Princess Margaret had a forbidden love with British official Peter Townsend. After knowing one another for years, Townsend and Margaret fell madly in love, but their whirlwind romance wouldn’t last because Townsend was a divorcee.
Margaret thought she found her happily ever after when Townsend popped the question in 1953, but those dreams would be crushed. The princess, who hadn’t yet hit age 25, had to have the approval of her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, due to the 1772 Royal Marriages Act. During this time, the Church of England had strict rules about marrying a divorcee, and to Margaret’s dismay, the queen denied the marriage. Townsend was sent away, but that didn’t stop the romance.
As soon as she turned 25, no longer needing her sister’s permission, she reconsidered marrying Townsend. Unfortunately, Margaret still required permission from the British parliament, who were willing to let her marry Townsend on the condition she gave up her succession and royal affiliation. Eventually, Margaret ended her engagement with Townsend. In a sad statement released to BBC Radio, she said, “…mindful of the Church’s teaching that Christian marriage is indissoluble, and conscious of my duty to the Commonwealth, I have resolved to put these considerations before any others. I have reached this decision entirely alone, and in doing so I have been strengthened by the unfailing support and devotion of Group Captain Townsend.”
