Scandalous Facts About Margaret Campbell, The Dirty Duchess
When it comes to British scandals, there’s no better place to start than the “Dirty Duchess,” Margaret Campbell.
She was infamous among the high-society set before she even married the Duke of Argyll—but after their incredibly messy divorce, she became one of the most notorious women in England. After all, the Duchess had one enormous skeleton in her closet.
1. She Was An Heiress
Margaret Campbell’s young life more than set her up for her raucous adulthood. Born to a Scottish millionaire, she grew up in New York City and attended some of the most exclusive private schools in the country alongside some of the best, brightest, and definitely wealthiest heirs and heiresses of her day. But scorching scandal hit her incredibly young.
2. She Met A Soon-To-Be Famous Actor
By the time Margaret was 15 years old, she was an undeniable stunner. Even at this tender age, men went absolutely gaga about her, and Margaret soon learned just how good it felt to soak up their attention. In fact, in the summer of 1928, Margaret caught the eye of an older boy: The 18-year-old David Niven, who later became a Hollywood actor.
But it’s what David and Margaret were about to get up to that was worthy of a dramatic screenplay.
3. She Had A Holiday Romance
David Niven met Margaret while the two of them were on holiday on the Isle of Wight. It was the perfect recipe for disaster. With their parents and chaperones otherwise occupied with their own vacation, the teenagers managed to find ample time to, er, explore their personal landscapes. Which is exactly how Margaret ended up jumping into bed with David…and suffering horrible consequences.
4. She Was A Teen Mom
Although Margaret’s experiences with Niven were her first time with a man, one time in her case was very much enough. She got supremely unlucky and, months later, discovered her pregnancy.
For the beautiful daughter of a millionaire, it spelled instant infamy and would likely damage her reputation forever if it got out to her peers. She had only one option.