The royal wedding that was watched more at the time than the Sussexes’ - and no, it’s not Prince William and Kate’s!
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding was reportedly watched less at the time than another huge royal wedding decades earlier
There’s a surprising royal wedding that was watched more at the time than the Sussexes’ big day - and it’s not Prince William and Kate Middleton’s.
- Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex’s wedding in 1999 was reportedly watched by an average of 14.8 million in the UK compared to the Sussexes’ 11.5 million.
- Although Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding has since surpassed this it might surprise some that the Wessexes’ wedding was bigger viewing-wise at the time.
- This royal news comes as Prince William and Kate Middleton made a major social media change after a significant announcement.
There’s nothing quite like a royal wedding and although it’s been a while since the last one broadcast to fans at home, many of us can’t help looking back at the ones that have gone before. From Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding at Westminster Abbey to the late Queen Elizabeth marrying Prince Philip there've been some magical moments. Although Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day was another iconic occasion in recent years, it seems that there was another royal wedding that was watched more at the time.
The youngest of the Queen’s children, Prince Edward, married Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999 at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle just like the Sussexes did 19 years later. According to Hello!, when Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, an estimated combined audience of 14.8 million allegedly watched.
However, The Telegraph reported in 2018 that the average viewership for Prince Harry and Meghan’s big day across the BBC and ITV was 11 million with a further 500,000 apparently tuning in via Sky News, BBC News and Sky One. This suggests that approximately 11.5 million people in the UK watched overall.
Of course, with US viewers estimated at 29 million according to Nielsen, the overall viewing figures globally would be far higher. Meanwhile, streaming-wise Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding has now reached 38 million views on the Royal Family’s official YouTube channel since then.
Despite this, it might still come as a fairly huge surprise to fans that Prince Edward and Sophie’s wedding was supposedly watched by millions more in the UK.
Both were significant occasions as the grooms were the Queen’s son and grandson respectively, however Meghan is a famous figure in her own right internationally. There was also a huge level of media scrutiny leading up to the Sussexes’ big day, not to mention a lot of US celebrities were invited.
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.
Many people were likely also intrigued to compare their nuptials with the Wales’ wedding (apparently watched by 17 million at the time). Even so, it seems that Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex’s wedding attracted more public attention in the UK.
The couple walked down the aisle in 1999 after six years together and it was announced that they would be known as the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
A statement released ahead of their wedding also suggested that the couple could possibly receive another title one day too.
“The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales have also agreed that the Prince Edward should be given the Dukedom of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title held now by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown,” it reportedly declared.
All these years later the Earl and Countess of Wessex are set to celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary in June 2023 and remain prominent working royals, supporting King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
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
-
I put the EcoAir DC12 MK3 dehumidifier to the test – and found it's perfect for bedrooms
This quiet dehumidifier punches above its weight when it comes to performance and usability, and won't break the bank.
By Amy Cutmore 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
-
32 candid photos that capture the real Prince Philip - from having a belly laugh to meeting celebrities
We look back at some of Prince Philip's funniest (and most heartwarming) moments, from sharing a joke with other royals to getting very into sporting events
By Elena Kiratzi Published