A Royal Engagement
The engagement ring of the century (yes, the same sapphire sparkler that Kate Middleton now wears) made its debut when Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer announced their engagement on the grounds outside of Buckingham Palace.
First Date As An Engaged Couple
Princess Di looked absolutely gorgeous in a strapless black dress during her first night out as an engaged woman. The pair, who announced their engagement just two weeks earlier, were attending a recital at London’s Goldsmith’s Hall.Central Press//Getty Images
A Very Important Approval
Practice Makes Perfect
Diana and Charles are seen leaving St. Paul’s Cathedral after their first wedding rehearsal on June 12, 1981—47 days before the big day. Hey, if you were getting married in front of the entire world, you’d want lots of practice too.Tim Graham//Getty Images
The Final Dress Fitting
Diana is seen leaving Emanuel’s after the final fitting for her wedding dress a week before the big day.Hulton Archive//Getty Images
The Dress…
Husband and wife designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel were tapped to design Lady Di’s dreamy taffeta gown. The designs were kept secret until the day of the ceremony when the press was given a sketch of what they’d see on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral.Central Press//Getty Images
…And Accessories to Match
As with any outfit, the dress just wouldn’t be the same without the accessories. This sketch shows Princess Diana’s heart slippers, created by Clive Shilton, along with the tiny golden horseshoe design sewn into her gown for good luck. And don’t forget the lacy umbrella and pochette.PA Images//Getty Images
Flower Power
This sketch by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners shows the design of her bouquet. The long, flowing collection of flowers—which stood at 42 inches high and weighed a little over 4 pounds—became one of the most memorable in royal wedding history for a reason.PA Images//Getty Images
More Practice
This time, Diana and Charles leave the church only two days before their wedding.Tim Graham//Getty Images
The Spectators
Crowds camped out along the procession route the night before the wedding to ensure a good view.Fox Photos//Getty Images
The Celebrations Begin…
A firework display took place over London on the eve of Charles and Diana’s wedding on July 28, 1981. Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
…And Continue the Next Morning
On their wedding day, celebrations were seen throughout the United Kingdom. In Wales, the Royal Air Force performed a formation of the Prince of Wales Feathers over Caernarfon Castle.PA Images//Getty Images
The Party Keeps Going
Celebrations continued throughout the area, including Liverpool’s Chinatown. Here, the Lian Dancing Troupe performs a special routine in honor of the newlyweds.Mirrorpix//Getty Images
The Royal Fans
Remember those campers? They lined the streets with British flags and decorations, hoping to get a glimpse at the couple upon their arrival.Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
Messages From Supporters
They also relayed messages of support for the royal couple along the procession route.Graham Wiltshire//Getty Images
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The Worldwide Media Coverage
Press from every nation, including the United States, set up outposts to live broadcast the events. Here, Today hosts Willard Scott, Jane Pauley, and Tom Brokaw enjoy a spot of tea before the ceremony.NBC NewsWire//Getty Images
Double Take
While the bride in this snap looks identical to the real royal, she’s actually a lookalike posing for a TVsegment.NBC//Getty Images
Commemorative Gifts
After their engagement was announced, items with Prince Charles and Diana Spencer were everywhere. Commemorative mugs, towels, plates, you name it.Tim Graham//Getty Images
Jewels on Jewels
Speaking of gifts, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia gifted the royal couple with jewelry. Pictured here are the green malachite pieces crafted for the Prince and Princess of Wales.PA Images//Getty Images
A Ton of Photographers
Can you imagine driving past all this before your wedding?
The Archbishop Arrives
Robert Runcie, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was one of the most important people at the royal wedding. He not only performed the ceremony, but was instrumental in the planning.Fox Photos//Getty Images
The Cathedral Begins to Fill Up
Wedding guests were shown to assigned seats by ushers as St. Paul’s Cathedral prior to the bride and groom’s arrival. Sure, the venue was packed, but 750 million more people were watching worldwide.Fox Photos//Getty Images
Princess Margaret and Ann Arrive
Two of the most stylish royals, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret, arrived first and did not disappoint. Those colors! Those coordinating fascinators!Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
The Queen Arrives
Queen Elizabeth looked flawless as mother of the groom in a light blue coat dress and matching fascinator.Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
The Bridesmaids Make Their Entrance
Princess Diana’s bridesmaids were treated like royalty (granted, some of them were royalty), arriving in a gold carriage.Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
Lots of Royals Attended…
The day’s festivities drew some of the most important royals from around the world—including Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly.PA Images//Getty Images
…Including American Royalty
First Lady Nancy Reagan wore a blush outfit to the nuptials.Bettmann//Getty Images
Prince Charles Arrives Next
Prince Charles waves to the excited crowds along the processional—an appropriate response to the many people who camped out ahead of his wedding.Keystone//Getty Images
A Glimpse of the Bride
There are few moments more anticipated by the public than this one. Princess Diana arrived at St. Paul’s Cathedral and everyone finally got to see her dress.Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
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The Long Train Makes Its Debut
When the bride stepped out of the carriage, she revealed a 25-foot-long train and veil. Absolutely breathtaking.PA Images//Getty Images
The Bridesmaids Get to Work
After folding a 25-foot taffeta train into a small carriage, it fell on the bridesmaids to make sure everything was sorted out before Diana processed up the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral.Tim Graham//Getty Images
Charles Waits for the Bride
Prince Charles patiently waits for Diana to arrive while flanked by his brothers, who were also his groomsmen.PA Images//Getty Images
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The Long, Long Walk
Diana and her father make their way to the altar. Take a closer at the Spencer Tiara—yes, she wore her own family jewels for her big day.Anwar Hussein//Getty Images
A Packed Church
Serge Lemoine//Getty Images
View From the Back
St. Paul’s Cathedral made for a stunning venue for the ceremony.David Levenson//Getty Images
A Curtsy for the Queen
Every bride wants to impress their mother-in-law, but when your mother-in-law also happens to be the Queen, it’s customary to give a curtsy upon seeing her.Tim Graham//Getty Images
Following Up Behind
Sarah Armstrong-Jones, a.k.a. Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon’s daughter, was the chief bridesmaid.Keystone//Getty Images
The Bridesmaids Watch On
Princess Diana had a total of five bridesmaids: Clementine Hambro, Catherine Cameron, Sarah-Jane Gaselee, India Hicks, and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. Sarah was even trusted with holding Diana’s bouquet!Mirrorpix//Getty Images
The Spencers Sit in the Front Row
Only a few of Diana’s family members are given the front pew in the cathedral. After walking Diana down the aisle, her father, the Earl of Spencer, took his seat next to his ex-wife, their son Charles, and his mother-in-law, Lady Fermoy.Serge Lemoine//Getty Images