07/12/2019
A recent biography has ignited a debate within royal circles and among historians, with claims that Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, the late sister of Queen Elizabeth II, may have exhibited symptoms consistent with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The controversial assertion, put forth by Pulitzer Prize-nominated biographer Meryle Secrest in her book "Princess Margaret and the Curse: An Inquiry into a Royal Life," suggests that the Princess's documented personal struggles and certain behavioural traits could be attributed to her mother, the Queen Mother, consuming alcohol during her pregnancy.
Understanding Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a broad term for a range of conditions that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol in the mother's blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause the baby's brain and body to develop abnormally. FASD is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured, but it can be prevented by abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy. The severity of FASD can vary greatly, and it can result in a spectrum of physical, behavioural, and intellectual disabilities. These can include:
- Distinctive facial features: Such as a smooth philtrum (the ridge between the nose and upper lip), thin upper lip, and small eye openings.
- Growth problems: Including being smaller than average in height and weight.
- Central nervous system problems: Affecting brain development, leading to learning disabilities, memory issues, attention deficits, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and difficulties with judgment and reasoning.
- Social and behavioural difficulties: Including problems with social skills, emotional regulation, and adapting to change.
It is important to note that not all individuals exposed to alcohol in utero will develop FASD, and the presence of some symptoms does not automatically confirm a diagnosis. Furthermore, FASD is a complex condition, and many individuals with the disorder do not present with all the hallmark physical characteristics.
The Claims Against the Queen Mother
Meryle Secrest's biography posits that the Queen Mother, while pregnant with Princess Margaret, may have consumed alcohol. The book cites accounts from a former equerry, Major Colin Burgess, who reportedly described the Queen Mother's drinking habits, suggesting a routine that included gin and Dubonnet during the day, followed by wine at lunch, and potentially port, with martinis and champagne in the evening. The author also references a 1925 letter from the Queen Mother to her husband, the future King George VI, written when she was pregnant with Princess Elizabeth, in which she expressed a disinclination towards wine. Secrest contrasts this with the period of her pregnancy with Margaret, suggesting she may not have experienced the same aversion.
The biographer acknowledges that Princess Margaret did not exhibit the most commonly recognised physical markers of FASD, such as a smooth philtrum or small eyes. However, Secrest argues that Margaret displayed other characteristics that align with the condition, including:
- Mood swings
- Stunted growth (Margaret was recorded as being 5ft 1in)
- Difficulties with learning to write
- Painful migraines
- Impulsiveness and a tendency to "blurt out the truth"
- Being described by her nurses as "naughty, mischievous and provocative"
Secrest draws parallels between Margaret's life and the experiences of individuals diagnosed with FASD, suggesting that the Princess suffered from an "invisible disability" that impacted her life. The book also notes that FASD was not well understood until the 1970s, and it is likely that the Queen Mother would not have received advice to avoid alcohol during her pregnancy.
Reactions and Criticisms of the Claims
These claims have been met with considerable skepticism and criticism from various quarters. Friends of Princess Margaret have expressed bewilderment and disagreement with the biography's central thesis. One former friend was quoted as saying, "It is truly bizarre to suggest that everything that happened to the Princess can be put down to how much the Queen Mother drank while pregnant. And not just bizarre but ridiculous." They further commented that Margaret was an intelligent woman with a wide range of interests and friends, and that her life was not solely defined by tragedy.
Critics also point out the lack of definitive medical evidence to support the diagnosis. While Secrest compares Margaret's life to known cases of FASD, there is no established medical record or diagnosis of the condition for the Princess. The biography is described as an "inquiry" rather than a definitive biographical account, relying on comparisons rather than direct evidence.
Furthermore, questions have been raised about the potential impact of such claims on the Royal Family, particularly King Charles, whose grandmother's drinking habits are now being scrutinised in this context. The timing of the biography's release, close to the 125th anniversary of the Queen Mother's birth, has also been noted.
Did the Queen Mother drink during pregnancy?
While the biography suggests the Queen Mother may have drunk during her pregnancy with Princess Margaret, historical accounts and the book itself offer a nuanced view:
| Pregnancy Period | Queen Mother's Reported Alcohol Consumption | Context |
|---|---|---|
| With Princess Elizabeth (1925) | Wrote she "could not bear the thought of wine." | Implies reduced or no alcohol consumption. |
| With Princess Margaret (1930) | Accounts suggest regular consumption of gin, Dubonnet, wine, and port. | Medical understanding of FASD was limited; advice to abstain was not widespread. The Queen Mother's family, the Bowes-Lyon clan, were known for their drinking culture. |
It is crucial to remember that medical advice and societal understanding of the effects of alcohol on pregnancy were significantly different in the 1930s compared to today. The book acknowledges that the Queen Mother would likely not have been advised to avoid alcohol.
