Wednesday July 29, 1981

John & Maria.

 _. The wedding day of HRH The Prince of Wales, KG, KT, &c and the Lady Diana Frances Spencer. Ally and I were up and out at 7am to buy newspapers, and then we took up our positions before the Tv set. Angela Rippon was there on the streets whipping up excitement for a couple of hours, and then Tom Fleming took over in time for the processions. Lynn, Dave, Frances, Sue and Pete came at about 10. John and Maria came along later.

Ally.

A potted review of the ceremony: The Queen [in blue] left the palace followed by the Queen Mother [peppermint], all members of the House of Windsor following on. The Prince [of Wales] in an open landau with Prince Andrew, looking tense. Vast crowds lined the Mall. The bride left Clarence House with her father Earl Spencer at about 10:30. The usual fairy princess malarkey, romantic, yards of taffeta, yard after yard of silk &c. The poll at Pine Tops was that the dress was not up to standard. 'Dowdy' was mum's comment. The Emanuels are our greatest designers, but have they erred? The musical part of the service was wonderful. Kiri Te Kanawa sang Handel's 'Samson', and Jeremiah Clarke's 'Trumpet Voluntary' blasted out as the bride made her three minute walk to the altar. For the staggering Earl Spencer it must have been a great ordeal. Diana promised to take 'Philip Charles Arthur George' as her wedded husband, and Charles promised to endow his bride with HER worldly goods and not his. The Queen Mother looked tearful, toying with her handkerchief. The Queen, tense, as she always is. After the signing of the register the bride and groom came down the aisle to Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance' March No. 4. Tumultuous drive back to the palace. Wildly cheering crowds. Kisses on the balcony. Flags waving. They left in a landau for Waterloo Station and on to Broadlands. Charlie has done it at last.

We left Guiseley at about 10. A good family gathering.

-=-