Princess Margaret died on Feb. 9, 2002 following a series of strokes
On Feb. 9, 2002, Queen Elizabeth II said goodbye to her only sibling when Princess Margaret died at age 71.
Since her birth on Aug. 21, 1930, Margaret had lived a memorable life and was often regarded as the Rebel Royal as her style and attitude often contrasted that of her older sister, the Queen.
She had many glamorous adventures, but in the last years of her life, was diagnosed with several illnesses linked to her heavy smoking and drinking.
In January 1985, she had to have part of her left lung removed. Though she gave up smoking years later, she continued to face health problems, including a series of strokes before her death in 2002.
As The Crown season 6 recounts Margaret’s health issues, here’s everything to know about her death.
Related: How Did The Crown End? All About the Royal Drama’s Final Bow on Netflix
How did Princess Margaret die?
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Following her lung operation in 1985, Margaret continued to face serious health problems. In January 1993, Margaret was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia, which reportedly influenced her to quit smoking for good.
Though she was no longer smoking, she began to experience a series of strokes in the years following, starting with a mild stroke in February 1998 while vacationing in Mustique. The following year, she also suffered severe scalds to her feet in a bathroom accident, which required her to use a wheelchair and cane from time to time.
In January 2001, she was hospitalized after suffering from “severe loss of appetite,” Buckingham Palace said at the time, per the New York Post.
After her various strokes and a period of poor health that left her partially paralyzed and experiencing vision problems, a stroke the day before her death proved to be fatal.
When did Princess Margaret die?
Margaret eventually died on Feb. 9 2002, three days after the 50th anniversary of her father’s death. She was 71 at the time.
Where did Princess Margaret die?
Margaret died in King Edward VII’s Hospital, a private hospital located in central London.
What did the royal family say about Princess Margaret’s death?
Following Margaret’s death, Buckingham Palace released an official statement reading: “The Queen, with great sadness, has asked for the following announcement to be made immediately. Her beloved sister, Princess Margaret, died peacefully in her sleep this morning at 6.30 am, in The King Edward VII Hospital.”
The statement added that her children, Lord Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto, were by her side at the time of her death and “The Queen was kept fully informed throughout the night” leading up to her death.
Other than the official statement released by Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth didn’t make a televised address about her sister’s death. Instead, Prince Charles paid tribute in a television broadcast.
“This is a terribly sad day for all my family but particularly of course for the queen, my mama, and my grandmother, the Queen Mother, and also for Princess Margaret’s children, David and Sarah, and also my aunt’s wonderful friends who will, like all of us, miss her deeply,” he said at the time, per Hello! Magazine.
“My aunt was one of those remarkable people who, apart from being so incredibly vital… also had such incredible talents,” he said, describing her as someone who lived life to the fullest. “And for that we will always remember her.”
When was Princess Margaret’s funeral held?
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Following her death, private memorial services were held at St Mary Magdalene Church and Glamis Castle. Her funeral was held on Feb. 15 2002, the 50th anniversary of her father’s funeral. The event was also a private service held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, for family and friends.
Where was Princess Margaret buried?
Breaking from royal tradition, Margaret was cremated at Slough Crematorium. Her ashes were originally moved to the Royal Vault in St. George’s Chapel before being transferred to the King George VI Memorial Chapel two months later following the funeral of her mother in April 2002.
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