The wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), and Lady Diana Spencer was one of the most watched events of the 20th century. Held on July 29, 1981, it was hailed as the “wedding of the century,” with grandeur and ceremony broadcast to an estimated global audience of over 750 million viewers.
While their wedding was a dazzling state occasion, the marriage itself was complicated and eventually ended in divorce. This article provides a overview of their engagement, wedding, and well-documented challenges, using only reputable sources.
The Royal Engagement
Charles and Diana announced their engagement on February 24, 1981. At the time, Diana was 19 and Charles 32. Their engagement was seen as the joining of two high-profile families and was quickly embraced by the public and media.
Diana famously chose a sapphire and diamond engagement ring from jeweler Garrard—now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Sources:
- BBC News – Charles and Diana: Engagement
- Royal.uk – Engagement Announcement
The Wedding of the Century
Charles and Diana were married on July 29, 1981, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The ceremony was attended by more than 3,500 guests and watched on television by millions worldwide.
The bride arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, wearing an ivory silk taffeta gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The dress featured a 25-foot train, one of the longest in royal wedding history.
Key details of the ceremony included:
- Traditional Church of England service
- Performances by the Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Global broadcast in 74 countries
Sources:
- Royal.uk – Royal Weddings at St. Paul’s
- BBC News – Wedding Coverage
Public Image Versus Private Reality
Despite the fairy-tale spectacle, their marriage was not without challenges. Over the years, both Charles and Diana spoke openly about difficulties they faced.
In 1994, Charles admitted in a televised interview that he had been unfaithful after the marriage “became irretrievably broken down,” confirming a widely discussed relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.
Diana, meanwhile, gave an unprecedented 1995 BBC Panorama interview where she described feeling isolated and under pressure within the royal household.
Sources:
- BBC News – Charles Interview
- BBC News – Diana Panorama Interview
The Separation and Divorce
Charles and Diana formally separated in December 1992. Prime Minister John Major announced the separation in Parliament, emphasizing that there would be no change to their constitutional roles at that time.
The divorce was finalized on August 28, 1996, ending 15 years of marriage. Diana retained the title Princess of Wales but lost the style of Her Royal Highness.
Despite the end of their marriage, both Charles and Diana remained devoted parents to their two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Sources:
- BBC News – Timeline of Charles and Diana
- Royal.uk – The Prince of Wales’s Life
Diana’s Charitable Legacy
After the divorce, Diana continued to focus on charitable work. She was known for her support of causes including:
- Landmine clearance through The HALO Trust
- Raising awareness about HIV/AIDS
- Advocating for children’s health and homelessness issues
Her personal approach—comforting patients in hospitals and holding hands with people living with HIV—challenged stigma and redefined royal engagement with the public.
Sources:
- The HALO Trust – Diana’s Work
- BBC News – Diana’s Humanitarian Work
Diana’s Death and National Mourning
Tragically, Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997, following a car crash in Paris. Her death prompted a massive outpouring of public grief.
Her funeral was held on September 6, 1997, at Westminster Abbey, with an estimated 2.5 billion viewers worldwide. Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind her coffin, joined by Charles, Prince Philip, and Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer.
Sources:
- BBC News – Diana’s Funeral
- Westminster Abbey – Funeral Service
Charles’s Marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles
After years of public speculation, Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles announced their engagement in February 2005. They married in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall on April 9, 2005, followed by a service of prayer and dedication at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Queen Elizabeth II attended the service of dedication but did not attend the civil ceremony. Camilla received the title Duchess of Cornwall and, following Charles’s accession in 2022, became Queen Consort.
Sources:
- Royal.uk – The Queen Consort
- BBC News – Charles and Camilla’s Wedding
King Charles III Today
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, Charles ascended the throne as King Charles III. His coronation took place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey. As King, Charles has emphasized themes of continuity, service, and modernization, with Queen Camilla by his side.
Sources:
- BBC News – King Charles III’s Coronation
- Royal.uk – The King
Conclusion
The marriage of Charles and Diana remains one of the most discussed royal relationships in modern history. While their wedding was a spectacular public event watched around the world, their private challenges underscored the human reality behind royal roles.
Both Charles and Diana went on to shape public life in meaningful ways: Diana through her compassionate charity work and Charles through decades of preparation that ultimately led to his role as King. Their story remains a reminder of the complexity behind the crown—where duty, personal challenges, and public service intersect.
