Princess Margaret's final wish to be cremated was a selfless act to ensure she could rest alongside her parents at St George's Chapel, despite going against royal norms. The Queen's younger sister died on 9 February 2002 at age 71, following a series of strokes.
Margaret had carefully planned every detail of her funeral, including the music, prayers, and hymns. Her rose-coloured coffin rested at the altar as the organist played melodies from Swan Lake, a tribute to her love of ballet. After the service, the Queen Mother, with great difficulty, rose to her feet in a final sorrowful acknowledgment of her daughter.
The Queen was deeply affected by the loss of her sister. As the coffin was placed into the hearse, one hand gripped that of her niece, Sarah Chatto, the other brushed away a tear. The sound of a Scottish lament, chosen by Margaret's daughter, served as a metaphor for her tumultuous life.
Margaret was cremated at Slough Crematorium, becoming the first royal in 60 years not to be buried. Her ashes were placed in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, alongside her parents and, later, her sister Queen Elizabeth II.
