It’s been 41 years since Princess DianaGet married Prince Charles in a ceremony that was televised across the world, and the late royal’s wedding gown is still a cultural phenomenon that few will ever forget. That dress has remained at the forefront of a royal watchers’ fond memories of the famous family, but some may be surprised to learn that Diana included a secret charm on the gown somewhere no one would notice. The small, yet heavy charm could have been evidence that Diana had doubts and concerns about her marriage.
Secrets Of Princess Diana’s Wedding Dress
In a televised marriage ceremony, Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married on July 29, 1981. It was quickly deemed the “The” wedding. “wedding of the century”by both the media and home viewers. Diana’s gown was especially adored, though she later admitted that she’d had a mishap while getting ready that morning that resulted in a stain on the gorgeous Elizabeth and David Emanuel-designed gown.
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She’d been putting a few dabs of perfume on when she fumbled a bit and spilt some on the front of her gown in a dreadfully obvious spot. Diana was quick to recognize the problem and quickly covered it by placing her hand in front, as if she was lifting the gown.
The gown cost £11,000 and Diana had a somewhat strange request for the designers. Diana was only 20 when she married Charles. She wanted something to ease her nerves. Since cameras were going to be following her every move that day, she couldn’t have it placed somewhere obvious.
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Lucky Charm: A Welsh-Gold Charm
To ensure good luck, Diana asked the Emanuels if they could sew an 18-carat Welsh–gold horseshoe into her gown’s back. Diana had such a positive experience with the designers that her husband called them immediately after the wedding.
David Emanuel With Hello! MagazineRecalling the conversation he had after Diana’s wedding with Diana “We had a little party and just as I’m about to lock up, the phone rings… I thought who’s calling? It was Diana! She said, ‘I just wanted to say thank you so much for the gown. I loved it. Prince Charles loved it. All the family loved it.’”
Diana Herself Surprise Call
He continued, “It couldn’t have been more special for me to hear from the client. When you design for a bride you want her to be happy. As long as the bride is happy that is all that matters. The fact she took the time before she went off on honeymoon… that’s genuine kindness.”
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The extraordinary woman who wore it made the gown have the cultural impact it had. It’s impossible to think of Princess Diana’s wedding gown without thinking of the vibrant, kind, unforgettable woman who donned it on such a special day in history.