Royal weddings (and divorces) in recent years
Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton are expected to be married next year, the Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday. Here's a look at some of the major British royal weddings from the past 30 years:
July 29, 1981: In a fairy tale wedding, Prince Charles married 20-year-old Lady Diana Spencer in a celebration estimated to cost more than £1.5-million. The Princess of Wales became one of the most high-profile royals and gave the institution some glamour. She gave birth to William in 1982 and Harry in 1984.STR/Reuters
But the union was ill-starred and the marriage eventually collapsed amid mutual accusations of adultery. The couple announced their separation in 1992 and were divorced in 1996. Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997.KAZUHIRO NOGI
July 23, 1986: Prince Andrew married high-spirited publishing executive Sarah Ferguson in a wedding with an estimated price tag of more than £1.5-million. The couple became the Duke and Duchess of York. The Duchess gave birth to Beatrice in 1988 and Eugenie in 1990.The Associated Press
Their marriage fell apart in 1992 after the publication of raunchy photographs showing the still-married duchess in the arms of another man, Texan John Bryan.Carl De Souza
June 19, 1999: Prince Edward marries public relations executive Sophie Rhys-Jones and they become the Earl and Countess of Wessex.Roger Parker
The countess gave birth to Louise in 2003 and James in 2007. The Queen’s youngest son is the only one of her children who has not divorced.Dylan Martinez
April 9, 2005: Prince Charles marries Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony attended by their children, siblings and other family members.ALASTAIR GRANT
The Queen and Prince Philip did not attend but were present for the blessing at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The wedding cost an estimated £500,000. Ms. Parker Bowles became the Duchess of Cornwall.ALASTAIR GRANT