How Princess Diana Refused To Follow Royal Tradition For Prince Charles Wedding

Despite its appearance, Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding wasn’t as perfect as it appeared to be. The Princess of Wales reportedly refused to follow through with a certain royal tradition on her special day.

Diana and Charles were married in 1981 at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. However, before the ceremony took place, the bride-to-be revealed she wouldn’t vow to obey the Prince of Wales during their marriage.

In 1996, the New York Times published an article revealing Diana’s plan to break royal precedent. While royal brides like Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne used the word “obey” in their wedding vows, Diana refused to say it.

Instead of reciting the vows found in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, the future Princess of Wales chose to follow the Church of England’s new ritual.

In her vows, Diana promised to “love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health.”

Although her decision shocked many, Prince Charles reportedly supported Diana’s choice. Before revealing her decision, the couple had “very serious” discussions with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Robert Runcie.

At the time, Diana’s rule-breaking was also praised by Dr. Edward Carpenter, the Dean of Westminster Abbey. “Marriage is the kind of relationship where there should be two equal partners, and if there is going to be a dominant partner, it won’t be settled by this oath,” he said.

“I think this is much more Christian,” the clergyman added.

Although Prince Charles and Princess Diana put on a united front for their wedding decision, the couple’s relationship eventually fell apart. In 1996, Charles and Diana finalized their divorce. The Prince of Wales went on to marry Camilla Parker Bowles.