1A Royal Engagement
Tim Graham//Getty ImagesThe 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.
2A Very Important Approval
Central Press//Getty ImagesPrince Charles and Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace after she gave her consent for their wedding.
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3Practice Makes Perfect
Tim Graham//Getty ImagesDiana 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.
4The Final Dress Fitting
Hulton Archive//Getty ImagesDiana is seen leaving Emanuel's after the final fitting for her wedding dress a week before the big day.
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5The Dress
Central Press//Getty ImagesHusband 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.
6More Practice
Tim Graham//Getty ImagesThis time, Diana and Charles leave the church only two days before their wedding. Appropriate.
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7The Spectators
Fox Photos//Getty ImagesCrowds camped out along the procession route the night before the wedding to ensure a good view.
8The Celebration Begins...
Princess Diana Archive//Getty ImagesA firework display took place over London on the eve of Charles and Diana's wedding on July 28, 1981.
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9...And Continues the Next Morning
PA Images//Getty ImagesOn 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.
10The Royal Fans
Princess Diana Archive//Getty ImagesRemember those campers? They lined the streets with British flags and decorations, hoping to get a glimpse at the couple upon their arrival.
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11Messages From Supporters
Graham Wiltshire//Getty ImagesThey also relayed messages of support for the royal couple along the procession route.
12The Worldwide Media Coverage
NBC NewsWire//Getty ImagesPress 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.
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13So Many Photographers.
Boris Spremo//Getty ImagesSeriously, can you imagine driving past all of this before your wedding?
14Princess Margaret and Ann Arrive
Princess Diana Archive//Getty ImagesTwo of the most stylish royals, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret, arrived first and did not disappoint. Those colors! Those coordinating fascinators!
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15The Bridesmaids Make Their Entrance
Princess Diana Archive//Getty ImagesPrincess Diana's bridesmaids were treated like royalty (granted, some of them were royalty), arriving in a gold carriage.
16Lots of Royals Attended...
PA Images//Getty ImagesThe day's festivities drew some of the most important royals from around the world—including Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. How chic is she?!
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17...Including American Royalty
Bettmann//Getty ImagesFirst Lady Nancy Reagan wore a blush outfit to the nuptials.
18Prince Charles Arrives Next
Keystone//Getty ImagesPrince Charles waves to the excited crowds along the processional—an appropriate response to the many people who camped out ahead of his wedding.
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19A Glimpse of the Bride
Princess Diana Archive//Getty ImagesThere 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.
20The Long Train Makes Its Debut
PA Images//Getty ImagesWhen the bride stepped out of the carriage, she revealed a 25-foot-long train and veil. Absolutely breathtaking.
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