55 Rare Photos From Princess Diana’s Wedding You’ve Probably Never Seen
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.
Read More: Have You Ever Noticed This One Strange Detail in Pictures of Princess Diana and King Charles?
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.
Read More: Uncommon images of Princess Diana, one of the most photographed people on Earth
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
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.