Princess Margaret to be cremated says BBC

LONDON - Princess Margaret is reportedly to be cremated in a break from royal tradition.

The BBC said it was believed that her ashes would be placed beside the coffin of her father, King George VI, at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The Princess told friends that she favoured cremation rather than burial and it is understood that she left instructions with her immediate family.

The BBC said it was most unusual for a member of the royal family to be cremated.

Buckingham Palace has not officially confirmed the news.

In accordance with the wishes of the Princess's children, Viscount Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto, further details of their mother's funeral arrangements will not be made public until later in the week.

Yesterday the Princess' body left Kensington Palace after the Queen spent an hour by her sister's coffin. The body is now at St James' Palace.

- AGENCIES