The Ranee became legendary during her lifetime as a woman of strength and intelligence, as well as on account of her status, which she shared with the other White Rajahs, of being at once a British subject and an Asian monarch.

After the marriage, Rajah Charles automatically appointed her the title of Ranee of Sarawak with the style of Her Highness.

Ranee Margaret Brooke was described in her book as intelligent, forceful, non-sentimental and with the ability to dominate by her presence.

Her first three children died within a week of each other on board ship in the Red Sea in 1873, while returning to England with the Rajah.

One of Oscar Wilde's fairytales, "The Young King", is dedicated to "Margaret, Lady Brooke, The Ranee of Sarawak".