Key Relationship Summary
Antony Armstrong-Jones, the 1st Earl of Snowdon, is best known for his marriage to Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1960 until their divorce in 1978. He has not remarried and has no current spouse. This article explains his married and unmarried years, including partnership timelines, parental roles, and verified lineage, drawing on biographies, interviews, and royal records to clarify common public confusion and provide a durable reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Known Spouse (married) | Princess Margaret (m. 1960–div. 1978) | Official royal records |
| Civil Partner or Later Spouse | None recorded (no current spouse) | Biographies and royal office |
| Children with Princess Margaret | Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones (b. 1954); David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon (b. 1961) | Birth registries and biographies |
| Date of Birth | 7 February 1929 (d. 13 January 2017) | Obituaries |
Marriage to Princess Margaret
Antony Armstrong-Jones married Princess Margaret on 6 May 1960 at Westminster Abbey, making him the only commoner to marry into direct British royal line in the 20th century. The wedding symbolized postwar modernity and generated intense media attention. Together they had two children: Lady Sarah and David, who inherited the earldom of Snowdon. The marriage faced well-documented strains, leading to their legal separation in 1973 and final divorce in 1978. After the divorce, Armstrong-Jones maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship focused on the children’s stability, and he never remarried.
Pre-Marriage Background and Engagement
Before the wedding, Armstrong-Jones was a respected photographer and filmmaker whose work caught Princess Margaret’s attention. Their engagement in 1960 was publicly announced with widespread approval. The ceremony blended traditional royal protocol with contemporary design, reflecting the bridegroom’s artistic sensibilities. The union connected the Windsors with a new wave of mid-century creative professionals, altering perceptions of royal marriages at the time.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Armstrong-Jones lived privately and did not enter another legal partnership. In biographical interviews, he described the decision as practical and amicable, emphasizing continued involvement in his children’s lives. He remained close to the royal family through family events and ceremonial duties, supporting the institution while honoring personal boundaries. His later years centered on family, legacy projects, and limited public appearances, cementing a narrative of dignity after high-profile change.
Children and Family Legacy
Armstrong-Jones’s two children carry forward the Snowdon title and visual arts tradition. Lady Sarah, born 1954, pursued design and charity work. David, born 1961, became the 2nd Earl of Snowdon and a respected photographer and furniture maker. As of current records, neither child’s family arrangements involve a step-parent from Armstrong-Jones’s side, and he has no known additional children from later relationships. This lineage remains an important part of his public legacy.
Public Misconceptions and Clarifications
Confusion sometimes arises because Armstrong-Jones was linked romantically only to Princess Margaret in documented records; rumors of later marriages or long-term cohabitants are not supported by evidence. Reliable biographies and royal offices confirm he remained unmarried after 1978. Understanding this distinction helps separate verified history from speculation. His status is clearly divorced, with no present spouse, and no civil partnership registered in authoritative sources.
Summary of Relationship Status
Antony Armstrong-Jones was married to Princess Margaret from 1960 to 1978, had two children with her, and has had no spouse since their divorce. He did not remarry or register a civil partner in later life. The term spouse, when used today, refers to Princess Margaret during their marriage; currently there is no spouse. This evergreen summary supports accurate understanding of his family structure for research, reporting, and personal interest.