24 Adorable Photos of Princess Elizabeth With Her Younger Sister Princess Margaret in the 1930s and 1940s

Throughout Queen Elizabeth’s life, one if her most enduring relationships was the one she shared with her younger sister, Princess Margaret. At the age of 4, then-Princess Elizabeth became an older sibling. Her sister Margaret was born in August 1930, and the two little girls had an undeniable and unbreakable bond from the start. Despite their different personalities and roles within the royal family, they shared a deep bond as sisters.

Growing up, Elizabeth and Margaret were very close, especially since they were raised in a relatively sheltered environment. As young princesses, they were each other’s primary companions, particularly after their uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936, making Elizabeth the heir to the throne.

During World War II, they lived together at Windsor Castle for safety, strengthening their connection. Their childhood was filled with shared experiences, and they often played together, with Margaret known for her lively and mischievous nature, while Elizabeth was more serious and responsible.

As Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, their relationship evolved. Margaret had more freedom but also struggled with the constraints of royal duty. She was known for her glamorous and rebellious spirit, while Elizabeth took on the immense responsibility of ruling the nation.

Margaret’s personal life, particularly her relationship with Group Captain Peter Townsend, was a major challenge in their relationship. Elizabeth had to balance her role as a sister with her duty as Queen, ultimately unable to approve Margaret’s marriage to Townsend due to royal and government restrictions. This caused tension, but they remained close despite this difficult period.

Even as their lives took different paths, they maintained a strong connection. Elizabeth was always supportive of Margaret, especially during her later health struggles. Margaret, in turn, remained loyal to her sister and deeply respected her position as Queen.

When Margaret passed away in 2002, Queen Elizabeth was reportedly devastated. Her grief was evident, as they had shared an irreplaceable bond as sisters who had experienced the unique pressures and privileges of royal life together.

Their relationship was a blend of love, duty, and mutual respect, with both sisters navigating the challenges of being royal in their own ways.

Margaret gave a serious face for this sweet portrait taken in 1932.

Elizabeth and Margaret held on to each other outside their home in 1932.

Their style and grace was apparent in this cute portrait from 1932.

Elizabeth and Margaret posed on a rocking horse together in 1932.

Elizabeth and Margaret posed with their dog Chu-Chu at the Royal Lodge in 1936.

Margaret and Elizabeth popped out of their playhouse in 1937.

They wore cute matching ensembles for a rehearsal of their father’s coronation as king in 1937.

They wrapped their arms around each other for this sweet portrait on Elizabeth’s 14th birthday in 1940.

Elizabeth let her younger sister say a few words during her first public broadcast in 1940.

They posed in a carriage with their dog at the Royal Lodge in 1940.

In 1940, the girls posed together on the grounds of the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

Elizabeth and Margaret played with their pet chameleon on the grounds of Windsor Castle in 1941.

Elizabeth was the Prince Charming to Margaret's Cinderella during a royal performance at Windsor Castle in 1941.

They smiled big — alongside a Corgi, of course — in 1941.

Elizabeth put her sister’s arm in a sling as part of the girl guides program in 1942.

They posed as biker girls in Windsor in 1942.

Elizabeth and Margaret worked on their garden as part of the government’s “Dig For Victory” campaign in 1943.

They posed in elaborate dresses for a Christmas pantomime performance of Old Mother Red Riding Boots in 1944.

Elizabeth and Margaret looked less than enthused with their Sea Rangers outfits in 1944.

The sisters drove their own carriage during a horse show in 1944.

This stunning photo of the two sisters was taken in 1946.

Margaret and Elizabeth enjoyed the Spring breeze during a tour of South Africa with their parents in 1947.

Margaret (somewhat begrudgingly) posed with her sister Elizabeth and her new fiancé, Prince Philip, after their engagement announcement in 1947.

The sisters walked side by side after an event in 1948.