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Princess Margaret's historic wedding tradition adopted by Kate Middleton and more

The Queen's late sister tied the knot on 6 May 1960

princess margaret wedding
Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
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Princess Margaret's whirlwind wedding with photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones was a momentous event that set the precedent for many future royal brides and grooms.

READ: Princess Margaret's creative engagement ring from Antony inspired future royals?

The Queen's late sister – who became the Countess of Snowdon – got married at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 1960, just over two months after the couple announced their surprise engagement announcement following a low-key two-year relationship.

WATCH: 7 of the most expensive royal weddings of all time – who takes top spot?

Margaret and Antony not only said 'I do' in front of family and friends but also royal fans from across the world! Their big day was the first royal wedding to be broadcast on television and saw an estimated 300 million viewers tune in.

Since then, most royal couples have followed suit, with the likes of Prince Charles and the late Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's weddings also becoming momentous TV occasions – with viewers reaching an estimated 28 million for the former!

princess margaret antony armstrong jones wedding

Princess Margaret's royal wedding was the first to be broadcast on television

In keeping with tradition, 29-year-old Margaret made the short journey from Clarence House to Westminster Abbey in the Glass Coach with her brother-in-law, Prince Philip, by her side. The late Duke of Edinburgh gave Margaret away following the death of her father, George VI, in 1952.

RELATED: 21 of the most iconic royal wedding dresses in history

MORE: Lady Sarah Chatto's sweet nod to mother Princess Margaret on her wedding day

The royal bride's wedding dress has gone on to become one of the most iconic royal gowns thanks to its beautiful simplicity. The silk organza gown was created by Norman Hartnell, the same designer who made the Queen's wedding dress, and featured long sleeves and a full skirt using over 30 metres of fabric. She accessorised the gown with the Poltimore tiara and a cathedral-length veil.

Princess Margaret Antony Armstrong Jones royal wedding© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Margaret's wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell

Princess Anne was among the eight young bridesmaids in Princess Margaret's bridal party, and official portraits show the group standing together in Buckingham Palace, where they hosted their wedding reception and followed tradition by gathering on the balcony to greet crowds on The Mall.

Princess Margaret wedding party© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Anne was among Princess Margaret's bridal party

Following their wedding, Princess Margaret and her husband welcomed two children together – David Armstrong-Jones and Lady Sarah Chatto.

However, the pair separated after 16 years of marriage and in 1978 they made history for a different reason, by becoming the first royals to divorce since King Henry VIII in 1540. Princess Margaret, who never remarried, sadly passed away in 2001 at the age of 71.

SEE: Princess Margaret's unbelievable wedding gift with Lord Snowdon revealed

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