Real-Life “The Crown” Spoiler: Princess Margaret’s Husband Dead At 86

Princess Margaret’s husband died yesterday at the age of 86. This news is a real-life spoiler for those following her tragic romance on Netflix’s The Crown.

Last night at about 11 p.m., my husband and I finished binge-watching season 1 of Netflix’s The Crown. “Poor Margaret,” I said. “I haven’t paid much attention to the British monarchy. I wonder who she ends up marrying, if anyone.” Do she and Group Captain Townsend prevail? Will she fall apart completely? Will she ever love again? Stop reading right now if you don’t want to find out.

The universe was listening, for once, and gave me an answer via the oracle of the Associated Press. Her ex-husband, Lord Snowdon, died on Friday, in his home in Kensington, West London.

In 1953, when Margaret asked to marry Townsend, the Church of England did not allow remarriage by divorcees as long as their ex-spouses were still alive. Britain’s monarch is the official head of the Church of England. Hence, the British constitution stated that members of the royal family could not marry divorced people, as it could lead to the monarch being in violation of Church laws and the constitution.

The Church of England did not change this law until 2002, and even then, with caution. But that was far too late for Margaret and Townsend. They broke off their relationship in 1953. He stayed in Brussels, and eventually moved to France.

In 1960, after a very private courtship, Princess Margaret announced her engagement to society photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, whom she met on the London party scene. He was granted the title of Lord Snowden in 1961, and the couple continues to live the party life. Both had many affairs over the course of their relationship. They divorced in 1978, years after their marriage had effectively dissolved.

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It seems that Princess Margaret never did really love again. Not like with Townsend. But we’ll never know if their relationship would have survived over the years. It was never in the cards.