#PhotoOp: Rare photos from Princess Diana and Prince Charles' wedding
You get to see them here first.
On July 29, 1981, Lady Diana Spencer married Charles, Prince of Wales in front of 3,500 guests and 750 million viewers worldwide. You've probably already seen the famous photos from that day, from the bride entering St. Paul's Cathedral in her Elizabeth and David Emanuel gown to the newlyweds waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. What you haven't seen are many of the following photos, some which were taken by the assistant of Lord Patrick Lichfield, a first cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth and the only informal photographer permitted to take photos at the wedding. The images, never before seen by the public, show a more casual side of the royal family, from Diana embracing her youngest bridesmaid, to Queen Elizabeth watching the wedding coverage on a small TV. Here are some of the historic images, along with other rare photographs captured during the 1981 royal wedding.
The rehearsal
Guests arrive for the wedding rehearsal of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer the day before their wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral.
The dress designers
Fashion designer team David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who were tapped to design Diana's wedding dress, invite photographers to their studio before the wedding.
Prince Edward's arrival
Prince Charles' youngest brother, Prince Edward, waves to well-wishers, as he arrives at St. Paul's Cathedral in a coach with Diana's bridal attendants.
The bridesmaids' arrival
Bridesmaids India Hicks and Clementine Hambro are photographed riding in the royal coach en route to the ceremony.
The bridesmaid dresses
Diana's bridal attendants wore dresses similar to hers, made in taffeta satin with lace trimmings and finished with yellow ribbon sashes. The youngest bridesmaids, Clementine Hambro and Catherine Cameron, wore colorful flower crowns that matched their bouquets.
Princess Anne's arrival
Princess Anne and her husband, Captain Mark Phillips, arrive at the cathedral before the ceremony, with the Princess' grandmother, the Queen Mother.
Before the ceremony
As guests wait for Diana's arrival for the ceremony, senior members of the royal family mingle at the front of the altar. In the background, the Queen Mother chats with Princess Anne's husband, Captain Mark Phillips.
The bride arrives
Diana arrives in her royal coach at St. Paul's Cathedral on her wedding day. Her David and Elizabeth Emanuel dress had so much material, that the taffeta dress got wrinkled on the ride over.
Entering the cathedral
Diana makes her way towards the altar, and Prince Charles, while viewers finally get a full look at her stunning wedding dress.
At the altar
Diana's father, the Earl of Spencer, stands beside her as she meets Prince Charles and his brothers at the altar in St. Paul's Cathedral.
Greeting the queen
According to royal protocol, one must curtsy to the Queen upon seeing her for the first time that day, which is why Princess Diana curtsies towards the monarch during her wedding ceremony.
The bridal attendants
Diana's bridal attendants were seated along the aisle during the ceremony. The eldest was 17 and had the honor of holding the bride's bouquet.
Diana's train
The impressive length of Diana's 25-foot-long train is evident in this photo from the ceremony. The dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel.
St. Paul's Cathedral
An aerial view of St. Paul's Cathedral shows Princess Diana and Prince Charles walking down the front steps after their ceremony.
Leaving the cathedral
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip lead the wedding guests out of St. Paul's Cathedral after the ceremony, as is customary.
The fans
Crowds of well-wishers line the streets outside of Buckingham Palace to welcome the newly married couple home.
Arriving at Buckingham Palace
Princess Diana and Prince Charles return to Buckingham Palace after their ceremony. The Princess' bridesmaids stand behind her, including Princess Margaret's daughter, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones.
Fixing the train
Princess Diana's bridal attendants help with her train, as she makes her way up the steps at Buckingham Palace.
Nancy Reagan's appearence
Among the many dignitaries and high-profile guests at the wedding was Nancy Reagan, who was photographed at St. Paul's Cathedral wearing a black and white floral dress and brimmed hat.
The queen's outfit
The Queen returns home to Buckingham Palace after attending the ceremony. She wore a blue A-line dress with pearls and a matching hat for the nuptials.
Outside of Buckingham Palace
A number of wedding guests, including Princess Margret (seen at the front of the crowd), gather outside of Buckingham Palace after the wedding.
Diana's bouquet
Princess Diana walks through Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth, while a young boy carries her bouquet in front of her.
Walking through the Palace
Princess Margaret's daughter, Sarah Armstrong Jones, walks behind Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth.
Holding a bridesmaid
Even though it was her big day, Princess Diana carries 5-year-old Clementine Hambro, her youngest bridesmaid, through Buckingham Palace.
Walking with the queen
Diana sets Hambro down as Queen Elizabeth looks on.
The bridal party
Diana smiles while surrounded by her bridesmaids, page boys, and other members of the royal family and the wedding's inner circle.
Greeting the page boys
Princess Diana touches the head of her page boy, as Prince Charles watches and laughs.
The press
Photographers flocked to the plaza outside of Buckingham Palace and readied their camera lenses in order to capture the couple's balcony kiss.
On the balcony
Prince Charles and Princess Diana are photographed from behind, as they stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Watching the balcony
Fans and well-wishers crowd the gates of the palace to catch a glimpse of the royal family on the balcony.
Inside the Palace
Queen Elizabeth watches the crowds outside Buckingham Palace on TV, before making her way outside to greet them.
Watching the crowds
Queen Elizabeth smiles as she watches the TV and chats with fellow members of the royal family.
Making small talk
The Queen and Princess Diana share a laugh while standing on the balcony at Buckingham Palace. Greeting fans on the balcony is a tradition for all royal weddings.
Sharing a laugh
The bride and groom share a candid moment on the balcony, while surrounded by page boys Nicholas Windsor and Edward van Cutsem, both godsons of Prince Charles.
With the designers
Princess Diana's wedding dress designers, Elizabeth and David Emanuel, arrange the gown before formal photos.
Mingling in the Palace
Princess Michael of Kent is seen from behind in Buckingham Palace. The rest of the guests chat, while the royal family takes photos.
Rounding up the family
Members of the royal family gather for formal photographs. Clearly, this is not an easy task, even when you're royal.
Taking family photos
Even more members of the royal family gather for formal photographs, while others watch on, perhaps waiting for their turn in front of the camera.
Before the reception
Princess Diana and Prince Charles stand together after their wedding.
The goodbye carriage
A glimpse at the carriage Prince Charles and Princess Diana rode in as they left Buckingham Palace for their honeymoon aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.
