Princess Margaret was the youngest daughter of King George VI and Queen Mother Elizabeth. She was the only sibling of the Queen and was second in line to the throne after her father became King. But did Princess Margaret have cancer and what exactly was the cause of her death?
The Queens’ sister’s health prevented her from being able to undertake many public engagements in these final years.
Margaret continued to support the work of many of her organisations.
Her last official engagement was a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show on May 21, 2001, and the 80th birthday of Prince Philip on June 10, 2001.
Princess Margaret’s last public appearance was at the 100th birthday of Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, in December 2001.
Did Princess Margaret have cancer?
King George VI underwent surgery for lung cancer in the months before he died.
He died five months later on February 6, 1952, leading to her sister becoming the Queen.
Princess Margaret was known to have a good time and she was renowned for her love of smoking and drinking prompting speculation through the years that Margaret developed cancer like her father.
READ MORE: The man present at birth of Queen’s sister – Not King George VI
However, Margaret was never diagnosed with cancer.
Princess Margaret, 71, died on February 9, 2002, three days after the anniversary of her father’s death.
She died one day after suffering another stroke which resulted in cardiac problems.
Her funeral took place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and she was cremated at Slough Crematorium.
Her ashes were placed in the tomb of her parents, where her mother was also laid to rest after she died seven weeks after Margaret’s death.
