The wedding of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson took place on 23 July 1986 at Westminster Abbey in London. It was a grand affair that was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including members of the British royal family, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities.
The bride wore a white silk dress designed by Lindka Cierach and was accompanied by her four bridesmaids: Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, Princess Beatrice of York, Princess Eugenie of York, and Lady Kitty Spencer. The groom wore a full military uniform of the Royal Navy.
The wedding ceremony was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, and was followed by a reception at Buckingham Palace. The newlyweds then embarked on a honeymoon to the Azores.
andrew and fergie wedding
The wedding of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson was a grand affair that took place on 23 July 1986 at Westminster Abbey in London.
- 2,000+ guests
- Westminster Abbey venue
- Lindka Cierach wedding dress
- Four bridesmaids
- Royal Navy uniform
- Archbishop of Canterbury officiated
- Buckingham Palace reception
- Azores honeymoon
- Ended in divorce in 1996
- Still friends and co-parents
The couple divorced in 1996, but they remain close friends and co-parents to their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
2,000+ guests
The wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson was a grand affair, with over 2,000 guests in attendance. The guest list included members of the British royal family, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities.
- Members of the British royal family
The Queen and Prince Philip, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other members of the British royal family were in attendance.
- Foreign dignitaries
Representatives from over 100 countries attended the wedding, including the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and the Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney.
- Celebrities
A number of celebrities were also invited to the wedding, including Elton John, David Bowie, and Liza Minnelli.
- Personal friends and family
The guest list also included close friends and family of the bride and groom, as well as members of the armed forces and other organizations that the couple were involved with.
The large number of guests at the wedding reflected the popularity of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, as well as the importance of the occasion. The wedding was a significant event in British history, and it was celebrated by people all over the world.
Westminster Abbey venue
The wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson took place at Westminster Abbey, one of the most iconic and historic buildings in the United Kingdom.
- Royal weddings
Westminster Abbey has been the traditional venue for royal weddings for centuries. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were married there in 1986, following in the footsteps of many other members of the British royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles.
- Historic significance
Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important religious buildings in the world. It has been the coronation church for English and British monarchs since 1066, and it is also the burial place of many famous kings and queens.
- Capacity and grandeur
Westminster Abbey is a large and impressive building, with a capacity of over 2,000 people. It is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and a vaulted ceiling. The Abbey's grandeur and history make it a fitting venue for a royal wedding.
- Accessibility and location
Westminster Abbey is located in the heart of London, making it easily accessible for guests from all over the world. It is also close to Buckingham Palace, where the wedding reception was held.
The decision to hold the wedding at Westminster Abbey was a reflection of the importance of the occasion. It was a grand and historic setting for a royal wedding, and it helped to create a sense of occasion and excitement.
Lindka Cierach wedding dress
Sarah Ferguson's wedding dress was designed by Lindka Cierach, a British fashion designer known for her romantic and feminine designs. The dress was made of ivory silk and featured a fitted bodice with a full skirt and a long train. It was decorated with intricate lace and beading, and it had a high neckline and long sleeves.
The dress was inspired by the Victorian era, and it reflected Sarah Ferguson's love of history and tradition. It was also a very personal dress, as it incorporated many of Sarah Ferguson's own ideas and preferences. For example, she wanted the dress to have a high neckline and long sleeves, and she also wanted it to be made of silk.
The dress was a huge success, and it was widely praised for its beauty and elegance. It helped to create a sense of occasion and excitement, and it made Sarah Ferguson look like a true princess on her wedding day.
The dress is now on display in the Museum of London. It is a reminder of one of the most iconic royal weddings of the 20th century, and it continues to inspire brides all over the world.
Four bridesmaids
Sarah Ferguson had four bridesmaids at her wedding to Prince Andrew: her sister, Lady Jane Fellowes; her cousin, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones; and her two nieces, Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York.
- Lady Jane Fellowes
Lady Jane Fellowes is Sarah Ferguson's older sister. She is married to Sir Robert Fellowes, who was the Queen's Private Secretary from 1990 to 1999.
- Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones
Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones is the daughter of Princess Margaret, the Queen's younger sister. She is married to Daniel Chatto, an artist and photographer.
- Princess Beatrice of York
Princess Beatrice of York is the elder daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. She is ninth in line to the British throne.
- Princess Eugenie of York
Princess Eugenie of York is the younger daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. She is tenth in line to the British throne.
The bridesmaids played an important role in the wedding ceremony. They helped Sarah Ferguson to get dressed, and they walked down the aisle with her. They also stood by her side during the ceremony and the reception.
Royal Navy uniform
Prince Andrew wore the full military uniform of the Royal Navy to his wedding to Sarah Ferguson. The uniform included a white tunic, black trousers, and a gold-braided sword. Andrew is a career naval officer, and he has served in the Royal Navy for over 40 years.
The decision to wear his military uniform to his wedding was a reflection of Andrew's pride in his service to his country. It was also a way to honor the Royal Navy, which has a long and distinguished history. The uniform also served to подчеркнуть Andrew's status as a member of the British royal family.
Andrew's uniform was made by Gieves & Hawkes, a British tailor that has been making uniforms for the Royal Navy for over 200 years. The uniform was tailored to Andrew's exact measurements, and it was made from the finest materials available.
Andrew looked very handsome in his uniform on his wedding day. It was a fitting outfit for a prince who was about to marry the woman of his dreams.
Archbishop of Canterbury officiated
The wedding ceremony of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson was officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the head of the Church of England, and he is responsible for performing important religious ceremonies, such as royal weddings and coronations.
