Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon was the second daughter of King George VI and the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. Born as Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret of York in her maternal grandfather’s home in Scotland, she became Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret when her father succeeded the throne after abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII. Educated at home under her mother and Scottish governess, she performed her first official duty at the age of seventeen, when she launched the ocean liner ‘Edinburg Castle’. Very soon, she began to involve herself with charities, eventually serving more than fifty such organizations as patron or president. She also made many official overseas visits, representing the crown on numerous important occasions. Although she was one of the most controversial members of the royal family, she was much admired by the public for her social glamour as well as for her dedication to the crown.