Behind-the-scenes photos of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding day have not only emerged, but are up for auction.
The 14 original – never before seen – photos are being sold by RR Auction and were provided by an assistant to the English photographer Patrick Lichfield, who had special access on the wedding day.
With offers starting at a minimum of $300, the 14 images come with the pass the assistant used to gain access into the palace on the couple’s special day in 1981, and a letter saying the below:
“I was the photographic assistant to Lord Patrick Lichfield…the only photographer allowed to take informal photographs of the royal family and their guests when they returned to Buckingham Palace…for the wedding reception. These are original prints. The black and white ones were printed by me, in the dark room in Aubrey Walk, within hours of the wedding. The color photographs were printed by a trusted laboratory that did the Lichfield studio color work. Lord Lichfield had me make up an album of black and white and color photographs, which he presented to Prince Charles and Princess Diana to commemorate the day of their wedding. These are photos that did not go into that album [and were given to Litchfield’s assistant in recognition of the work done on the wedding photographs]. To my knowledge, none have ever been published. Very few people have ever laid eyes on them.”
Princess Diana at the wedding reception held at Buckingham Palace on July 29, 1981. Image: RR Auction
Princess Diana holds her youngest bridesmaid, Clementine Hambro. Image: RR Auction
The wedding party included the Queen, Princess Ann, Princess Margaret, and Prince Andrew. Image: RR Auction
The royal couple wed earlier at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Image: RR Auction
Princess Diana stands in the Throne Room with dress designers Elizabeth and David Emanual. Image: RR Auction