On July 29, 1981, the world tuned in for what was hailed as the “wedding of the century.” A staggering 750 million viewers across the globe watched as Charles, Prince of Wales, married Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Charles and Diana’s story had captivated the public long before the big day. The couple first met in 1977 when Charles was dating Diana’s older sister. After a brief courtship, Charles proposed on February 3, 1981, in the nursery at Windsor Castle. Diana later admitted that by the time of their engagement, they had only met 13 times in total.
One detail that immediately caught the world’s attention was Diana’s engagement ring. Unlike previous royal brides who received custom pieces, Diana chose her own ring from Garrard & Co., the Crown’s official jeweler. Her selection — a striking 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, set in 18-carat white gold — was not unique at the time; it came straight from the jeweler’s catalog and could be purchased by anyone. Today, the iconic ring is worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
The grandeur of the wedding was unmatched. With 3,500 guests in attendance, St. Paul’s Cathedral was chosen over Westminster Abbey to accommodate more seating and allow for a longer ceremonial procession. Music was provided by three choirs, three orchestras, and a fanfare ensemble, filling the cathedral with regal splendor.
Outside, two million people lined the streets of London to catch a glimpse of Diana’s procession from Clarence House. Security alone cost an estimated $600,000, contributing to the wedding’s staggering $48 million price tag — still one of the most expensive weddings in history.
Of course, no detail captured imaginations more than Diana’s wedding dress. Designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, the gown was crafted from ivory silk taffeta and decorated with lace, sequins, and 10,000 pearls. Its dramatic 25-foot train set a new royal record, while her 153-yard tulle veil added to the fairytale image. The gown sparked wedding fashion trends worldwide, with puffed sleeves, voluminous skirts, and soft fabrics becoming instant favorites.
After the ceremony, Charles and Diana stepped onto the balcony at Buckingham Palace and shared a kiss — a gesture that has since become a cherished tradition for royal wedding days. Their celebration also featured 27 wedding cakes, including a 225-pound official cake adorned with the Prince of Wales’s coat of arms and the Spencer family crest.
Though their marriage ended in separation in 1992 and divorce in 1996, the 1981 royal wedding remains one of the most iconic cultural moments of the 20th century. For many, it was the ultimate fairytale brought to life — and the broadcast still stands as one of the largest global television events ever for a non-sporting occasion.