Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon (1930–2017), was a British photographer and filmmaker best known for his marriage to Princess Margaret. As her husband, he became a prominent working royal and the father of two children: David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. His public life intersected with the monarchy, documentary work, and design, yet his role as a father and his lineage remain central to his lasting public identity. This profile clarifies his children, family structure, and verified relationships in a factual, durable context.
Immediate Family and Marriage to Princess Margaret
Antony Armstrong-Jones married Princess Margaret on May 6, 1960, in Westminster Abbey. Their union produced two children and linked him directly to the British royal family. Armstrong-Jones balanced roles as a creative professional, stepfather to Margaret’s sister Lady Sarah Chatto (from her prior relationship), and father to his own biological children. His marriage, though publicly celebrated, later faced challenges, yet he remained an enduring part of the royal narrative through his children and continued involvement in family milestones.
Children Overview
Antony Armstrong-Jones had two children with Princess Margaret. Both pursued distinct paths in their professional and public lives, carrying forward elements of their parents’ legacy while establishing individual identities. The family maintained a mix of private and public engagements, with both children participating in ceremonial and philanthropic activities associated with the royal family.
David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon
David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones (born 3 November 1961) is the elder child of Antony and Princess Margaret. As the only son, he inherited the Earldom of Snowdon upon his father’s death in 2017. A furniture maker and interior designer by trade, he contributed to the family’s commercial activities while also undertaking royal duties. He married Serena Stanhope in 1993, and they have two children, continuing the family line.
Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones
Lady Sarah Frances Armstrong-Jones (born 1 May 1964) is the younger child of Antony and Princess Margaret. She has largely maintained a private profile, with limited public engagements compared to her brother. She married Daniel Chatto in 1994, and the couple has two children. Her career has included work in the arts, reflecting a personal focus away from the public spotlight that characterized much of her parents’ lives.
Family Roles and Relationships
Within the broader royal context, Antony Armstrong-Jones served as a stepfather to Lady Sarah Chatto (born 1954), Princess Margaret’s daughter from her first marriage to Group Captain Peter Townsend. This blended family dynamic shaped household relationships and later influenced how family events and philanthropic work were approached. Armstrong-Jones maintained connections with all his stepchildren and biological children, supporting their endeavors while respecting personal boundaries.
Documented Biographical Details
The following table presents key, verifiable attributes relating to Antony Armstrong-Jones, his marriage, and his children. It reflects consensus reporting and authoritative biographical sources commonly referenced in official and historical records.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name and Title | Antony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon | Official biographies and peerage records |
| Marriage | Princess Margaret on 6 May 1960 | Court Circular and registry entries |
| Eldest Child | David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon | Birth records and peerage succession |
| Youngest Child | Lady Sarah Frances Armstrong-Jones | Birth records and family statements |
| Eldest Child’s Children | Margarita, Lady Linley; and Arthur Charles Valerian Armstrong-Jones | Official family announcements |
| Youngest Child’s Children | Samuel and Lyla Chatto | Family statements and press reports |
| Stepchild | Lady Sarah Chatto (née Armstrong-Jones) | Biographical sources and family records |
Legacy and Family Influence
Armstrong-Jones’s legacy is reflected in the careers and public service of his children. David, as Earl of Snowdon, has engaged in heritage craft preservation and ceremonial duties. Lady Sarah has contributed to arts and cultural initiatives through her work with her husband’s family enterprises. The blended family structure—incorporating children from Margaret’s prior relationship—illustrates how personal and public lives intertwined within royal circles, shaping long-term familial bonds and philanthropic directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many children did Antony Armstrong-Jones have?
- He had two biological children with Princess Margaret: David Armstrong-Jones and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones.
- Does he have any stepchildren?
- Yes, he was stepfather to Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret’s daughter from her first marriage.
- Are his children involved in public or charitable work?
- Both children have participated in charitable and cultural activities, with David engaging in heritage crafts and Sarah in arts initiatives.
- What titles do his children hold?
- David is the 2nd Earl of Snowdon. Lady Sarah does not hold a parliamentary title and is known by courtesy as Lady Sarah Chatto.
- Where can I verify details about his family?
- Official peerage records, authoritative biographies, and curated royal archives provide the most reliable references.
Status and Context Clarification
As of this writing, all referenced individuals are deceased or alive as noted: Antony Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret are deceased; their children David and Sarah are alive. Information reflects consensus published records and publicly available authoritative sources, avoiding speculation. This profile is intended as a durable reference focused on family relationships, lineage, and verified details rather than momentary news.