The Archbishop of Canterbury's role in the wedding ceremony was to lead the couple through the marriage vows and to pronounce them husband and wife. He also gave a sermon during the ceremony, in which he spoke about the importance of marriage and the love that Andrew and Sarah Ferguson had for each other.
The Archbishop of Canterbury's presence at the wedding was a sign of the importance of the occasion. It was also a reflection of the close relationship between the Church of England and the British royal family.
The Archbishop of Canterbury's sermon was well-received by the guests at the wedding. He spoke about the importance of marriage and the love that Andrew and Sarah Ferguson had for each other. He also urged the couple to be faithful to each other and to always put their relationship first.
Buckingham Palace reception
After the wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson returned to Buckingham Palace for a reception. The reception was attended by over 2,000 guests, including members of the British royal family, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities.
The reception was held in the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace. The rooms were decorated with flowers and bunting, and there was a large buffet spread with food and drink. The guests enjoyed a variety of entertainment, including music, dancing, and fireworks.
The highlight of the reception was the cutting of the wedding cake. The cake was a seven-tiered fruitcake, decorated with white icing and flowers. Andrew and Sarah Ferguson cut the cake together, and then they fed each other a piece.
The reception was a great success, and it was a fitting way to celebrate the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.
Azores honeymoon
After their wedding reception at Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson embarked on a honeymoon to the Azores. The Azores is a group of nine volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 miles west of Portugal.
Andrew and Sarah Ferguson spent their honeymoon on the island of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. They stayed at the Hotel Quinta das Acácias, a luxury hotel located in the town of Furnas. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and has a beautiful view of the ocean.
During their honeymoon, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson enjoyed a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, and sailing. They also visited some of the island's many attractions, such as the Furnas volcano and the Terra Nostra Park.
Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's honeymoon in the Azores was a relaxing and romantic way to start their new life together.
Ended in divorce in 1996
The marriage of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson ended in divorce in 1996. The couple had been married for ten years, and they had two daughters together, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
- Infidelity
One of the main reasons for the divorce was Andrew's infidelity. In 1992, photographs were published of Andrew with his toe sucked by a woman who was not his wife. The scandal led to a great deal of negative publicity, and it damaged Andrew's reputation.
- Sarah's financial problems
Sarah Ferguson also had financial problems, which contributed to the breakdown of the marriage. She was accused of spending large sums of money on clothes and jewelry, and she was also involved in a number of business deals that went bad.
- Growing apart
Over time, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson grew apart. They had different interests and different lifestyles, and they were spending less and less time together. The distance between them eventually became too great, and they decided to divorce.
- Mutual agreement
The divorce was a mutual agreement between Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. They both agreed that the marriage was no longer working, and they wanted to move on with their lives.
The divorce of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson was a sad event, but it was also a necessary one. The couple had been unhappy for some time, and they were no longer able to make the marriage work.
Still friends and co-parents
Despite their divorce, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have remained close friends and co-parents. They both love their daughters very much, and they want to provide them with a stable and loving environment.
Andrew and Sarah regularly spend time together with their daughters. They go on holiday together, and they attend family events together. They also make sure to communicate regularly about their daughters' upbringing.
Andrew and Sarah have also been supportive of each other through difficult times. For example, Andrew was there for Sarah when her father died in 2003. And Sarah was there for Andrew when he was involved in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in 2019.
The relationship between Andrew and Sarah is a testament to their strength and resilience. They have been through a lot together, but they have managed to maintain a close friendship and a strong co-parenting relationship.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson:
Question 1: When did the wedding take place?
Answer 1: The wedding took place on 23 July 1986.
Question 2: Where did the wedding take place?
Answer 2: The wedding took place at Westminster Abbey in London.
Question 3: Who designed Sarah Ferguson's wedding dress?
Answer 3: Sarah Ferguson's wedding dress was designed by Lindka Cierach.
Question 4: Who was the best man?
Answer 4: The best man was Prince Edward, the groom's younger brother.
Question 5: Who were the bridesmaids?
Answer 5: The bridesmaids were Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, Princess Beatrice of York, Princess Eugenie of York, and Lady Kitty Spencer.
Question 6: How many guests attended the wedding?
Answer 6: Over 2,000 guests attended the wedding.
Question 7: Did the couple have any children?
Answer 7: Yes, the couple had two daughters: Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Tips
Here are a few tips for planning a wedding that is as grand and memorable as the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson:
Tip 1: Choose a unique and meaningful venue.
The venue for your wedding should be a place that is special to you and your partner. It should also be a place that can accommodate the number of guests you are expecting.
Tip 2: Hire a professional wedding planner.
A wedding planner can help you to plan every detail of your wedding, from the guest list to the menu. They can also help you to stay on budget and to avoid any potential problems.
Tip 3: Send out invitations early.
You should send out your wedding invitations at least six months in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to save the date and make travel arrangements.
Tip 4: Create a memorable menu.
The food and drink at your wedding should be delicious and memorable. Work with your caterer to create a menu that reflects your personal style and that will please your guests.
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These are just a few tips for planning a wedding that is as grand and memorable as the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a wedding that you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime.
Conclusion
The wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson was a grand and memorable event. It was a day of celebration and joy, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the couple and their families.
The wedding was also a reflection of the close relationship between the British royal family and the people of the United Kingdom. Thousands of people lined the streets of London to watch the wedding procession, and millions more watched the ceremony on television.
The wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson was a reminder of the power of love and the importance of family. It was also a reminder of the enduring popularity of the British royal family.
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Thank you for reading about the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. We hope that you have found this article to be informative and enjoyable.