Princess Margaret's Morning Routine: A Royal Start to the Day

Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was known for her glamorous lifestyle and rebellious spirit. While much has been written about her public persona, her private morning routine offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a royal. Let’s explore Princess Margaret’s morning rituals and how they shaped her day-to-day life.

A Late Start to the Day

Unlike many royals who rise early, Princess Margaret was famously fond of sleeping in. Her day typically began around 11 am, a habit that raised eyebrows among the more traditional members of the royal family. However, this late start allowed her to enjoy a slower-paced morning, setting a relaxed tone for the rest of her day.

Margaret’s preference for late mornings wasn’t just a whim – it was a deliberate choice that aligned with her night owl tendencies. The princess was known to enjoy late-night socializing and cultural events, often not retiring until the early hours of the morning.

Breakfast in Bed: A Royal Indulgence

One of the most cherished parts of Princess Margaret’s morning routine was her breakfast in bed. This wasn’t just a simple meal – it was an elaborate affair befitting her royal status. Her lady-in-waiting would bring in a tray laden with:

A pot of strong, freshly brewed coffee
Cigarettes and matches
The morning newspapers
A selection of fresh fruits
Toast with marmalade

Margaret would spend up to two hours in bed, sipping coffee, smoking, and catching up on the news. This leisurely start allowed her to mentally prepare for the day ahead and stay informed about current events.

The Royal Bath: A Time for Reflection

After her extended breakfast, Princess Margaret would take a long, luxurious bath. This wasn’t just about cleanliness – it was a time for reflection and self-care. The princess used this time to:

Plan her day
Contemplate any decisions she needed to make
Enjoy a moment of solitude before facing her royal duties

Her bath was always prepared to her exact specifications, with the water at a precise temperature and her favorite bath oils and soaps at hand. This attention to detail in her morning routine highlights the importance Margaret placed on personal comfort and self-indulgence.

Dressing for the Day: A Royal Affair

Following her bath, Princess Margaret would begin the process of dressing for the day. This was no simple task – it was a carefully orchestrated routine involving her lady-in-waiting and sometimes her hairdresser. The princess was known for her impeccable style, and her morning dressing ritual reflected this.

Her outfits were meticulously planned, often days in advance, to suit her various engagements. Whether she was attending a formal royal event or simply spending time at home, Margaret always ensured she looked her best. This attention to appearance wasn’t just about vanity – it was part of her royal duty to present a polished image to the public.

Morning Correspondence: Connecting with the World

Once dressed, Princess Margaret would turn her attention to her morning correspondence. As a member of the royal family, she received numerous letters daily from the public, charities, and other organizations. She took this responsibility seriously, often personally responding to many of these letters.

This part of her morning routine allowed her to:

Stay connected with the public
Manage her charitable commitments
Maintain personal relationships

Despite her reputation for being somewhat aloof, Margaret was known to be a prolific letter writer, often penning thoughtful and witty responses to those who wrote to her.

FAQ: Princess Margaret’s Morning Routine

1. What time did Princess Margaret usually wake up?

Princess Margaret typically woke up around 11 am, much later than most members of the royal family.

2. Did Princess Margaret eat breakfast in bed every day?

Yes, having breakfast in bed was a daily ritual for Princess Margaret. She would spend up to two hours enjoying her morning meal, smoking, and reading the newspapers.

3. How long did Princess Margaret’s bath routine typically last?

While the exact duration varied, Princess Margaret’s bath was a leisurely affair that could last up to an hour. It was a time for relaxation and reflection.

4. Did Princess Margaret dress herself or have help?

Princess Margaret had assistance in dressing. Her lady-in-waiting, and sometimes her hairdresser, would help her prepare for the day.

5. How did Princess Margaret handle her morning correspondence?

Princess Margaret took her correspondence seriously, often personally responding to many letters. This was an important part of her morning routine, allowing her to stay connected with the public and manage her commitments.

Conclusion: The Significance of Princess Margaret’s Morning Routine

Princess Margaret’s morning routine offers a fascinating insight into the private life of a royal. While it may seem indulgent to some, her late mornings and leisurely start to the day were a reflection of her personality and lifestyle. Her routine allowed her to balance her royal duties with her personal needs, setting a tone of elegance and self-care that defined her public image.

In many ways, Margaret’s morning routine was ahead of its time. Today, we understand the importance of a personalized morning routine for mental health and productivity. The princess’s commitment to starting her day on her own terms, with time for reflection and self-care, is something many of us can learn from.

While the specifics of her routine may not be practical for most of us, the principles behind it – taking time for oneself, starting the day with intention, and balancing duties with personal needs – are universally applicable. Princess Margaret’s morning routine serves as a reminder that even within the constraints of duty and expectation, there’s room for individuality and self-care.