The newlywed couple, together with their glamorous retreat, represented an idealistic image of the sought-after ‘jet-set’ lifestyle. At the centre of the social whirl, the Princess’s young, wealthy and fashionable circle were named ‘The Margaret Set’.
After 18 years of marriage and the birth of two children, Princess Margaret’s and Lord Snowdon’s marriage came to an end when the couple separated in July 1978.
Rather than dwell upon the constant publicity circulating around her private life in Britain, Princess Margaret chose instead to spend her time in the relaxed setting of her home in Mustique.
Yet the Princess never forgot her formal position and enthusiastically continued with her charity work and support of the arts. She retained the responsibilities of her royal duties including that of welfare charities, music and ballet. Princess Margaret was President of the Royal Ballet, National Society and of the Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She became Grand President of the St John Ambulance Brigade and Colonel-in-Chief of Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps.
Main image: Princess Margaret relaxing on holiday in her house in Mustique, photographed by Patrick Lichfield. (Camera Press)
