Princess Margaret's Strathspey

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s set twice; turn RH and cast to face 1st corners (2s step up 7-8)
9-16 St Andrew's Cross Reels:
 1s+1st corners dance RSh diagonal reel of 4 while 2nd corners follow path of a reel of 4 on other diagonal passing each other LSh in centre (bars 10 and 14). 1s end in 2nd place on opposite sides. 2(1)3
17-24 1s set twice, turn RH twice to face 2nd corners
25-32 St Andrew's Cross Reels:
 1s+2nd corners dance RSh diagonal reel of 4 while 1st corners follow path of a reel of 4 on other diagonal passing each other LSh in centre (bars 26 and 30). 1s end facing 1st corners
33-40 1s set to and turn 1st corners 2H, set to and turn 2nd corners 2H, 1s finish between corners
41-48 1s dance reels of 3 on opposite sides passing 1st corner LSh to start. 1s cross to 2nd place own side. 213

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Princess Margaret's Strathspey - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

Margaret, born during her parents' tenure as the Duke and Duchess of York, experienced a pivotal shift at six when her father ascended to the British throne following his brother's abdication. Initially second in line to the throne, her standing diminished with the birth of Elizabeth's descendants. Amidst World War II, the sisters remained at Windsor Castle, Margaret too young for official duties.

In the post-war years, she garnered international fame as a socialite. Notably, her romance with RAF officer Peter Townsend faced opposition due to his divorce. After her father's death in 1952, Margaret abandoned plans with Townsend and, facing resistance, married Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. The couple had two children, divorcing in 1978, with Margaret choosing not to remarry.

Princess Margaret

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