Margaret to enter religious order

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May 2, 1953


Washington, D.C., is "agog with reports that Princess Margaret Rose may enter a religious order" soon after the coronation of her sister, Elizabeth II.   The reports come from diplomats returning from London, according to the New York News.

Since the death of her father, King George VI in February 1952, the Princess has "turned increasingly to religion."  One "the toast of exclusive night clubs," the Princes now goes out "seldom except to small gatherings of intimate friends."

This is said to be an "abrupt change for the gay young Princess," who once danced the can can with Sharman Douglas at an American embassy party in London.

Diplomatic sources note that "almost all the eligible young noblemen who once squired" Princess Margaret Rose are now married to her friends.     Her"intimates" insist that that the Princess loved only one man -- the "dashing Prince Philip of Greece" who married her older sister.

One of her "most ardent suitors, the Marquess of Milford Haven," may again be on "the eligible marriage lists."  Lord Milford, a first cousin of the Duke of Edinburgh, is now divorced.

But Princess Margaret rose never would "be permitted to wed a divorced man."

Buckingham Palace has "scoffed" at the reports about Princess Margaret entering a religious order, according to the Associated Press.

A spokesman said: This rumor has been floating around for some time, but there is no reason to believe Princess Margaret is contemplating anything of the kind."