For nearly 16 years, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were the most talked about and beloved couples of the 20th century.
From the moment of their engagement in February 1981, to their fairytale wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral in July of that same year, to their tragic and public divorce in 1996, their relationship captivated the media and the masses. But despite constant scrutiny, very little is known about how they met.
Charles and Diana’s courtship, which was orchestrated by members of the royal family, was not the kind of love-at-first-sight fairy tale one might expect.
Rather, the couple became close over a period of months, and their first interactions were awkward and somewhat stilted. However, over time, they began to develop a genuine connection and, before long, they were head over heels in love.
Their story began in an unexpected way, and the events that followed would capture the attention of people around the world. Let’s explore how did Charles and Diana meet and take a closer look at their love story.
Where Did Charles and Diana Meet?
Charles and Diana first crossed paths when Charles was dating Diana’s older sister, Sarah. At the time, Diana was just 16 years old and Charles was 29.
They reportedly met again in 1980 at a mutual friend’s party at a country estate, but it wasn’t until the summer of 1981 that their relationship began to blossom.
How Did Diana and Charles Meet?
According to reports, they met when Diana was working as a nursery teacher at the Young England Kindergarten in London.
The meeting took place during a weekend in November 1977 when Charles was dating Diana’s older sister Sarah.
Charles was attending a grouse hunt at the Spencer family estate in Althorp, which was not far from the kindergarten where Diana worked.
During his visit, Charles reportedly saw Diana playing with some of her young charges in the garden and was immediately impressed by her.
However, it would be some time before they met again and their relationship developed into something deeper.
Their First Date
Their first date was a bit unconventional, as they were not alone. Charles invited Diana to attend a charity event with him, and the pair were seated next to each other.
Despite the presence of other people, Charles and Diana reportedly hit it off and began dating soon after.
Their Courtship
During this visit to the family’s Althorp estate, Charles and Diana struck up a conversation and discovered that they shared many common interests.
They hit it off immediately, bonding over their shared love of sailing, hiking and outdoor activities.
Charles was reportedly struck by Diana’s beauty and charm.
From there, their romance began to blossom and their courtship lasted about six months before Charles proposed with a blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
Their Engagement and Marriage
Their relationship moved quickly, and on February 6, 1981, their engagement was officially announced.
The world watched as Charles and Diana exchanged vows on July 29, 1981, in a lavish ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
The wedding was watched by millions of people around the world and was considered one of the most significant royal events of the 20th century.
The love story of Charles and Diana is one that will always be remembered. Despite the tragic end to their marriage, their love story still captures the hearts of people around the world.
From their unconventional first date to their fairytale wedding, their story is one that will always be remembered. Now that you know how Charles and Diana met, you can appreciate their love story even more.