Margaret (d. 1993)

views updated

Margaret (d. 1993)

Duchess of Argyll . Name variations: Margaret Whigham; Margaret Sweeney also seen as Sweeny. Died in August 1993; daughter of George Hay Whigham (a Scottish textile millionaire); married Charles Sweeney (American stockbroker and golfer), in 1933; married Ian Douglas Campbell (1903–1973), 11th duke of Argyll, on March 22, 1951 (divorced 1963); children: (first marriage) Frances Helen Sweeney (who married David Manners, duke of Rutland).

In her early years, Margaret Whigham was a well-known debutante, famed for her beauty, whose every coming and going was chronicled on England's society pages. Following her 1933 marriage to Charles Sweeney, an American stockbroker and golfer, Cole Porter immortalized her in his song "You're the Top" with the lines: "You're Mussolini, / You're Mrs. Sweeney, / You're Camembert." Eventually, Margaret divorced Mr. Sweeney and in 1951 married Ian Douglas Campbell, 11th duke of Argyll, who would have a total of four wives (Janet Aitken, Louise Clews, Matilda , and Margaret). Eight years later, the duke sued for divorce, accusing Margaret of "multiple adultery." Her fame turned into notoriety, and the Argylls were officially divorced in 1963. Margaret's lifestyle changed completely. In February 1990, she was evicted from the Grosvenor House hotel for nonpayment of rent.

About this article

Margaret (d. 1993)

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article