adminThe Herald, 30 July, 1981
PRINCE Charles and Lady Diana Spencer – before a watching a world and under the painted dome of St Paul’s Cathedral – were yesterday pronounced “man and wife”.
Following a majestic procession through streets lined by a million cheering loyal subjects, the heir to the British throne married the 20-year-old infant school teacher in a ceremony of splendour and solemnity.
Both nervously made slip-ups as they exchanged vows with hands clasped.
She promised to marry “Phillip Charles Arthur George”, reversing his first two names, while he left out “worldly” and pledged only to share “his goods”.
But both replied surely “I will” when asked to take each other in holy wedlock.
The bride was a vision in an ivory white silk taffeta gown, with a 25-foot sweeping train, and a diamond tiara holding her tulle veil.
Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie sanctified the marriage and, in his address, said of the historic event: “Here is the stuff of which fairy tales are made.”
Watched by the world’s biggest ever television audience, an estimated 750 million people or one-sixth of the world’s population, the future king and queen of Britain pledged their love.
For the first time in history a Roman Catholic clergyman took part in a wedding service for British royalty in this protestant country. Cardinal Basil Hume, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, read a prayer of “joy and peace” for the couple.
The groom’s mother, Queen Elizabeth, bit her lip as the cathedral erupted to the national anthem, God Save The Queen. In a special arrangement for double orchestra, choir, state trumpeters, organ and clashing cymbals, conducted by Sir David Willcocks.
The Queen alone stood silent as her family, crowned heads of more than 20 nations and dignitaries from throughout the world joined with the entire congregation. – Ziana-AP.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- The wedding of Prince Charles (now King Charles) and the late Lady Diana Spencer, was often referred to as a “fairy tale” due to several reasons that captured the imagination of people worldwide.
- It embodied the classic fairy tale narrative of a prince marrying a commoner. Their courtship was closely followed by the media, creating a romanticised story that resonated with many people who saw it as a real-life fairy tale.
- The royal wedding symbolised hope and renewal. It was seen as a moment of unity and celebration during a time of economic challenges and social unrest. The young couple represented a new generation within the royal family, bringing fresh energy and optimism to an institution steeped in tradition.
Online Reporter