David Farnor | On 08, Jul 2021

As Netflix’s The Crown continues to pick up awards for its fourth season, which depicts the relationship between Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, BritBox is preparing to whisk us back to their wedding.

On 29th July 1981, a record 750 million people in 74 countries tuned in to see the couple exchange vows at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. At the time, video technology couldn’t quite capture the details in all of their glory, and all except for one media outlet captured the event on poor quality standard definition video tape.

British Movietone shot the ceremony on 35mm film, a format that is capable of being upgraded to today’s 4k resolution, and the footage has now been lovingly restored. This footage is the jewel in the crown of a new feature-length documentary from Touchdown Films, which also includes never-before-heard anecdotes from the day and interviews with key insiders involved in planning the record-breaking event.

Titled The Wedding of the Century, the film marks the 40th anniversary of Charles and Diana’s wedding and features contribution from the chief royal florist David Longman, musical director Barry Rose, Royal Navy head baker Dave Avery and royal photographer Kent Gavin whom Diana later chose to photograph Prince William’s christening.

Touchdown Films founder John Osborne said: “We are delighted to be working with BritBox on this new feature-length documentary that reframes one of the most iconic days in history like never before.”

The film premieres on BritBox UK on 15th July.

 

The Wedding of the Century is available on BritBox, as part of a £5.99 monthly subscription.

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