Princess Margaret illness 'not mental'

Margaret, seen arriving at hospital for treatment of an earlier complaint

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Buckingham Palace has dismissed newspaper reports that Princess Margaret, younger sister of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, is suffering from chronic depression.

But the royal palace spokesman would not say what specifically is wrong with her.

The 70-year-old princess's illness was "physical rather than mental," a palace official said on Monday.

"Her condition is a matter of concern but not alarm," the official said, declining to give any other details.

The palace announced on Sunday that Margaret, plagued by health problems since middle age -- including a stroke in 1998 -- was unwell and had been undergoing medical tests.

Margaret has not been to hospital and is being treated in bed at the Queen's Sandringham estate in eastern England, where the royal family has spent the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Some British newspapers reported that Margaret was suffering from chronic depression. "She really has lost the will to live," Sunday's People tabloid quoted a senior royal source as saying.

Margaret, whose life of privilege has been marred by ill-health, thwarted love and whiffs of scandal -- was a notable absentee when the royal family made traditional public appearances at Sandringham this Christmas.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Princess Margaret has medical tests
January 1, 2001

The British Monarchy

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.