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.
-
'Life doesn't end at 40. We keep living' - Alison Steadman's honest approach to ageing is just as incredible as her
Alison Steadman's enthusiastic stance on getting older is an attitude we should all take on board
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Apple Cider Vinegar a true story? The real tale behind Netflix's influencer scam drama
Apple Cider Vinegar tells the story of Belle Gibson, an influencer who claimed a healthy diet plan cured her cancer - but how much of the drama is true?
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Duchess Sophie's espadrilles and matching belt with pink blazer have us dreaming of sunny spring
Duchess Sophie's style in Nepal is inspiring our spring outfits already and her espadrilles and pale pink blazer are a chic combination
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Want florals that look less curtain and more cool? Duchess Sophie's latest dress is the best inspiration
Duchess Sophie's Etro dress is a masterclass in how to wear florals in a contemporary way and she wore it on Day 2 of her visit to Nepal
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton has always been Kate's 'rock' as 'unflappable' family matriarch
Carole Middleton is 'very proactive' and has been 'amazing' as a source of support for the Princess of Wales all her life
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton marks World Cancer Day with heart-warming new photo taken by Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales has shared a special post ahead of World Cancer Day 2025 and it features a powerful reminder
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Zara dress is the monochrome style gift that keeps on giving - and we love its versatility
The Princess of Wales brought back her checked Zara dress for her first visit to Wales in 2025 and it looked as stylish as ever
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton makes first trip to Wales in 2025 as special new patronage is announced
The Princess of Wales has travelled to Wales for the first time this year as she was announced the Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s ruffle sleeved dress is inspiring us to abandon winter whites and embrace soft creams
The Duchess of Edinburgh re-wore one of her favourite dresses and it's got us keen to swap winter whites for warm creams
By Emma Shacklock Published