Skip to Content

51 Rare Photos From Princess Diana and Prince Charles' Wedding

Headshot of Charlotte ChiltonBy Charlotte Chilton
Royal Wedding 1981
Mirrorpix//Getty Images

People were thrilled when Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981. The dress! The ring! They couldn't get enough of the romance—and you've likely seen approximately a million pictures from that day as a result. Still, there are some lesser-seen photos that deserve their moment. Prepare yourself for them, ahead.

1

A Royal Engagement

Charles Diana Engagement
Tim Graham//Getty Images

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.

2

A Very Important Approval

Royal Engagement
Central Press//Getty Images

Prince Charles and Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace after she gave her consent for their wedding.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Practice Makes Perfect

First Royal Wedding Rehearsal
Tim Graham//Getty Images

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.

4

The Final Dress Fitting

Wedding Princess
Hulton Archive//Getty Images

Diana is seen leaving Emanuel's after the final fitting for her wedding dress a week before the big day.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

The Dress

Dress Sketch
Central Press//Getty Images

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.

6

More Practice

Diana Charles Rehearsal
Tim Graham//Getty Images

This time, Diana and Charles leave the church only two days before their wedding. Appropriate.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

The Spectators

Wedding Anticipation
Fox Photos//Getty Images

Crowds camped out along the procession route the night before the wedding to ensure a good view.

8

The Celebration Begins...

Fireworks For Royals
Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images

A firework display took place over London on the eve of Charles and Diana's wedding on July 28, 1981.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

...And Continues the Next Morning

Royalty - Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer Wedding - Caernarvon
PA Images//Getty Images

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.

10

The Royal Fans

Royal Wedding Spectators
Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images

Remember those campers? They lined the streets with British flags and decorations, hoping to get a glimpse at the couple upon their arrival.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Messages From Supporters

Wedding Wishes
Graham Wiltshire//Getty Images

They also relayed messages of support for the royal couple along the procession route.

12

The Worldwide Media Coverage

TODAY
NBC NewsWire//Getty Images

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

So Many Photographers.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana wedding inside the photographer's area July 1981
Boris Spremo//Getty Images

Seriously, can you imagine driving past all of this before your wedding?

14

Princess Margaret and Ann Arrive

The Royal Wedding
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!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

The Bridesmaids Make Their Entrance

The Royal Wedding
Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images

Princess Diana's bridesmaids were treated like royalty (granted, some of them were royalty), arriving in a gold carriage.

16

Lots of Royals Attended...

Royalty - Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer Wedding - London
PA Images//Getty Images

The day's festivities drew some of the most important royals from around the world—including Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. How chic is she?!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

...Including American Royalty

Nancy Reagan at Royal Wedding
Bettmann//Getty Images

First Lady Nancy Reagan wore a blush outfit to the nuptials.

18

Prince Charles Arrives Next

Charles On Wedding Day
Keystone//Getty Images

Prince Charles waves to the excited crowds along the processional—an appropriate response to the many people who camped out ahead of his wedding.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

A Glimpse of the Bride

Royal Wedding
Princess Diana Archive//Getty Images

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.

20

The Long Train Makes Its Debut

Royalty - Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer Wedding - London
PA Images//Getty Images

When the bride stepped out of the carriage, she revealed a 25-foot-long train and veil. Absolutely breathtaking.

Watch Next 
Royal Wedding 1981
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Page was generated in 7.8705680370331