Princess Margaret

1 portrait matching these criteria:

- npg number matching 'x26084'

© Norman Parkinson Archive/ Iconic Images

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Princess Margaret

by Norman Parkinson
bromide print on card mount, 1978
8 1/4 in. x 12 in. (209 mm x 306 mm)
Given by Norman Parkinson, 1981 in conjunction with the NPG exhibition 'Norman Parkinson: 50 Years of Portraits and Fashion'
Photographs Collection
NPG x26084

Sitterback to top

  • Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Daughter of George VI; Countess of Snowdon. Sitter associated with 293 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Norman Parkinson (1913-1990), Photographer. Artist or producer of 244 portraits, Sitter in 14 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This photograph shows the Princess in the year she and Lord Snowdon were divorced. From the late 1970s, the Princess's public popularity declined as she attended fewer official functions, spending increasing amounts of time at her house on the Caribbean island of Mustique. Her restricted upbringing and position made it difficult for her to develop a fulfilling role within the royal family. She was patron of more than fifty organisations including Dr. Barnardo's and the AIDs charity the Lighthouse, and was always extremely patriotic and loyal to her sister, the Queen.

Placesback to top

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Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1978back to top

Current affairs

The country is brought to a virtual standstill as workers in the private and public sector strike over the government's decision to restrict wage increases. As more workers joined the strikes rubbish piled up in the streets, petrol stations ran short, and storage space had to be hired for unburied coffins. The period became known as the 'winter of discontent'.

Art and science

Louise Brown from Oldham in Greater Manchester becomes the world's first 'test-tube baby'. The 'in vitro' fertilisation procedure was a scientific breakthrough that has given thousands of infertile couples the opportunity to conceive.
Iris Murdoch wins the Booker prize with her novel. The Sea, the Sea.

International

Karol Józef Wojtyla becomes Pope John Paul II. He was the only Polish Pope and the first non-Italian Pontiff since the 16th century. During his 26-year pontificate, John Paul was recognised for his efforts to reach out to other religions and his fight against poverty and oppression. He has also, however, been criticised for his conservative attitudes towards divorce, contraception, homosexual marriage and the ordination of women priests.

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