In 1981, Charles, Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, married Diana Spencer at St.

CNN: Wednesday,

Nearly 30 years ago, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles married Diana Spencer in Royal Navy attire, sword included.

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In 1981, 800 million people watched Prince Charles marry the innocent Diana Spencer.

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But TV audiences did not witness an exchange of vows until 21 years later, when Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer.

BBC: Royal weddings: A brief history

The brand got its first celebrity exposure in 1981, when Princess Diana--then the shy, unstylish Lady Diana Spencer--wore green Hunter boots in her pre-makeover engagement photos.

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Born Diana Spencer, at Park House near Sandringham, Norfolk, in July 1961, she became Lady Diana Spencer after her father inherited the title of Earl Spencer in 1975.

BBC: Princess Diana: Althorp House exhibition to close

Prince William has announced his engagement to Kate Middleton, setting the stage for a royal wedding expected to be the biggest event of its kind since the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer nearly 30 years ago.

BBC: Royal wedding 'should be low key'

Charles Spencer, Diana's brother, told the BBC the fountain was a memorial but the essence of his sister was that she was approachable.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | London | Public blamed over Diana fountain

An exhibition chronicling the life of Princess Diana, based at the Spencer family's Northamptonshire home since 1998, is set to close next year.

BBC: Princess Diana: Althorp House exhibition to close

The memorial was opened by the Queen on 6 July, when the Spencer and Windsor families came together in public for the first time since Diana's funeral.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | London | Public blamed over Diana fountain