FAIRY-TALE WEDDING
Diana’s engagement to Charles was announced on 24 February 1981, following pressure on the prince to choose someone who would make a suitable queen one day. At the time, Diana was just 19, while Charles was 32, and the couple had reportedly only met a handful of times.
From the moment their intention to marry was confirmed, the intense media scrutiny began, with Diana dubbed ‘Shy Di’ by the press.
On 29 July 1981, 750 million people in 74 countries watched Diana walk down the aisle of St Paul’s Cathedral in her now iconic silk taffeta dress complete with a 25ft train designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel.
The royal couple then made their home at Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, while also keeping a London flat at Kensington Palace.