This is the most watched Royal Wedding of all time
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding on 19th May certainly captured the attention of the world, with stories of the big day dominating the news across the globe.
And in fact, it's recently been revealed that a huge 11.5 million viewers across the world tuned in to watch the beautiful ceremony, as Meghan and Harry became husband and wife.
But actually, despite the global attention the nuptials received, the occasion was only the fifth most-watched royal wedding of all time.The figures have been collected by the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (Barb), and include viewings from people who recorded the wedding and watched it up to seven days later.
So what was the most popular Royal Wedding of all time?
Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex
It turns out that the wedding of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, actually, surprisingly drew in more viewers than the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex's nuptials, putting the couple in forth place. Their June 1999 ceremony, also at St. George's Chapel, attracted a combined audience of 14.8 million, a huge 3 million more.
Sophie and Edward's wedding, which was widely a family occasion, was also awaited excitedly by thousands of members of the public, who had gathered outside of Windsor Castle - much like at Harry and Meghan's.
Prince William and Catherine Middleton
In third place was the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding, in 2011. Catherine and William's nuptials were witnessed by 17.6 million - meaning Harry's wedding was watched by 35% less people than his brother's.
Of course, unlike Harry and Meghan's wedding, Catherine and William's big day was a huge state occasion. Approximately 1,900 people attended the service in the abbey, with guests including Commonwealth leaders, prime ministers, and other heads of government.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex however had no state attendees. Meghan and Harry issued a statement revealing that only people who knew them personally would be attending their wedding - meaning UK Prime Minister Theresa May did not receive an invite.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson
Coming in at a close second is Prince Andrew's wedding to Sarah Ferguson. The now-divorced couple married in 1986, also at Westminster Abbey - and the big day was watched by a massive 18.7 million viewers, according to Barb.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana
So whose royal wedding was the most-watched? Unsurprisingly, it was Prince Charles' wedding to Princess Diana in 1981 which garnered the most attention, according to Joint Industry Committee for Television Audience Research (Jictar). The grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey drew in a huge 28.4 million viewers - which perhaps makes sense, given that Prince Charles is the future King.
Were you surprised by the result?
Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.
-
Gabby Logan wears stunning green peplum jacket from Kate Middleton's favourite designer - it's topped our spring wardrobe wish list
Gabby Logan looked super chic wearing a military-style Alexander McQueen jacket while presenting at the 2024 London Marathon
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
Weekly horoscope: 2 astrologers' predictions for 22nd April - 28th April 2024
Read your weekly horoscope from Sally Trotman and Penny Thornton who reveal what this week holds for every star sign on love, family, career, and more
By Penny Thornton Published
-
Prince William just revealed the sweetest detail about Prince Louis
Prince William spoke with volunteers about his youngest son’s favourite sport
By Jess Bacon Published
-
Recent weeks 'precious' for Kate Middleton with 'country walks and snuggles in front of the TV' with George, Charlotte and Louis
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been able to relish in precious family time over the Easter break, according to a royal expert
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
The indulgent recipe George, Charlotte and Louis make for Kate Middleton is our idea of a dream dinner
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis each have a role to play when they whip this dish up for Princess Catherine
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 sweet pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton with their children
There's nothing better than an adorable moment between the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children
By Jack Slater Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s relaxed updo hairstyle and statement gold studs is a timeless combination we can't wait to recreate
Duchess Sophie's updo and gold studs is the perfect sophisticated combination if you want your look to make an impact this season
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 candid pictures of the Wales family, from world tours to family days out
Whether it's quality time with one of their children or all five of them out together, we love these candid photos of the Waleses
By Jack Slater Published
-
Meghan Markle's squeaky snack is a mouth-watering classic and she knows straightaway if she's 'got the right kind'
Meghan Markle's squeaky snack is deliciously decadent and it seems she's a purist when it comes to one of the key ingredients
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton's 'low-key' pub trip with Prince William as she continues to be Catherine's 'rock'
The future King and his mother-in-law were reportedly spotted enjoying a visit to the local
By Caitlin Elliott Published