On a summer’s day in 1981 – the 29 July, to be exact – crowds of well-wishers lined the streets near Buckingham Palace, as 750 million people turned on their televisions, eagerly awaiting the chance to see history beamed into their homes. A 20-year-old Lady Diana Spencer was preparing to head to St Paul’s Cathedral to marry Prince Charles, in what would go on to be considered one of the last great state events of the 20th century.
Since that day 44 years ago, every element of the day has been discussed in detail, from Diana’s dress and tiara, to the 3,500 guests, the 27 different wedding cakes and that famous balcony kiss. One small feature of the lavish spectacle has not, however, received quite as much attention: a secret addition to the Princess’ wedding dress, designed by husband-and-wife team David and Elizabeth Emanuel.
‘On the Princess of Wales‘s wedding day to King Charles, it is reported that she actually had a little 18-carat gold horseshoe brooch sewn into the back of her wedding gown for an extra helping of prosperity on her big day. Sarah McCann, an expert at a luxury jewellery company, recently revealed to The Express. ‘The horseshoe has been a common good luck charm in the United Kingdom since 969AD.’
Studded with diamonds and made from Welsh gold, it’s said that on the day, only the Emanuels and Diana knew about this secret addition stitched into the petticoats of one of the most famous wedding gowns in history. Allegedly, Princess Diana asked for a small, blue ribbon tied in a bow to be sewn into the back of her dress as well, fulfilling the tradition of wearing ‘something blue’ on your wedding day to ensure good luck.