The world watched with anticipation when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle exchanged vows in May 2018. The royal wedding was televised around the world, and millions of viewers tuned in to watch the ceremony live. But not all royal weddings have been such a public affair. In fact, this raises the question: are all royal weddings televised?
History of Televised Royal Weddings
The trend of televised royal weddings began with the marriage of Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. The wedding was watched by millions, and it was the first time a royal wedding had been televised.
Since then, many royal weddings have been televised. The most famous example is, of course, Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981. The ceremony was watched by an estimated 750 million people, making it one of the most-watched events in television history.
Since then, nearly every royal wedding has been televised. From Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 to Harry and Meghan in 2018, the world has been able to watch as royal couples exchange their vows.
Exceptions to the Rule
While most royal weddings have been televised, there have been some exceptions to the rule.
For example, when Queen Elizabeth’s youngest son, Prince Edward, married Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, the wedding was not broadcast live. The couple opted for a more low-key ceremony, and the event was only broadcast later on in the day.
Similarly, when Princess Anne married Mark Phillips in 1973, the wedding was not televised live. The couple chose to keep their wedding private and did not want a state occasion.
In some cases, it’s not the royal couple who decides whether or not to televise the wedding. If a royal wedding involves a member of the Royal Family who is further down the line of succession, it may not be broadcast live.
For example, when Princess Alexandra of Kent married Angus Ogilvy in 1963, the wedding was not televised live. Princess Alexandra is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth and is currently 52nd in line to the throne.
The Future of Televised Royal Weddings
As we look to the future, it’s likely that most royal weddings will continue to be televised. With the advent of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, it’s possible that we may soon be able to watch royal weddings on demand, no matter where we are.
However, there may still be some exceptions to the rule. In recent years, some members of the Royal Family have opted for smaller, more private ceremonies. For example, when Zara Phillips (daughter of Princess Anne) married Mike Tindall in 2011, the wedding was not broadcast live.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while most royal weddings have been televised, there have been some exceptions to the rule. While it’s likely that most royal weddings will continue to be televised in the future, there may still be some members of the Royal Family who opt for a more private ceremony. Regardless, the world will always be excited to tune in and watch as royal couples exchange their vows.
FAQ
Was Princess Beatrice’s wedding televised?
Yes, the wedding of Princess Beatrice of York to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was televised. While not broadcast on the BBC, ITV did run a three-hour special dedicated to the nuptials, in which the ceremony was broadcast live. This decision was likely due to the interest in the royal family and the anticipation surrounding this particular wedding.
However, it is important to note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the wedding itself was a much smaller and more private affair than it otherwise might have been. The couple wed at a small ceremony at All Saints Chapel in Windsor Great Park, with just close family in attendance. The event was originally scheduled for May 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic.
Despite the scaled-back nature of the wedding, the coverage of the event was still of interest to royal watchers and those interested in the couple’s relationship. While the ceremony was not broadcast on all major networks, there was still ample coverage and discussion of the wedding in the media in the days and weeks following the event.
While Princess Beatrice’s wedding was not broadcast on all major networks, it was still covered by ITV and received significant media attention. The event was important not only for those interested in the royal family, but also for the couple and their families, who were able to celebrate their marriage despite the unique circumstances of the pandemic.
Who had the first televised royal wedding?
The first televised royal wedding was that of Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon in 1960. This groundbreaking event was broadcast live on television, with an estimated audience of 300 million people tuning in to watch the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
While the wedding was a lavish affair, with many traditional elements such as the bride’s long train and veil, Margaret and Snowdon also introduced some modern touches. For instance, they were among the first royal couples to have their wedding rings made of Welsh gold.
Margaret’s engagement ring was also unconventional, featuring a large ruby surrounded by diamonds. This was a departure from the traditional diamond engagement rings that were typically worn by royals.
The couple’s marriage was not without its challenges, however. Margaret and Snowdon experienced several ups and downs throughout their relationship, and ultimately divorced in 1978. Despite this, their wedding remains a significant moment in royal history, paving the way for other royal weddings to be broadcast on television in the years that followed.
What was the first wedding to be televised?
The first wedding to be televised took place on May 6, 1960, when Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a photographer. The wedding took place at Westminster Abbey in London, England, and it was a grand affair, attended by many dignitaries and celebrities of the time.
The wedding ceremony was broadcast live on television, making history as the first royal wedding to be televised. The broadcast was seen by an estimated 300 million viewers around the world, who were able to witness the grandeur and splendor of the event from the comfort of their living rooms. The wedding was also a significant moment in the history of the British monarchy, as it was the first time that a member of the royal family had married a commoner in over 400 years.
The decision to televise the wedding was not without controversy, as many in the royal family were concerned about the privacy of the bride and groom. However, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones were keen to share their special day with the world, and they believed that television would allow them to do so in the most effective way possible.
The televised wedding of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones was a groundbreaking moment in the history of television and the British monarchy, paving the way for many future royal weddings to be broadcast to a global audience. Today, the tradition of televising royal weddings continues, with millions of viewers tuning in to witness the grandeur and romance of these historic events.
