11 Facts Behind Princess Diana’s Wedding Fashion And 3 Ways Kate Followed In Her Footsteps

Lady Diana Spencer wed Prince Charles on July 29, 1981, and became Princess Diana. The global event was broadcasted to over 750 million people, while 2 million spectators watched the procession in person.

But what really had people talking was Princess Diana’s wedding dress, which had been kept a secret for months. The designers Elizabeth and David Emanuel hired security and police to make sure no one broke into their studio while they designed the gown.

“She was just lovely, really kind of easy going. We never had any special instructions about how to make the wedding dress,” Elizabeth told People. “That added a bit to the fun of it all, made it a bit of an adventure.”

The dress was kept under wraps so well that details were only released in sealed envelopes the morning of the wedding. They were only to be opened when she stepped into her carriage.

Keep scrolling to read 11 more secrets about Princess Diana’s wedding dress!

1. There Was A Lot Of Fabric Involved

Princess Diana’s wedding dress was made from six different fabrics, including 25 yards of silk taffeta.

2. She Lost Several Inches Before The Big Day

Like many brides, Princess Diana watched what she ate and lost weight.

“She ended up with a 23-inch waist from a 26-to 27-inch,” Elizabeth Emanuel, the gown’s designer, revealed to People in August 2017. Because of this, she had to be sewn into the dress on the big day.

3. The Dress Train Remains The Longest In Royal History

Princess Diana’s dress had an infamous 25-foot train. It’s still the longest in all of royal history.

In contrast, Kate Middleton opted for a shorter nine-foot train.