Princess Margaret's Life and Health
Princess Margaret's life was marked by both glamour and significant personal challenges. She was known for her vivacious personality, her social life, and her eventual struggles with health. Throughout her adult life, she was a heavy smoker, and in her later years, she suffered from various health issues, including pneumonia, multiple strokes, and a lung operation. Her marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon, ended in divorce, which was a significant event that attracted considerable public attention.
The biography's author, Meryle Secrest, has re-examined Margaret's life and struggles through the lens of FASD. However, many argue that Margaret's health issues and personal difficulties can be attributed to a combination of factors, including her lifestyle choices, the pressures of royal life, and the emotional impact of her personal relationships, rather than solely to prenatal alcohol exposure.
Was Princess Margaret impulsive?
The claim that Princess Margaret was impulsive is supported by some accounts mentioned in the biography. Her described tendency to "blurt out the truth" and her behaviour as a child, described as "naughty, mischievous and provocative," are presented as potential indicators of FASD. One anecdote recounts her deliberately removing a bilge plug from a boat during a Girl Guide rowing lesson, causing it to sink. While such behaviour might be interpreted as impulsivity or a lack of awareness of consequences, it is also characteristic of many spirited children.
It is worth noting that impulsivity is a common trait in many individuals, regardless of whether they have FASD. Without a formal diagnosis, attributing this trait solely to a specific condition remains speculative. The book itself acknowledges that "there is no firm evidence that Margaret suffered from an alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder."
Conclusion: Speculation vs. Evidence
The biography by Meryle Secrest presents a provocative theory about Princess Margaret's life, suggesting a potential link between her struggles and her mother's alleged alcohol consumption during pregnancy. While the book draws parallels between Margaret's life and the characteristics of FASD, it is crucial to recognise that these are speculative claims. The lack of definitive medical evidence and the existence of numerous other plausible explanations for Margaret's health and personal difficulties mean that this theory should be viewed with considerable caution.
Princess Margaret's life was complex, filled with both public engagement and private challenges. Attributing her entire life's trajectory to a single, unproven cause risks oversimplifying a rich and multifaceted human experience. The debate highlights the ongoing interest in the lives of public figures and the ways in which historical narratives can be reinterpreted through new lenses, even when those interpretations remain firmly in the realm of conjecture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Princess Margaret have Foetal Alcohol Syndrome?
A new biography by Meryle Secrest claims that Princess Margaret may have suffered from Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) due to her mother's alleged drinking during pregnancy. However, there is no definitive medical evidence to confirm this, and the claims are largely based on comparisons between Margaret's life and the known characteristics of FASD.
What are the symptoms of FASD?
Symptoms of FASD can vary widely but may include distinctive facial features (smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, small eye openings), growth problems, central nervous system issues (learning disabilities, attention deficits, hyperactivity, poor impulse control), and social and behavioural difficulties.
What did the Queen Mother drink?
Accounts suggest that the Queen Mother enjoyed a range of alcoholic beverages, including gin and Dubonnet, wine, and port. A former equerry described her as having a routine that involved drinking throughout the day.
Why is this biography controversial?
The biography is controversial because it makes a significant and unproven claim about Princess Margaret's health and links it to the Queen Mother's drinking habits. Many friends and commentators have criticised the lack of concrete evidence and the speculative nature of the assertions.
Does Secrest claim Margaret had the physical signs of FASD?
No, Secrest acknowledges that Princess Margaret did not exhibit the tell-tale physical signs of FASD, such as a smooth philtrum and small eyes. Instead, she focuses on behavioural and developmental traits.
What was Princess Margaret's health like?
Princess Margaret was a heavy smoker and suffered from various health problems in her later years, including pneumonia, multiple strokes, and a lung operation. Her marriage also ended in divorce.
Was Princess Margaret impulsive?
The biography suggests Princess Margaret was impulsive, citing her tendency to "blurt out the truth" and certain childhood behaviours. However, impulsivity is a common trait, and attributing it solely to FASD without a diagnosis is speculative.
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