The rehearsals behind the royal weddings: From Charles and Diana’s run-throughs at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1981 to Kate’s practice with William at Westminster Abbey in 2011

Royal weddings have captivated the public imagination for centuries.

As a case in point, the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011 was watched by a record two billion people worldwide.

But a significant amount of preparation was dedicated to ensure everything ran seamlessly, from the vows to the military procession.

Like many other couples, William and Kate attended multiple rehearsals before their momentous wedding day. 

Here, we delve into the detailed preparations that went into their nuptials and those of other royal family members over the years. 

Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer

Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer attended several rehearsals ahead of their ‘fairytale wedding’ at St Paul’s Cathedral on July 28, 1981.

The couple’s first run-through took place on June 12, with a final hour-long rehearsal two nights before the big day. 

Afterwards, Queen Elizabeth II hosted a grand gala ball at Buckingham Palace for 1,400 guests, followed by an intimate dinner for 90.

Diana also had a rehearsal with her bridesmaids and page boys at St Paul’s on July 22. 

Attendees included Princess Margaret, the Duchess of Kent and Diana’s estranged parents, Frances Shand-Kydd and Earl Spencer. 

The bridesmaids included India Hicks, who was then 13, and Winston Churchill’s great-granddaughter Clementine Hambro. 

Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten

It was the wedding of the century, when the future Queen tied the knot with the man who would be by her side for more than 70 years. 

On November 20, 1947, Princess Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten – as he was then – inside Westminster Abbey.

And, as you can imagine, an enormous amount of preparation went into a ceremony that boasted a 2,000-strong guest list and which was listened 

The final rehearsal took place on November 19, with all of the royals present.

The key participants rehearsed the big procession from the Abbey’s Great West Door – where Elizabeth would enter the following day with her father George VI at her side.

The bride and groom were also shown their places on the step’s of the Abbey’s Sanctuary and shown when to make their responses and when to kneel for the Blessing.

The Daily Mail reported at the time: ‘Almost every step in the Princess’s glittering course from the Great West Door to the Sanctuary and High Altar will be timed.’

Prince William and Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton showed no sign of nerves during the final rehearsal before her wedding to Prince William in 2011.

The bride-to-be beamed as she arrived at Westminster Abbey alongside Prince Harry, her parents, pageboys and bridesmaids. 

Following the rehearsal, Kate spent the night at the Goring Hotel in Belgravia with her mother Carole and sister Pippa.

Full details of the ceremony were released the same day, accompanied by a message from William and Kate thanking the public for its support.  

The message read: ‘We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives.

‘The affection shown to us by so many people during our engagement has been incredibly moving, and has touched us both deeply.

‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness.’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

On May 19, 2018, the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. 

Two days prior, the bride and groom rehearsed their lines behind closed doors, while the military conducted their preparations in the town.

Meghan opted for a white pussybow shirt and jeans, styling her raven tresses in a half up-half down fashion, while Harry wore a shirt and jumper.

Thousands of well-wishers gathered to catch a glimpse of the preparations for the big day. 

Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon

Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones were pictured smiling from ear-to-ear as they arrived at their wedding rehearsal at Westminster Abbey in May 1960. 

The detailed practice included a full choir, while horse guards rehearsed the procession with carriages outside.

It was the first royal wedding to be broadcast on television and had an estimated 300 million viewers from around the globe. 

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall 

Zara Phillips married rugby star Mike Tindall on July 30, 2011, at Canongate Kirk, a historic church on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

The day before, the couple, dressed casually in jeans, attended a run-through with their families. 

They arrived in a chauffeur-driven Jaguar and were greeted by cheering crowds. 

Zara’s brother, Peter Phillips, her father, Captain Mark Phillips, and his second wife, Sandy Pflueger, joined them. 

Throughout the day, workmen were busy around the 17th century church, often seen with filming equipment.

Meanwhile, police officers monitored the area, overseeing photographers and journalists stationed outside the gates. 

Princess Alexandra of Kent and Angus Ogilvy

Princess Alexandra of Kent married Angus Ogilvy, son of the 12th Earl of Airlie, at Westminster Abbey, on April 24, 1963.

Two days before the wedding, Queen Elizabeth hosted a white-tie ball at Windsor Castle for 2,000 guests.

At the event, Alexandra debuted a glittering tiara, gifted from her fiancé. 

Following their engagement, Angus had commissioned Collingwood to create a parure comprising a tiara, necklace and two pairs of earrings, using diamond-encrusted flowers that Alexandra wore during her youth.

The day before their nuptials, Alexandra and Angus attended a formal rehearsal at the Abbey, along with family and friends.