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Rebellious Princess Diana's second wedding dress took more risks than daughters-in-law

The People's Princess almost didn't wear her rarely-pictured second outfit

princess diana wedding
Nichola Murphy
Deputy Lifestyle Editor
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Princess Kate and Meghan Markle were among the royal ladies who followed specific rules and guidelines when it came to their wedding dresses, and while they were able to be riskier with their second bridal outfits, their late mother-in-law Princess Diana was arguably more rebellious.

But the question is: do you remember Prince William and Prince Harry's mother the People's Princess' lesser-known outfit change? Join us as we look back at the royal's colourful ensemble, which she almost didn't wear…

WATCH: King Charles and Princess Diana leave St Paul's Cathedral after their wedding

All eyes were on Diana as she walked down the aisle at Westminster Abbey on 29 July 1981 to tie the knot with her ex-husband King Charles. She wore a puff-sleeve dress by David and Elizabeth Emanuel with a record-breaking 25-foot train, before swapping her gown for a very unexpected pink ensemble as she headed on her honeymoon with her new husband.

Pictures show the newlyweds waving to crowds as they left Romsey Station for their trip to Gibraltar, with Charles looking dapper in a grey suit while Diana rocked a pink midi dress with a fitted waist and a jacket layered over the top, both designed by David Sassoon for Bellville Sassoon. She finished off her look with her short hair styled in its classic bouncy curls and a matching pastel-coloured hat and clutch bag.

princess diana suit honeymoon

Princess Diana was pictured at Romsey Station wearing a pink ensemble on her wedding day

In fact, two jackets with prairie collars and frilled sleeves were actually created for the ensemble - one with shorter sleeves (which she wore following her nuptials), and another with long sleeves in case of cooler weather. Genius!

DISCOVER: Princess Diana concealed last-minute wedding dress disaster – did you spot it?

With a classic silhouette and multiple coat options, the bespoke outfit later became part of the royal's working wardrobe - she sported the long-sleeved version on the royal tour to Australia in 1982, and to open a hospital in Grimsby in 1983. 

kate middleton second dress© Photo: Getty Images

The Princess of Wales stunned in a satin A-line second wedding dress

Meanwhile, her future daughters-in-law opted for much more traditional white gowns for their wedding days. The Prince of Wales' wife Kate swapped her Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen lace gown for another dress by the same designer featuring a satin A-line skirt, an embellished waist and a sweetheart neckline, which she accessorised with a sweet cream cardigan. 

Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex's bride Meghan changed out of her simple bateau neck gown by Givenchy and into a gorgeous halterneck dress by Stella McCartney for her evening reception. 

meghan second dress

Meghan Markle opted for a Stella McCartney halterneck second wedding dress

According to People, Princess Diana almost didn't have her pink wedding dress, since she was initially turned away from the Bellville Sassoon shop in London. She was reportedly shopping for an outfit for her engagement photos near closing time, and the sales associate recommended she visit the nearby Harrod's store after failing to recognise the royal.

"You can imagine how Belinda [Bellville] and David [Sassoon] felt when they realized the future Princess of Wales had been turned away," said Matthew Storey, Curator of Royal Style in the Making fashion exhibition at Kensington Palace.

princess diana engagement ring

Diana and Charles at their engagement photocall

Luckily, Diana returned to the shop with her mother and she went on to have a close relationship with the designers, who also created the blue ensemble she wore for her engagement announcement.

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