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Iconic royal weddings from around the world

Two billion television views, £24m on security and Karl Lagerfeld and Margaret Thatcher as guests: royal weddings around the world are not to be sniffed at.

Prince Albert II’s marriage to former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene was celebrated for days, with concerts and firework displays put on by the pair. But even their spectacular celebrations were nothing compared to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s £25.8m wedding.

Prince William and his university sweetheart wed in front of two billion television viewers globally.

Kate Middleton, as she was known then, wore one of the most expensive wedding dresses of all time: a bespoke Alexander McQueen gown.

The brunette finished her look with a royal family heirloom: the Cartier ‘halo’ tiara that King George VI gifted his wife, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, with in 1936.

The Queen’s wedding was equally spectacular. It was broadcast to over 200 million radio listeners and attended by 2000 guests. The bride’s unique, star-covered Norman Hartnell dress was paid for using post-war rations.

Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960 was the first to be shown on television and drew in 300 million viewers. Two decades later, 750 million people tuned in to watch Prince Charles’ marry Lady Diana Spencer.

Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainer III more lavish yet. The pair became engaged within months of meeting at Cannes Film Festival and tied the knot in an opulent religious service organised by the American actress’ film studio.

Talk about heavyweight wedding planners.

How will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on 19 May 2018 compete? Watch this space.

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