People lost their minds in 1981 when Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles. The dress! The ring! People couldn’t get enough of the romance—and you’ve likely seen approximately two hundred million pictures from that day since as a result.
But I dove deep into the archives to find some photos you probably HAVEN’T seen before. Prepare yourself for some serious gems.
The engagement ring of the century (yep, the same sapphire sparkler that Kate Middleton now totes around) made its debut when Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer announced their engagement on the grounds outside of Buckingham Palace.
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First Date As An Engaged Couple
Now that’s how you tell the world you’re off the market! Princess Di looked absolutely gorggg 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.
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A *Very* Important Approval
Prince Charles and Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace after she gave her consent for their wedding. Is it just me or does everyone look rather…tense?
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, oh, I don’t know, the entire world, you’d want lots of practice too.
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The Final Dress Fitting
Diana is seen leaving Emanuel’s after the final fitting for her wedding dress a week before the big day. The suspense!
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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.
PA Images//Getty Images
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…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
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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.
Tim Graham//Getty Images
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Annnnnd More Practice
This time, Diana and Charles leave the church only two days before their wedding. Appropriate.
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The Spectators
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Crowds camped out along the procession route the night before the wedding to ensure a good view. Commitment, man.
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The Celebrations Begin…
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A firework display took place over London on July 28, 1981, the eve of Charles and Diana’s wedding.
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…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.
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The Party Keeps Going
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The U.K. sure knows how to party. Celebrations continued throughout the area, including Liverpool’s Chinatown. Here, the Lian Dancing Troupe perform a special routine in honor of the newlyweds.
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The Royal Fans
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Remember those campers? They lined the streets with British flags and decorations, hoping to get a glimpse at the two upon their arrival.
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Messages From Supporters
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They also relayed messages of support for the royal couple along the procession route. Seeing these signs HAD to calm Diana’s nerves.
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The Worldwide Media Coverage
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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 (as one does) before the ceremony.
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Double Take
NBC//Getty Images
If you think that’s Princess Diana, look again. And again. And maybe again. While the bride in the snap looks identical to the real royal, she’s actually a lookalike posing for a TV segment. Talk about a doppelgänger!
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Commemorative Gifts
After their engagement was announced, Prince Charles and Diana Spencer were everywhere—literally. Commemorative mugs, towels, plates, you name it.
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Jewels on Jewels
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Speaking of gifts, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia gifted the royal couple with jewelry that puts the “extra” in extravagant. Pictured here are the green malachite pieces crafted for the Prince and Princess of Wales 😍
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So. Many. Photographers.
Boris Spremo//Getty Images
Seriously, can you imagine driving past all this before your wedding?
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Interviews on Interviews
Moments before Princess Diana’s wedding dress reveal, the designers, David and Elizabeth Emanuel, sat down with NBC to give an interview about the bride. No spoilers, of course. Everyone had to wait for her to step out of the carriage for the big reveal.
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The Archbishop Arrives
Robert Runcie, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was baaaasically the most important person at the royal wedding. He not only performed the ceremony, but was instrumental in the planning.
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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 people were watching worldwide. So, like, no pressure.
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Princess Margaret and Ann Arrive
Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
Two of the most ~stylish~ royals, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret, arrived first and did not disappoint. Those colors! Those coordinating fascinators! Just wow.
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The Queen Arrives
Queen Elizabeth looked flawless as mother of the groom and, you know, sovereign of the nation, in a light blue coat dress and matching fascinator.
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The Bridesmaids Make Their Entrance
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Princess Diana’s bridesmaids were treated like royalty (granted, some of them WERE royalty), arriving in a gold carriage.
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Tons of Royals Attended
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The day’s festivities drew some of the most important royals from around the world—including Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco. Sorry, but how chic is she?!?!
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And American Royalty, Too
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First Lady Nancy Reagan wore a blush outfit to the nuptials. Unparalleled glamour, I tell you.
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Prince Charles Arrives Next
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Prince Charles waves to the excited crowds along the processional—an appropriate response to the many people who camped out ahead of his wedding, if you ask me.
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A Glimpse of the Bride (FINALLY)
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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. How Diana managed to fit all that taffeta into one carriage, the world will never know.
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The Looooooong Train Makes Its Debut
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When the bride stepped out of the carriage, she revealed a 25-foot-long train and veil. Absolutely breathtaking.
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The Bridesmaids Get to Work
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After squishing 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.
PA Images//Getty Images
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Charles Waits for the Bride
Prince Charles patiently waits for Diana to arrive while flanked by his two groomsmen.
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The Long, Long Walk
Diana and her father make their way to the altar. Can you imagine how wild their nerves must have been at this moment??? P.S. Take a closer at the Spencer Tiara—yep, she wore her own family jewels for her big day.
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A Packed Church
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The pews were packed with more than 3,500 guests. Shout out to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Diana’s right.
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View From the Back
Honestly, how gorge is St. Paul’s Cathedral? Magnificent.
