- - Princess Margaret's Death, 24 Years Later: What to Know About Queen Elizabeth's Sister's Final Moments

Kelsie Gibson, Samantha StutsmanFebruary 10, 2026 at 7:00 AM

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Princess Margaret during her solo tour aboard Britannia to the British colonies in the Caribbean in February 1955.

Freddie Reed/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty

Queen Elizabeth II's sister, Princess Margaret, died on Feb. 9, 2002

She faced health issues before her death, including a series of strokes

Margaret's funeral took place on Feb. 15, 2002 — the same day her father, King George VI, had been buried 50 years prior

It's been 24 years since Princess Margaret died at age 71.

Queen Elizabeth said goodbye to her only sibling on Feb. 9, 2002. While Margaret’s life was filled with glamour and headline-making moments, her final years were marked by serious health issues.

In January 1985, Margaret underwent surgery to remove part of her left lung. Although she later quit smoking, her health continued to decline, and she suffered a series of strokes in the years leading up to her death in 2002.

Following Margaret’s death, Buckingham Palace released an official statement on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.

"Her beloved sister, Princess Margaret, died peacefully in her sleep this morning at 6:30 a.m., in The King Edward VII Hospital,” the statement read, adding that Margaret’s children were by her side at the time.

Here’s everything to know about Princess Margaret’s death, more than two decades later.

How did Princess Margaret die?

Princess Margaret in 1999.

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Following her lung operation in 1985, Margaret continued to face serious health problems. In January 1993, Margaret was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia, which reportedly influenced her to quit smoking for good.

Though she was no longer smoking, she began to experience a series of strokes in the years following, starting with a mild stroke in February 1998 while vacationing in Mustique. The following year, she also suffered severe scalds to her feet in a bathroom accident, which required her to use a wheelchair and cane from time to time.

In January 2001, she was hospitalized after suffering from “severe loss of appetite,” Buckingham Palace said at the time, per the New York Post.

After her various strokes and a period of poor health that left her partially paralyzed and experiencing vision problems, a stroke the day before her death proved to be fatal.

When did Princess Margaret die?

Princess Margaret in 1987.

Tim Graham/Getty

Margaret eventually died on Feb. 9, 2002, three days after the 50th anniversary of her father's death. She was 71 at the time.

Where did Princess Margaret die?

Princess Margaret in 1990.

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Margaret died in King Edward VII's Hospital, a private hospital located in central London.

What did the royal family say about Princess Margaret’s death?

Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret in 1993.

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Other than the official statement released by Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth didn’t make a televised address about her sister’s death. Instead, King Charles (then Prince Charles) paid tribute in a television broadcast.

“This is a terribly sad day for all my family but particularly of course for the queen, my mama, and my grandmother, the Queen Mother, and also for Princess Margaret's children, David and Sarah, and also my aunt's wonderful friends who will, like all of us, miss her deeply," he said at the time, per Hello! Magazine.

“My aunt was one of those remarkable people who, apart from being so incredibly vital ... also had such incredible talents,” he said, describing her as someone who lived life to the fullest. "And for that we will always remember her.”

When was Princess Margaret’s funeral held?

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip attend Princess Margaret's funeral in 2002.

Fiona Hanson - PA Images/PA Images via Getty

Following her death, private memorial services were held at St Mary Magdalene Church and Glamis Castle. Her funeral was held on Feb. 15, 2002, the 50th anniversary of her father's funeral. The event was also a private service held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, for family and friends.

Where was Princess Margaret buried?

Princess Margaret in 2000.

John Stillwell - PA Images/PA Images via Getty

Breaking from royal tradition, Margaret was cremated at Slough Crematorium. Her ashes were originally moved to the Royal Vault in St. George's Chapel before being transferred to the King George VI Memorial Chapel two months later following the funeral of her mother in April 2002.

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