Margaret : The Untold Story

by noel-botham

Princess Margaret was not like the other royals. A free spirit, she broke away from the conventions that others imposed upon her and lived a life that has seemed to some scandalous, to others liberating. It was Margaret who had an illicit love affair with jazz musician Robin Douglas-Home, and letters from that relationship are reprinted here. When Douglas-Home was rejected by Margaret, he killed himself and was replaced by another lover. It is stories such as this, revealed in this book, that paint a portrait of one of the most secretive members of Britain's royal family.

Genres: Biography, Royalty, Nonfiction

314 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very unauthorized biography was written by tabloid journalist Noel Botham and, as one would expect, is filled with sundry bits of information that manages to honor, disgrace, and illuminate the Princess Margaret. Reading through this story of her life, one can't help but find the Princess endearing, infuriating, and pitiable, as she struggles to maintain the lifestyle for which she was groomed despite the world despising the extravagances of her position. Growing up as second best, Princess Margaret spent unknown fortunes on ways to bring joy to her life, and one has to wonder if these expenses were all in attempt to shine as brightly as her elder sister, the Queen.

[Allan Savage]

I hesitated in deciding to review this book. Is it worth drawing the public's attention to a book that is, at best, descriptive journalism which promises more than it delivers? Only after reading the book did I acquaint myself with the author's journalistic reputation which helped explain some of my original disappointment with the book. As an academic, I cannot recommend this book to any serious reader interested in matters concerning the Windsor family. The book lacks proper endnotes and citations. Botham rarely identifies his sources but chooses convincing descriptive labels that suggest authoritative individuals with first hand knowledge. I am disappointed in Botham's "soap opera" treatment of a topic that is of genuine interest to many in the British Commonwealth. In short, save your money!

[Iffati Ifadati · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was quite difficult to finish this book, because it covers such a long journey from HRH Princess Margaret's birth to her old age in the early 2000s. And again, the book is in English which is not my native language.
I think this book is more suitable to be considered a collection of stories from a gossip tabloid, because the contents are mostly stories whose actuality I myself am skeptical about. This book mostly discusses Princess Margaret's relationship with her boyfriends, her habits and glamorous lifestyle as part of the monarchy.
Her habit of smoking and drinking and partying meant that she had to go through worsening health conditions at the end of her life. As the second child and younger sister of a future queen of England, Princess Margaret seemed neglected and left to find her own identity, which ended sadly, for me.

[R.J. Gilmour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired by Helena Bonham-Carter's portrayal of Princess Margaret on Netflix's The Crown I decided to read Botham's biography. Written in a breezy, light style and filled with all sorts of gossipy and salacious details, what Princess Margaret loved to hear about others, the book details the highlights of her professional and private life.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first book on a contemporary royal,nothing salacious just enough snippets of gossip inbetween facts.princess Margaret comes across in this book as a rather spoilt child,a fun loving nonetheless. A kneejerk marraige to Armstrong Jones ended Accrimoniosly,as usual the firm had their say and prevented any ongoing relationship with Townsend.

[Barrie Bromley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Interesting Portrait

I’m no great fan of the UK Royal Family but, Princess Margaret was on who I was interested in. Perhaps it was her somewhat rebellious streak. Certainly, she was Party Girl at heart.

[Marilyn Earnshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Margaret

Very interesting book. Gave an unknown insight into the life of this very complex member of the royal family. I enjoyed it immensely

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad. Interesting in parts. Nobody will ever be allowed to tell the full true story of this royal family.

[Linh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Margaret: The Last Real Princess reads like a tabloid magazine, where a lot of the points in the book seems to be more gossip and rumours, as opposed to facts.

It was still an entertaining read if you don't think too much about it, kind of like listening to the stories about the royals of our times and taking it with a grain of salt.

[Aidan · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the trashiest biographies I've ever read. Looking forward to comparing this foolishness to real work.