Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon.

Antony Charles Robert Armstrong Jones

Born 7 Mar 1930 London, United Kingdom

Died 13 Jan 2017 Kensington, United Kingdom

Citizenship United Kingdom

Would Be 96 yr If Living

8 min read

Reading time

1,579

Words

Jul 3, 2026

Published

Film credits

Awards

TL;DR

In 1961, Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon was created Earl of Snowdon upon his marriage to Princess Margaret. He photographed Laurence Olivier, David Bowie, and other celebrities, and co-designed the aviary at London Zoo. He directed the film Explorers in 1975 and appeared in Mondo Hollywood 1967. Snowdon died in 2017 at age 86 in Kensington, London.

Identity & family.

KIN · 8

Names, aliases, and relatives of Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Antony Charles Robert Armstrong Jones

Nicknames Tony

Aliases Antony Armstrong Jones, Lord Snowdon, Tony Snowdon, Snowdon

Parents: Ronald Armstrong Jones
Spouses: Lucy Mary Davies Princess Margaret
Children: Lady Sarah Chatto Frances Armstrong Jones Jasper Cable Alexander
Siblings: Martin Parsons Peregrine Armstrong Jones

At a glance.

STATS

Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon by the numbers — life, work, and family.

86 Years lived

2 Film credits

3 Awards

2 Marriages

3 Children

Who was Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon?

BIOGRAPHY

Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

A severe bout of polio at age 16 confined Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon to his bed for a year, causing a lasting limp. His birth in London in 1930 to Ronald Armstrong Jones and his education at Sandroyd School, Eton College, and Jesus College defined his early years.

Career

In 1952, Snowdon began his career as a society photographer for Tatler magazine, where his portraits of figures like Laurence Olivier and Marlene Dietrich brought him acclaim. He later moved into film, directing the 1975 documentary Explorers and appearing as himself in Mondo Hollywood 1967. His design work included co-creating the aviary at London Zoo and inventing an electric wheelchair.

Personal life

Snowdon married Princess Margaret in May 1960, a union that brought him the title Earl of Snowdon. The marriage produced two children, David Armstrong-Jones and Lady Sarah Chatto. During their honeymoon, Snowdon and Camilla Fry had a daughter, Polly. The marriage ended in divorce in 1978. That same year, he married Lucy Mary Davies, with whom he had a daughter, Frances. They divorced in 2000. He also had a son, Jasper b. 1998, with journalist Melanie Cable-Alexander.

Legacy

Snowdon’s photographic work captured some of the 20th century’s most famous faces including Elizabeth Taylor and David Bowie. His design of the London Zoo aviary remains a landmark. He received the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and the Lucie Award. He died in Kensington in 2017 after a long period of ill health, leaving a legacy as a photographer who captured royalty and celebrities, and a designer who contributed to London Zoo.

Filmography.

FILMS · 2

The complete filmography of Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

Movie

Mondo Hollywood

1967

Movie

Royal Family

1969

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 3

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
Lucie Award
Royal Designer for Industry

Did you know?

FACTS · 10

Little-known facts about Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

With journalist Melanie Cable-Alexander, Snowdon had a son Jasper born in 1998, though he did not acknowledge him. With Camilla Fry he fathered a daughter Polly born in 1960, conceived while Snowdon was engaged to Princess Margaret and born during their honeymoon.
He was the father of David Armstrong-Jones and Sarah Armstrong-Jones Lady Sarah Chatto.
In 1961, Snowdon was created Earl of Snowdon.
As a photographer, Snowdon captured portraits of Laurence Olivier, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, David Bowie, and members of the British royal family. He also co-designed the aviary at London Zoo and invented an electric wheelchair.
Snowdon and his second wife Lucy Mary Davies had a daughter named Frances.
Through his marriage to Princess Margaret, Snowdon was the former brother-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II and son-in-law of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
He was the father-in-law of Daniel Chatto, married to his daughter Lady Sarah Chatto.
He became an Associate Member of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art RADA.
As a teenager, Snowdon contracted polio, which required him to lie flat on his back for a year and left him with a permanent limp.
His career began as a society photographer for Tatler magazine in 1952, where he met Princess Margaret through his work.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 35

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon.

When was Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon born?

He was born on March 7, 1930. This makes him a spring-born child of the early 20th century in London.
Where was Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon born?

He was born in London, England, United Kingdom. Specifically, he grew up in the city that would later host his most famous works.
When did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon die?

He died on January 13, 2017. His death occurred in Kensington, London after a long period of ill health.
How old was Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon at death?

He was 86 years old at the time of his death. He lived a long life spanning from 1930 to 2017.
Where did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon die?

He died in Kensington, London, England, United Kingdom. This is a district in West London where he spent his final years.
What was the cause of Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon's death?

The cause was following a long period of ill health. He passed away peacefully at his home in Kensington.
What was Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon's real name?

