29 July 1981 marked one of the most memorable days in modern British history as Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in a spectacular royal wedding watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world.
The ceremony took place at St Paul's Cathedral in London rather than the more traditional Westminster Abbey, allowing space for around 3,500 guests to attend.
An estimated 750 million people in 74 countries watched the event on television, making it one of the largest global broadcasts ever at the time.
Lady Diana arrived wearing an ivory silk taffeta gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, featuring a remarkable 25-foot (7.6-metre) train, one of the longest ever seen at a British royal wedding. The dress quickly became one of the defining fashion moments of the twentieth century.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds travelled in the famous 1902 State Landau through the streets of London before appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where they delighted crowds with what became the first widely televised royal balcony kiss.
The marriage appeared to capture the imagination of people across the world, with street parties held throughout the United Kingdom to celebrate the occasion.
A Marriage That Changed the Monarchy
Charles and Diana welcomed two sons during their marriage:
- Prince William, born in 1982.
- Prince Harry, born in 1984.
However, the marriage came under increasing public scrutiny during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The couple formally separated in 1992 following an announcement by then Prime Minister John Major in the House of Commons, before divorcing in 1996.
Just over a year later, on 31 August 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died following a car crash in Paris, prompting an unprecedented public outpouring of grief in the United Kingdom and around the world.
Charles later married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Charles became King Charles III, while Camilla became Queen Camilla.
More than four decades after the wedding, images of Charles and Diana's marriage remain among the most recognisable in British royal history and continue to feature prominently in documentaries, books and television programmes.
Fast Facts
- Date: 29 July 1981
- Venue: St Paul's Cathedral, London
- Guests: Approximately 3,500
- Estimated TV audience: Around 750 million worldwide
- Bride: Lady Diana Spencer (later Diana, Princess of Wales)
- Groom: Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III)