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A Curtsy for the Queen
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Every bride wants to impress their mother-in-law, but when your MIL also happens to be the Queen, it’s customary to give a curtsy upon seeing her—even at your own wedding. (File this info away for when you marry a prince, kay?)
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Following Up Behind
Sarah Armstrong-Jones (AKA Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon’s daughter) was the chief bridesmaid.
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The Bridesmaids Watch On
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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!
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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.
Fox Photos//Getty Images
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With This Ring….
Diana let her nerves show when she accidentally mixed up Prince Charles’ full name (referring to him as Philip Charles Arthur George rather than Charles Philip Arthur George). But I mean, who can blame her, that name is a mouthful!
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Charles Whispers to His Bride
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The couple share a private moment during the ceremony. What do you think they were talking about?? How much they wanted a glass of bubbly??
Tim Graham//Getty Images
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The Processional
The couple looked b-e-y-o-n-d regal as they made their way down the aisle after saying “I do.”
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Facing the Crowds
At the end of their processional, Prince Charles and Princess Diana faced hoards of cheering fans outside of the cathedral. You know, just your typical post-wedding stuff.
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Details at the Entrance
Sure, you’ve seen this shot, but have you ever noticed the mountains of flowers displayed at the entrance of church? Didn’t think so.
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The Queen Leaves the Cathedral
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As is traditional, the Queen lead the charge for departing guests.
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Husband and Wife
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Charles and Diana were greeted by more than 60,000 well-wishers as they made their way from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Buckingham Palace.
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A Look Inside the Carriage
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The couple’s carriage drove along Fleet Street on their way to Buckingham Palace.
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Controlling the Crowds
Police were out in full force to manage the massive crowds along the procession route—because wouldn’t you fight your way through to catch a glimpse at the newlyweds?
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Officially Married!
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Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s signatures, along with those of their family as witnesses, make it official official.
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The Royal Processional
The couple’s processional ran from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Buckingham Palace after the wedding. The newlyweds sat in an open air carriage and were escorted by the Household Cavalry.
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Outside the Palace
Crowds lined up outside of the gates at Buckingham Palace in order to spot the couple arriving for their reception or perhaps an appearance on the balcony.
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The Queen Arrives at the Reception
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The couple had their reception at Charles’ home, which just so happens to be, ya know, Buckingham Palace. The Queen was one of the first to arrive.
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The Couple Arrives at Buckingham Palace
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The newlyweds also arrived at the private entrance of Buckingham Palace for their reception, wedding party in tow.
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Diana’s Bridesmaids Help With Her Train
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A *very* important task.
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A View of the Balcony
Just imagine looking out at this sea of well-wishers on the day of your wedding. After everyone returned to Buckingham Palace for the reception, the crowd was allowed to move up to the gates.
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A Candid Moment
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The Queen and her new daughter-in-law share a laugh while on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library//Getty Images
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“Should We Give Them a Kiss, Darling?”
Charles and Diana appear rather bashful on the balcony (where it’s customary to share a kiss). TBH, a pretty normal reaction, considering the enormous crowds that were watching.
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THE KISS
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The couple eventually gave the people what 👏 they 👏 wanted 👏!
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One Last Look
After giving the crowd a royal-worthy balcony kiss, Princess Diana flashed spectators with one last smile before heading inside. I love it!!
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Bring on the Champagne!
As the reception commences, royal staffers are spotted carrying bottles of champagne into Buckingham Palace.
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All of the Royalty
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Remember cramming into your high school club photo? This was a lot like that, except instead of a bunch of ultimate frisbee kids, it’s a giant group of all of Europe’s royal families. Casual.
Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
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The Official Cake
When you have to feed thousands of guests at your reception, one cake will not do—so they had 27. But their official cake was a multi-tiered fruit cake made by the head baker at the Royal Naval Cookery School.
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A Ceremonial Display
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In keeping with tradition, Diana’s bouquet was laid upon the tomb of the Unknown Warrior Grave in Westminster Abbey. The Princess’ bouquet, made up of white orchids, freesias, gardenias, and lily of the valley flowers, weighed around 2 kilos (that’s over 4 lbs!) and was nearly 42 inches long.
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Off to the Honeymoon
After the wedding of the century, Charles and Diana made their way through the crowds once more, this time to embark on their honeymoon.
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Just Married
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The newlywed’s carriage was decorated with a “Just Married” sign, as well as mylar balloons with the Prince of Wales feather on them.
Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
One Last Look
In a glamorous exit, the couple departed from Waterloo Station by train. They spent their first three nights as a married couple in the Broadlands, the same place Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth spent their wedding night.
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A Tender Moment
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Where does a royal couple honeymoon, you ask? On the royal yacht, of course. After the Broadlands, Charles and Diana set sail from Gibraltar to travel around the Mediterranean.
Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images
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Welcome Home, Newlyweds
The couple arrived in Scotland for the final leg of their honeymoon, looking quite ~sun-kissed~.