His full birth name was Antony Charles Robert Armstrong Jones. He later used various professional and noble names.
What did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon do for a living?

He worked as a camera crew member, director, and actor. He was primarily known as a photographer and filmmaker.
What nationality was Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon?

He was a British citizen from the United Kingdom. His entire career was based in Britain.
What language did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon speak?

His native language was English. He conducted his professional work in English.
Who were Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon's parents?

His father was Ronald Armstrong Jones. His mother is not specified in public records.
Who was Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon married to?

He was married twice: first to Princess Margaret from 1960 to 1978, and then to Lucy Mary Davies from 1978 to 2000.
Did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon have children?

Yes, he had three children from different relationships: Lady Sarah Chatto and Frances Armstrong Jones, and Jasper Cable Alexander. He also fathered Polly and David Armstrong-Jones.
Did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon have any siblings?

Yes, he had two siblings: Martin Parsons and Peregrine Armstrong Jones. They were his half-siblings or step-siblings.
Where did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon go to school?

He attended Sandroyd School, then Eton College, and later Jesus College. His education was at prestigious British institutions.
What awards did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon win?

He received the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, the Lucie Award, and the Royal Designer for Industry. These honor his contributions to photography and design.
How many major awards did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon win?

He won three major awards: the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, the Lucie Award, and the Royal Designer for Industry.
What is Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon best known for?

He is known for his appearance in the documentary Mondo Hollywood 1967 as himself, as well as his extensive photography and design work.
What films did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon work on?

He directed the documentary Explorers 1975, worked on Tuesday’s Documentary 1968, and contributed to Aria 1987. He also appeared in Mondo Hollywood.
Why was Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon called Tony?

His nickname Tony was a common diminutive of Antony. He was widely known as Tony by friends and family, including his wife Princess Margaret.
What were Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon's various names and titles?

He was born Antony Charles Robert Armstrong Jones. After marriage to Princess Margaret, he was created Earl of Snowdon, becoming Lord Snowdon. He also used Tony Snowdon and simply Snowdon professionally.
How did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon meet Princess Margaret?

He met her through his work as a society photographer for Tatler magazine in the early 1950s. Their meeting led to a royal romance and marriage.
Did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon have children outside his marriages?

Yes, he had a daughter Polly born 1960 with Camilla Fry, conceived during his engagement to Princess Margaret and born during their honeymoon. He also had a son Jasper born 1998 with journalist Melanie Cable-Alexander, though he did not acknowledge him.
What was the London Zoo aviary that Snowdon co-created?

Snowdon co-designed the Snowdon Aviary at London Zoo, a large netted enclosure that opened in 1965. It is one of his most recognized architectural works.
Did Antony Armstrong Jones Snowdon contract polio as a teenager?

Yes, at age 16 he contracted polio, which required him to lie flat on his back for a year. It left him with a permanent limp that affected his gait thereafter.
What title did Snowdon receive after marrying Princess Margaret?

He was created Earl of Snowdon in 1961, becoming Lord Snowdon. The title was a life peerage given upon his marriage to the princess.
Who was Snowdon's first wife?

His first wife was Princess Margaret, daughter of King George VI and sister of Queen Elizabeth II. They married in 1960 and divorced in 1978.
How many times was Snowdon married?

Snowdon was married twice: first to Princess Margaret from 1960 to 1978, and then to Lucy Mary Davies from 1978 to 2000.
Did Snowdon win any awards for his photography?

Yes, he received the Lucie Award for his contributions to photography, as well as the Royal Designer for Industry award and the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
What was Snowdon's occupation besides photography?

He worked as a director and actor, directing the documentary Explorers 1975 and appearing in Mondo Hollywood 1967 as himself. He also worked as a camera crew member.
Did Snowdon design any inventions?

Yes, he invented an electric wheelchair, showcasing his work in design. This invention was part of his broader interest in accessibility.
Was Snowdon a member of RADA?

He became an Associate Member of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art RADA. This honor recognized his contributions to the arts.
How did Snowdon's relationship with the royal family continue after divorce?

After divorcing Princess Margaret, Snowdon remained the father of her children and was formerly the brother-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II. He was also son-in-law to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
What did Snowdon do after his divorce from Princess Margaret?

He continued his photography and design work, including his involvement with London Zoo and various publications. He also married Lucy Mary Davies in 1978.
What is Snowdon's legacy in photography?

Snowdon’s photographic legacy includes iconic portraits of celebrities and royals, such as Elizabeth Taylor and David Bowie. His work remains influential in portrait photography.

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Emma has 8 years of editorial experience and a very clear idea of what a good biography looks like. At Famousy, she runs the editorial operation and decides what meets the bar and what doesn't. She's the kind of editor who remembers the profiles she pushed back on more clearly than the ones she approved. That's not a complaint. That's exactly why the site reads the way it does.

Published on July 3, 2026

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