The 30 Most Memorable Royal Weddings of All Time
Royal weddings have been fascinating commoners for generations. In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton captivated the world, with a gobsmacking 2 billion global viewers. Perhaps it’s the garb: tiaras, 25-foot trains, grooms in full military dress. Perhaps it’s the pomp and circumstance: centuries-old rituals, gilded carriages, and thousands of onlookers. Or, perhaps it’s just a desire to take a glimpse into a fairy tale made real. From Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema of Bhutan, here, we take a look back at 30 of the most memorable royal weddings.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
It’s generally believed that Prince William met Kate Middleton in 2001 when they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. By 2003, they were a couple. After a brief split in 2007, they got back together. They announced their engagement in 2010 and got married the following year. They welcomed Prince George in 2013 and Princess Charlotte in 2015, and a third child, Prince Louis, arrived in April 2018.
. Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly
Where: The Palace Throne Room
The Bride: Grace Kelly
The Groom: Prince Rainier III, the sovereign of MonacoAmerican actress Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier III in the French Riviera in 1955. The following year, they married and Kelly retired from acting. She had three children: Princess Stéphanie, Princess Caroline, and Prince Albert ll of Monaco. In 1982, Kelly suffered a stroke while driving, resulting in the car crash that ended her life at 52.
3. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Where: St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
The Bride: Meghan Markle
The Groom: Prince Harry, sixth in line to the British thronePrince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle were introduced by a mutual friend. After a transatlantic courtship, the two announced their engagement in November 2018. Their springtime wedding at Windsor Castle enraptured millions with its pomp, circumstance, and grandeur. Nearly a year after their fairytale nuptials, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling
Where: Stockholm Cathedral
The Bride: Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, heiress apparent to the Swedish throne
The Groom: Daniel Westling
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden met Daniel Westling in 2002. He was her personal trainer, helping her restore her health, reportedly after a serious bout with an eating disorder. The two fell in love and married eight years later. In marrying Crown Princess Victoria, he officially also became Prince of Sweden and Duke of Västergötland. Since their marriage, t
5. Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones
Where: Westminster Abbey
The Bride: Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II
The Groom: Antony Armstrong-JonesQueen Elizabeth II’s younger sister, Margaret, fell in love with and married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. They had two children and announced their divorce after 18 years of marriage, following rumors of infidelity
6. Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip
