When Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981, people went crazy. The outfit! The ring! The relationship was so popular that people couldn’t get enough of it, and you’ve probably seen about 200 million photos from that day ever since. However, I dug far into the archives to unearth some images that you most likely haven’t seen before. Get ready for some amazing finds.
1. The Engagement
On the grounds outside of Buckingham Palace, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer announced their engagement, launching the fashion for what became known as the engagement ring of the century—yes, the sapphire sparkler that Kate Middleton now wears.
2. First Date As Fiancees
That’s how you announce to the world that you’re not for sale! Princess Di had her first night out after becoming engaged, and she looked stunning in a strapless black dress. The couple, who had only revealed their engagement two weeks prior, were at London’s Goldsmith’s Hall for a recital.
3. Mother-in-law’s Approval
Following her approval of their marriage, Prince Charles and Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The atmosphere in this picture may look a bit tense.
4. First Wedding Rehearsal
Pictures from June 12, 1981, 47 days before the big day, show Diana and Charles leaving St. Paul’s Cathedral following their first wedding rehearsal. Hey, you would also want a ton of practice if you were getting married in front of, like, the whole globe.
5. Finalizing The Dress
A week before her wedding, Diana is pictured leaving Emanuel’s following her last wedding dress fitting. The tension!
6. The Blueprints For The Dress
David and Elizabeth Emanuel, a husband and wife team, were brought in to create Lady Di’s lovely taffeta gown. The press received a drawing of the designs the day of the event, which took place on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral, but the designs remained undisclosed until then.
7. All The Accessories That Go With It
The dress, like any other ensemble, would be incomplete without the accessories. This drawing features the heart-shaped slippers that Clive Shilton made for Princess Diana, as well as the little golden horseshoe pattern that was sewn into her dress for good fortune. Not to mention the pochette and lace umbrella.
8. The Bouquet
The Worshipful Company of Gardeners’ sketch depicts the arrangement of her bouquet. There’s a reason why the long, flowing bouquet of flowers—which was 42 inches high and weighed just over 4 pounds—became one of the most iconic in the history of royal weddings.
9. The Public Anticipation
The night before the wedding, large crowds gathered along the procession route in order to secure a good view.
10. The Grand Beginning
The night before Charles and Diana’s wedding, July 28, 1981, saw a fireworks show above London.
11. The Morning Of The Wedding
Across the United Kingdom, there were celebrations on their wedding day. The Prince of Wales Feathers were made by the Royal Air Force over Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
11. The Fans In Full Force
With British flags and decorations lining the streets, they hoped to catch sight of the two when they arrived.
12. The World’s Eyes Were Watching
Every country’s press, including the American press, established outposts to cover the events in real-time. Before the ceremony, Today hosts Willard Scott, Jane Pauley, and Tom Brokaw partake in a quick cup of tea, as is customary.
13. It’s Not Princess Diana
Look again if you believe that to be Princess Diana. once more. And perhaps once more. The bride in the photo is a lookalike who is posing for a TV feature, despite the fact that she looks just like THE actual royal.
14. Trinkets For The Occasion
Following the news of their engagement, Prince Charles and Diana Spencer were almost everywhere, including commemorative plates, towels, mugs, and more.
15. Don’t Forget The Actual Gifts For The Couple
Speaking of presents, the Saudi Crown Prince gave the royal couple jewelry that truly epitomizes “extraordinary.” The green malachite pieces that were made for the Prince and Princess of Wales are seen here.
16. Photographer’s Galore
Imagine the pressure if you had to drive by all these eyes and cameras to get to your wedding venue.
17. Final Interviews
The designers, David and Elizabeth Emanuel, spoke with NBC about the bride just before Princess Diana’s wedding gown was unseen. Of course, no spoilers. The major reveal had to wait until she got out of the carriage.
18. The Archbishop
Almost the most significant person at the royal wedding was Canterbury Archbishop Robert Runcie. In addition to leading the ceremony, he played a key role in its preparation.
19. Wedding Guests Arriving
Ushers at St. Paul’s Cathedral escorted wedding guests to their designated seats before the bride and groom arrived. Yes, the arena was full, but there were 750 million viewers throughout the globe.
20. Arrival Of Princess Margaret And Princess Ann
Princess Anne and Princess Margaret, two of the most {stylish~ royals, were the first to arrive, and they did not disappoint. Those hues! Those fascinators that coordinate! Just astounding.
21. The Arrival of the Queen
Wearing a light blue coat dress and matching fascinator, Queen Elizabeth looked stunning as the mother of the groom and, the queen of the country.
22. The Bridesmaids
Arriving in a gold carriage, Princess Diana’s bridesmaids were greeted like royalty. After all, some of them were actually royalty.
23. The Groom Arrives
It’s only natural for Prince Charles to wave to the joyful audience along the processional, considering how many people had gathered ahead of his wedding.
