70 Rare Photos From Princess Diana’s Wedding You’ve Probably Never Seen Before (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

They also relayed messages of support for the royal couple along the procession route. Seeing these signs HAD to calm Diana's nerves.

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.

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!

After their engagement was announced, Prince Charles and Diana Spencer were everywhere—literally. Commemorative mugs, towels, plates, you name it.

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 😍

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