Princess Margaret biography called 'disgraceful' over 'wild' health claims
Princess Margaret, who died in 2002 at the age of 71, was known for her smoking, drinking, and outspoken personality
A new royal biography is facing sharp backlash over a controversial claim about Princess Margaret’s health, one that some are calling “crazy” and “disgraceful.”
The book, Princess Margaret and the Curse, written by Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Meryle Secrest, suggests the late princess may have lived with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a claim tied to the drinking habits of her mother, the Queen Mother, during pregnancy.
The condition, caused by alcohol exposure in the womb, can lead to developmental and emotional challenges.
Secrest argues that Princess Margaret, who died in 2002 at the age of 71 and was known for her smoking, drinking, and outspoken personality, showed signs that fit the profile of someone with FAS.
Among the “evidence” cited in the book: stunted growth, mood swings, difficulty learning to write, and painful migraines.
Secrest also references anecdotes of nurses describing Margaret as “mischievous and provocative,” known for “blurting out the truth”, traits the author links to the condition.
Importantly, no medical record or confirmation from the royal family supports this theory.
Critics have slammed the book as speculative and disrespectful.
Royal biographer Christopher Wilson dismissed it bluntly on X: “Crazy theory containing not a shred of proof turned into a book.”
One reader echoed the sentiment: “Disgraceful. Princess Margaret was beautiful, elegant, witty, and fun.”
Another social media user added: “Her face shows zero signs of it.”
The Telegraph, which previewed the book ahead of its September 9 release, also noted the lack of concrete evidence, emphasizing that the claims are based solely on comparing Margaret’s life with known cases of FAS, not on verified medical diagnosis.
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