It’s been almost 50 years since Princess Margaret and Roddy Llewellyn’s scandalous affair was exposed, but the shocking revelations still captivate the public imagination to this day.
Feature Image: Michael Yada, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A Royal Cougar
Back in 1976, the world was rocked by the news that the Queen’s younger sister, Princess Margaret, was having an affair with a much younger man. At the time, Princess Margaret was 46 years old and had been married to Lord Snowdon for over 15 years. On the other hand, Roddy Llewellyn was just 29 years old and worked as a gardener.
The affair became public knowledge after a set of pictures was published in a British newspaper, showing Princess Margaret and Roddy Llewellyn in intimate poses during a holiday in Mustique. The photos showed the couple kissing, holding hands, and embracing on a beach.
The news of the affair sent shockwaves through the British public and the royal family. Many were stunned by the scandalous behavior of a member of the royal family. In contrast, others sympathized with Princess Margaret, who was known to have been unhappy in her marriage for some time.
The affair was particularly controversial because of the age difference between Princess Margaret and Roddy Llewellyn. Many critics claimed that the relationship was inappropriate and that Princess Margaret, as a royal family member, should have known better.
Headed To Royal Divorce
In the scandal’s aftermath, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon announced they were separating. They officially divorced two years later, ending their tumultuous marriage.
For Princess Margaret, the scandal had far-reaching consequences. She was ostracized by many royal family members and was forced to give up some of her royal duties. She also faced a backlash from the public, who were shocked by her behavior.
Despite this, Princess Margaret remained a beloved figure for many and was involved in charitable causes until she died in 2002. Her affair with Roddy Llewellyn remains one of the most scandalous episodes in the history of the British royal family and continues to be talked about to this day.
