Mayukh Saha

Mayukh Saha

April 24, 2024

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

Princess Diana's engagement announcement.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The newly engaged couple attending a recital at London's Goldsmith Hall
Image Credits: Getty Images

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.

Read More: Princess Diana ‘feared for her life’ in the lead up to her fatal car crash in 1997

3. Mother-in-law’s Approval

This is believed to be immediately after receiving Queen Elizabeth II's approval.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Princess Diana and Charles exiting St, Paul's Cathedral following their first wedding rehearsal.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Princess Diana leaving Emanuel's after finalizing her dress fitting.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The design sketch for Princess Diana's wedding dress
Image Credits: Getty Images

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 design sketch for the shoes, necklace, umbrella, and pochette for the wedding.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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 design sketch for the wedding Bouquet
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Crowds camping out the night before the wedding.
Image Credits: Getty Images

The night before the wedding, large crowds gathered along the procession route in order to secure a good view.

Read More: Uncommon images of Princess Diana, one of the most photographed people on Earth

10. The Grand Beginning

The Fireworks Display on the eve of Princess Diana's wedding.
Image Credits: Getty Images

The night before Charles and Diana’s wedding, July 28, 1981, saw a fireworks show above London.

11. The Morning Of The Wedding

The Royal Air Force performing a special formation in Wales on the morning of Princess Diana's wedding
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The crowd dotting the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The US' Today show hosts Willard Scott, Jane Pauley, and Tom Brokaw enjoying some tea before the ceremony.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

A Princess Diana lookalike posing for a segment for TV.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

A commemorative cup for the royal wedding.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The Saudi Crown Prince's gift to Princess Diana and Charles.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The photographers pointing at the wedding venue.
Image Credits: Getty Images

Imagine the pressure if you had to drive by all these eyes and cameras to get to your wedding venue.

17. Final Interviews

Princess Diana's wedding dress designers giving an interview right before the reveal.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Robert Runcie, the Archbishop of Canterbury, arriving at the venue.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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.

Read More: When Diana Was Stripped of Her Royal Titles, 15YO William Promised Her “I Will Give It Back to You One Day When I Am King”

19. Wedding Guests Arriving

Wedding guests arriving and being seated at designated seats, before the royal couple arrives.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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 Margaret and Princess Ann arrives
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Queen Elizabeth II arrives
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Princess Diana's Bridesmaids arrive
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Prince Charles arriving at the venue
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Princess Diana waves from her carriage in her wedding dress
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Princess Diana's long train and veil in full view
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The Bridesmaids making sure Princess Diana's lengthy veil and train were in order.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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.

Read More: Diana made sure Harry inherited her money for when he wanted to leave the royal family: “I think she saw it coming

27. The Groom Awaits The Bride

Prince Charles awaiting Princess Diana inside the cathedral
Image Credits: Getty Images

With his two groomsmen at his sides, Prince Charles waits expectantly for Diana to arrive.

28. Walking Down The Aisle

Princess Diana walking down the aisle alongside her father.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Then-Prime Minister of UK, Margaret Thatcher, watching Princess Diana walking down the aisle.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Princess Diana greeting Queen Elizabeth II by performing a curtsy
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Princess Margaret was the chief bridesmaid at the wedding.
Image Credits: Getty Images

The principal bridesmaid was Sarah Armstrong-Jones, also known as Princess Margaret and the daughter of the Earl of Snowdon.

32. The Five Bridesmaids

3 of the 5 bridesmaids of Princess Diana
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The Spencers, Princess Diana's family, sitting on the front row.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The moment of the ring exchange
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

Prince Charles sharing a private conversation with Princess Diana
Image Credits: Getty Images

During the ceremony, the pair has a private moment together. What do you suppose they were discussing?

Read More: First Public Statement From Prince William On His Wife And Father, King Charles

36. Down The Aisle As A Married Couple

The royal couple walking down the aisle after the ceremony
Image Credits: Getty Images

After saying “I do,” the couple walked down the aisle looking like the perfect example of “regal”.

37. Facing The Public

The royal couple faces the awaiting crowd
Image Credits: Getty Images

Amidst throngs of enthusiastic spectators outside the cathedral, Prince Charles and Princess Diana emerged from their processional triumphant.

38. Entrance Details

The royal couple walking down the stairs hand-in-hand
Image Credits: Getty Images

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 is the first to depart the ceremony among the guests.
Image Credits: Getty Images

The Queen led the procession of departing guests, as was customary.

40. Officially Just Married

The royal couple on their way to Buckingham Palace.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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.

Read More: The birth certificate for Lilibet Diana contains an incredible detail.

41. Another Look At The Carriage

At this point, the carriage was driving down Fleet Street
Image Credits: Getty Images

As the couple made their way to Buckingham Palace, their carriage traveled down Fleet Street.

42. Order in the Crowds

The police maintaining a strict lookout over the crowd
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The official marriage register legalizing Princess Diana and Prince Charles' matrimony.
Image Credits: Getty Images

It becomes official with the signatures of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as the witnesses’ signatures.

44. The Royal Processional

The royal processional making its way to Buckingham Palace
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The crowd awaiting the couple's arrival outside Buckingham Palace
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The Queen arrives first at Buckingham Palace for the reception.
Image Credits: Getty Images

At Charles’ residence, which is, Buckingham Palace, the newlyweds held their reception. One of the first people to arrive was the Queen.

Read More: Queen Camilla ‘Outrage’ By Prince Harry After His ‘Loving Son PR Stunt’ Source Claims

47. The Couple Arrives

Princess Diana and Prince Charles arrive at the reception
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The 5 Bridesmaids continue keeping the lengthy train in order.
Image Credits: Getty Images

It was, perhaps, the most important and crucial task of the entire event.

49. Looking Towards The Balcony

The crowd awaiting outside Buckingham Palace, looking at the balcony.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

The Queen and Princess Diana being lighthearted.
Image Credits: Getty Images

On the Buckingham Palace balcony, the Queen laughs with her new daughter-in-law.

51. The Kiss

The royal couple shares a kiss.
Image Credits: Getty Images

Ultimately, the pair provided the people with what they wanted! A loving moment between the two newlyweds.

52. The Final Look

One last smile from Princess Diana before heading inside.
Image Credits: Getty Images

Princess Diana offered the audience a balcony kiss fit for a queen before sending one last grin before entering. Adorable.

53. Champagne!

Royal staffers bringing some bottles of champagne for the Party inside.
Image Credits: Getty Images

There are royal staffers seen bringing bottles of champagne into Buckingham Palace as the reception gets underway.

54. Family Picture

All the royal families and members in Europe in a commemorative picture.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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

A photo call at Balmoral, Scotland, after the end of their honeymoon.
Image Credits: Getty Images

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.

Read More: Woman Feels ‘Instant Love’ After Meeting Biological Son She Never Knew Existed

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