This week marks 44 years since the wedding of Prince Charles (now King Charles) and Princess Diana.
On July 29, 1981, Charles, then 32, and Diana, then 20, tied the knot at St Paul’s Cathedral in a ceremony that was watched by millions around the world.
Despite their relationship ending in 1992, their wedding day remains one for the history books. At the time, it was dubbed the “wedding of the century”.
Let’s take a look back at that special day in 1981 and how it was a fairytale occasion.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding day in 1981
Charles and Diana married on July 29, 1981, after announcing their engagement months earlier in February.
The ceremony took place at St Paul’s Cathedral and was a traditional Church of England wedding service.
750 million people tuned in across the globe to watch the future king say “I do”. After the ceremony, the couple became the Prince and Princess of Wales.
In one moment, Charles and Diana were seen sitting inside the cathedral as Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother, and Prince Philip watched on.
After saying their vows, a touching moment showed the new Princess of Wales curtsying to Queen Elizabeth II while Charles bowed to his mother.
It was a sign of respect for the monarch, who smiled on at the newlyweds.
Charles and Diana wave and smile in carriage procession
Following the ceremony, Charles and Diana gave members of the public a treat with a carriage procession.
They travelled from the cathedral to Buckingham Palace.
The crowds looked in awe as they cheered the newlyweds, snapping photos as the royal couple passed by.