The Crown Season 6: Princess Margaret's Impactful Story

The Life and Legacy of Princess Margaret in The Crown

The final season of The Crown covers numerous events in the lives of the British royal family from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, including the death of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden. Numerous actresses portrayed Princess Margaret — Queen Elizabeth II's younger sister — at various stages of her life, including Vanessa Kirby, Helena Bonham Carter, Lesley Manville, and Beau Gadsdon.

The Crown: Queen Elizabeth (Claire Foy) and Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) sit on a bench

Princess Margaret's life was depicted in a compelling manner, showcasing her journey from her youth to her final years. The contrasting storylines of her joyous past and her last days created an impactful narrative that highlighted the bond between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. The emotional episode dedicated to Princess Margaret's final moments shed light on the deep relationship between the sisters, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret in The Crown season 6, episode 8.

The Crown season 6, episode 8, was solely dedicated to Princess Margaret and featured her death (without showing it onscreen). The hour also took the audience back to May 8, 1945, aka Victory in Europe (VE) Day, when Princess Margaret and, at the time, Princess Elizabeth snuck out and went to the Ritz to celebrate the end of World War II. The contrast between the two storylines — Princess Margaret dying and a joyous night the sisters spent together in their youth — was intentional and impactful. Ultimately, the emotional episode showcased that, at its core, the show was about the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.

Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret at Camilla's Birthday Party on The Crown Season 6

The Tragic End of Princess Margaret's Life

Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden, passed away on February 9, 2002, at the age of 71, after suffering from a series of strokes. The portrayal of her declining health and the impact of her health issues on her final years was a significant focus of The Crown season 6. The narrative highlighted Princess Margaret's struggles with health complications, particularly her pulmonary issues and the series of strokes she endured between 1998 and 2002.

Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend in a car in The Crown

The Crown season 6 provided insights into Princess Margaret's health challenges, including her battle with smoking-related health problems and the surgeries she underwent. The emotional impact of her strokes, especially the one in 2001 that left her with partial vision loss and paralysis on the left side, was portrayed with sensitivity, adding depth to the portrayal of her final years.

Princess Margaret's side profile in The Crown season 6

Honoring Princess Margaret's Life and Legacy in The Crown

The Crown season 6, episode 8, was a poignant tribute to Princess Margaret's life and her enduring bond with Queen Elizabeth II. The episode beautifully depicted the contrasting timelines of Princess Margaret's joyous past and her final moments, emphasizing the deep connection between the two sisters. The portrayal of their relationship and the impact of Princess Margaret's death on the royal family added emotional depth to the series.

Princess Margaret poses for a portrait in The Crown season 1

The Crown season 6 did a remarkable job of honoring Princess Margaret's life from beginning to end, capturing the essence of her journey and the significant role she played in the royal family. The emotional impact of her death and the portrayal of her legacy in the series left a lasting impression on the audience, ensuring that her impact on the royal family was deeply felt and remembered.

Princess Margaret in olive dress The Crown season one