London, England

July 29, 1981

Prince Charles, married Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981.

Called the “wedding of the century,” the couple exchanged vows in front of 3,500 guests at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The ceremony was officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Diana’s procession was seen by 600,000 people who lined the route from Clarence House to St Paul’s. She arrived in a glass coach and was escorted down the aisle on the arm of her father.

Donning a silk taffeta and antique lace dress by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, the gown had puffed sleeves, 10,000 pearls and a dramatic 25-foot train. Diana wore a cathedral length veil and the Spencer family diamond tiara on her head. She carried a cascading bouquet of gardenias, stephanotis, yellow roses, freesia and ivy. Her walk to the altar took nearly four-minutes.

Following the one hour traditional Church of England wedding service, the couple exited the cathedral as “Pomp and Circumstance” was played. They were escorted by the Household Calvary in the open-top Royal Carriage to Buckingham Palace for a celebratory wedding breakfast.

A five-tiered wedding fruit cake by Belgian pastry chef S.G. Sender was served for dessert. The cake featured the Prince’s Coast of Arms and Lady Diana’s family crest. The second tier was saved and served at Prince William’s christening in 1982.

The newlyweds spent their wedding night at Broadlands, the same manor where Charles’ parents spent their wedding night.

They honeymooned on the royal yacht, Brittania, cruising the Mediterranean for 11 days.