Prince William Engagement: A Look Back at His Parents' Wedding

NEW YORK (CBS) The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton has royal watchers thinking of another notable wedding - that of William's parents, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

England's heir to the throne, 32, married Spencer, 20, on July 29, 1981, in a lavish ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

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The nuptials were watched by over half-a-million people in Britain, and a global audience of a staggering 750 million. By comparison, the number of guests inside the cathedral - a mere 3,500 - seems paltry.

Spencer arrived at St. Paul's in a glass coach, escorted by five mounted military police officers. She walked down the aisle in a David and Elizabeth Emanuel gown that featured lace from Charles's great-grandmother, a 25-foot train, 10,000 pearls and an 18-kt. gold horseshoe sewn into the petticoats for good luck.

Charles wore his full dress naval commander uniform.

At the altar, she accidentally reversed the order of her husband-to-be's names, saying Philip Charles Arthur George instead. She also did not promise to "obey" Charles - that traditional vow was left out at the couple's request, which reportedly caused a stir at the time.

After the ceremony, the couple went to Buckingham Palace for a dinner for 120, and the newlyweds appeared on a balcony to kiss and wave to the crowd below.

More on the royal engagement:
Prince William and Kate Middleton are Engaged
Who Is the New Princess-to-Be
Two Royal Weddings in One Season
Which Royal Title for Kate? Timing of Wedding Is Crucial