Papers reveal modest tastes of Princess Margaret, the Queen's sister

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Princess Margaret is widely remembered as much for her jet-set lifestyle as her turbulent love life. Perhaps unexpectedly modest tastes of the Queen’s younger sister were more evident on her Royal tour of Mauritius in 1956, secret documents released today reveal.
Ahead of her visit to the island, 1,200 miles off the south east coast of Africa, the island’s governor was informed that she preferred ‘simple’ meals, was ‘not fond of either caviar or oysters’ and would rather drink wine than champagne.

Princess Margaret at the masked banquet and ball at the Dorchester Hotel

Intimate details of the Royal Family's dining habits are usually kept secret, but a file containing dozens of letters outlining the Princess's likes and dislikes have been released

 In a letter to the governor Sir Robert Scott, Clarence House officials wrote: ‘Princess Margaret prefers meals to be as simple as possible and not to last too long. ‘Three or four courses (including cheese or fruit) for lunch, and five for dinner are quite sufficient.’ And in another missive Sir Martin Gilliat, the Queen Mother’s private secretary, informed Sir Robert: ‘As far as food is concerned Her Royal Highness has very catholic tastes but is not fond of either caviar or oysters.’  He added that she enjoyed drinking gin and tonic, whiskey and soda, but would rather have a glass of red or white wine than champagne.

Princess Margaret (centre) and her friends Lady Ann Tennant and Lord (Colin) Tennant waiting on the jetty at Mustique to greet the Queen, during her Silver Jubilee tour of the West Indies

Princess Margaret pictured water-skiing in 1963 at the Sonning Water-ski Club. The Royal liked an active holiday

The Princess had high standards, and would only accept gifts of books from authors 'of reputable character'

Intimate details of the Royal Family’s dining habits are usually kept secret, but a file with dozens of letters outlining the Princess’ likes and dislikes are among a batch of colonial era documents newly released by the National Archives in Kew, south west London. They also reveal that she ‘does not play tennis or golf, but she is keen on riding’ and ‘enjoys racing, and is happy to watch football or cricket for a reasonable length of time.’ But she did ‘not like motorcycle escorts’, and would only accept gifts of books from authors ‘of reputable character’.
According to the file, it appears the careful planning paid off, as a message from Sir Martin to Sir Robert stated: ‘I am writing at the bidding of Princess Margaret to convey to you Her Royal Highness’ very real pleasure at the wonderful arrangements which were made for her visit to Mauritius.’

Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon at a Gala dinner in Nice with Princess Grace of Monaco

Sir Martin Gilliat, the Queen Mother's private secretary, sent several messages which stated a wide range of Margaret's preferences ahead of her visit

 

Princess Margaret enjoyed drinking gin and tonic, whiskey and soda, but would rather have a glass of red or white wine than champagne

Princess Margaret was aged 26 at the time and although the files do not allude to it, the trip took place three years after her wish to marry divorced Group Captain Peter Townsend was dashed after she came under political, family and church pressure.
She would marry photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones - who became Lord Snowdon - in 1960, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1978. By then she had caused another stir while still married to Lord Snowdon, she holidayed on the Caribbean isle Mustique with her young lover Roddy Llewellyn in the 1970s.
She had been given a piece of land on Mustique as a wedding present in 1960 by Lord Glenconner soon after he had bought the island for £45,000.
Mick Jagger and David Bowie also built homes there but the most famous resident was Princess Margaret who not only had a holiday home where her guests included Llewellyn but also delighted in attending the many parties thrown on the island by its jet-set residents.
Princess Margaret, the Queen’s only sibling, died in 2002 at the age of 71.