24. The First Glimpse Of Princess Diana
Few events are more eagerly awaited by the general public than this one. When Princess Diana finally made her way to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the world finally got to glimpse her gown. The world will never know how Diana fit all that taffeta into one chariot.
25. The Long Train
The bride’s famous veil and 25-foot train were seen when she emerged from the carriage. Truly amazing.
26. The Bridesmaids’ Work Was Cut Out
Diana’s bridesmaids had to make sure everything was in order before she proceeded up the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral, having squeezed a 25-foot taffeta train into a small carriage.
27. The Groom Awaits The Bride
With his two groomsmen at his sides, Prince Charles waits expectantly for Diana to arrive.
28. Walking Down The Aisle
Diana’s father walks Princess Diana toward the altar. Can you just picture how tense they must have been at this point in time? Note the Spencer Tiara—yes, she accessorized her wedding with her own family’s jewelry.
29. All The People In Attendance
Guests numbered almost 3,500, and the pews were crowded. To Diana’s right stands the then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher.
30. Greeting The Queen
Every bride aspires to make an impression on her mother-in-law. At Princess Diana’s wedding, she had to curtsy upon seeing her, because she also happened to be the Queen of the country.
31. Chief Bridesmaid
The principal bridesmaid was Sarah Armstrong-Jones, also known as Princess Margaret and the daughter of the Earl of Snowdon.
32. The Five Bridesmaids
India Hicks, Clementine Hambro, Catherine Cameron, Sarah-Jane Gaselee, and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones were Princess Diana’s five bridesmaids in total. They even trusted Sarah to hold Diana’s bouquet!
33. The Bride’s Family
In the cathedral, the first pew is reserved for a select few members of Diana’s family. Diana’s father, the Earl of Spencer, took his place beside his ex-wife, their son Charles, and his mother-in-law, Lady Fermoy, after leading Princess Diana down the aisle.
34. A Small But Rare Fumble
When Diana mispronounced Prince Charles’s full name—referring to him as Philip Charles Arthur George instead of Charles Philip Arthur George—she displayed her nervousness.
35. A Private Conversation
During the ceremony, the pair has a private moment together. What do you suppose they were discussing?
36. Down The Aisle As A Married Couple
After saying “I do,” the couple walked down the aisle looking like the perfect example of “regal”.
37. Facing The Public
Amidst throngs of enthusiastic spectators outside the cathedral, Prince Charles and Princess Diana emerged from their processional triumphant.
38. Entrance Details
Yes, you’ve seen this picture, but have you ever looked at the mounds of flowers that are on show at the church entrance? Probably not.
39. Queen’s Departure
The Queen led the procession of departing guests, as was customary.
40. Officially Just Married
More than 60,000 well-wishers gathered to meet Charles and Diana as they made their way from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Buckingham Palace.
41. Another Look At The Carriage
As the couple made their way to Buckingham Palace, their carriage traveled down Fleet Street.
42. Order in the Crowds
Since many fought to get a glimpse of the newlyweds, police were out in full force to control the enormous throng along the procession path.
43. The Marriage Certificate
It becomes official with the signatures of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as the witnesses’ signatures.
44. The Royal Processional
Following the wedding, the couple’s processional made its way from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Buckingham Palace. The Household Cavalry escorted the newlyweds as they sat in an open carriage.
45. Outside The Palace
There was a long line outside Buckingham Palace’s gates, waiting to see if the couple would be making an appearance on the balcony or arriving for their reception.
46. Reception: Queen Arrives
At Charles’ residence, which is, Buckingham Palace, the newlyweds held their reception. One of the first people to arrive was the Queen.
47. The Couple Arrives
With their wedding party in tow, the newlyweds also arrived at Buckingham Palace’s private gate for their reception.
48. The Bridesmaids and The Train
It was, perhaps, the most important and crucial task of the entire event.
49. Looking Towards The Balcony
Just picture yourself on your wedding day, gazing out over this sea of well-wishers. The mob could approach the gates once everyone had returned to Buckingham Palace for the reception.
50. Getting Along
On the Buckingham Palace balcony, the Queen laughs with her new daughter-in-law.
51. The Kiss
Ultimately, the pair provided the people with what they wanted! A loving moment between the two newlyweds.
52. The Final Look
Princess Diana offered the audience a balcony kiss fit for a queen before sending one last grin before entering. Adorable.
53. Champagne!
There are royal staffers seen bringing bottles of champagne into Buckingham Palace as the reception gets underway.
54. Family Picture
Do you recall squeezing into the club photo in high school? This was a lot like that, however instead of a bunch of kids playing ultimate frisbee, it’s a huge assembly of all the royal families in Europe. Informal.
55. End Of The Celebrations
At the end of their honeymoon, the couple invited photographers to take a picture at the Queen’s residence in Scotland, formally capping off the lavish royal wedding.
