo taken in 1967, which seems even more daring.
Armstrong-Jones continued to take portraits of Princess Margaret throughout their marriage, and after their divorce in 1978, he continued to photograph the royal family, including the very first images of Prince William and Prince Harry when they were born.
It's believed he took photos of the royals unlike any other photographer, because he knew them.
When he died in January 2017, he was remembered for his photography, which captured some of the most significant times in royal modern history. And it seems he was able to show the world a side to Princess Margaret they otherwise would never have known.
For many viewers, Vanessa Kirby's Princess Margaret is one of the most compelling characters in The Crown.
In season one, she's shown to challenge the mould of the quiet and well-behaved royal woman.
On screen, as in real life, she falls in love with Peter Townsend, her father's (and then her sister's) equerry who was 15 years her senior. While the true story was likely far more complicated, The Crown portrays a Princess denied the right to marry the man she loves because of his divorce, who seems cynical about her family and what they represent.
In real life, it was three years later that she met Antony Armstrong-Jones at a dinner party.
Listen to the full episode of The Binge, where we deep dive on everything in The Crown season two.
Top Comments
I was born in England when Margaret was young & the Royal's were popular in the previous generation. I was aware even as a young child of her life & the antics that she used to get up to. Unfortunately she was I suspect (even then made an example of by those in power behind the throne) used as a pawn, to highlight the perils of being "the spare." I believe she had an awful life, as she never completely fulfilled her true potential, I suspect that is part of the reason she died so young, her drinking & smoking most likely to have been a coping mechanism with her very limited life. From what I understand it she was an intelligent, witty woman, but was constantly being reigned in by the palace. I suspect she was the spark that lit the rebellion, that Lady Di & Fergie proceeded to run with & give both William, Kate & Harry the opportunities that they now enjoy, to help support others who aren't as lucky with their lot on life (I say this with respect) We can never forget or minimise the efforts of those that have come before us, this is why I've always had the utmost respect & sympathy for this I think largely misunderstood of women.
Wasn't she over 70 when she died?
Yes, 71. But in contrast with her mother who lived till 101 and her sister who is currently 91 - it is young. Some families have longevity on their side.