Sarah, Duchess of York and Prince Andrew's 1986 royal wedding: A look back at the best photos

Despite their divorce in 1996, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York continue to be an iconic royal pair thanks to their famously cordial relationship and close co-parenting of their daughters, Princess Beatrice, born in 1988, and Princess Eugenie, who arrived in 1990. The couple have had a lifelong friendship, as Sarah, born to aristocratic ancestry as the daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and his first wife Susan Barrantes, first met Prince Andrew when they were childhood playmates. In 1985, however, the two became reacquainted at a Royal Ascot party, leading the onetime pals to fall in love. Prince Andrew popped the question with a Burmese ruby ring from Garrard, the choice of gem inspired by the future bride's red hair. The couple announced their engagement in March 1986, posing for this photo in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Five years after Andrew's brother Prince Charles married Princess Diana, flag-waving crowds once again flooded the streets of London as Sarah and Andrew married in spectacular style at Westminster Abbey on July 23, 1986. Scroll through to see the best photos of Andrew and Sarah's royal wedding day. Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images

For her big day, Sarah wore an embroidered ivory silk gown by British couturier Lindka Cierach. The bride's 17ft train was emblazoned with the letter 'A', as well as her personal coat of arms. Sarah carried a cascading bouquet of gardenias, cream lilies, yellow roses, lilies of the valley and a sprig of myrtle, which is a traditional detail in British royal wedding bouquets. Photo: Getty Images

The bride arrived at Westminster Abbey in the royal 19th century Glass Coach, accompanied by her father, seen here, who walked her down the aisle. Sarah arrived at the altar wearing a floral crown that, at the end of the ceremony, was removed to reveal her diamond wedding tiara, borrowed from mother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II. Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images

The wedding attendants – page boys in sailor suits and flat brimmed hats, and flower girls in peach lace dresses with blossoms in their hair – included adorable Prince William, far right, who had just turned four in June. Photo: Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

Also in attendance at the wedding were William's parents, Prince Charles and his then-wife Princess Diana, who made their way to and from the wedding in an open top carriage. Photo: Tom Wargacki/WireImage

Mother-of-the-groom Queen Elizabeth Il looked delighted about the special day as she rode in a carriage along with father-of-the-bride Major Ronald Ferguson. Photo: Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Royal guests also included the groom's grandmother, the Queen Mother, and his aunt Princess Margaret, who both wore similar hues of blue for the summer wedding. Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images

The newlyweds left Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace in an open-top 1902 State Landau. Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images

Throngs of well-wishers lined the streets as Sarah and Andrew made their way the Palace in the royal procession. A crowd of 100,000 would gather to see the couple's first public kiss husband and wife on the Palace balcony.

We can't hear you! Once on the balcony, the famously playful couple teased the cheering crowds who couldn't wait to see the traditional kiss. Photo: David Levenson/Getty Images

At last! The Duke and Duchess of York shared a sweet kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Joining the newlyweds on the balcony are Sarah's mother, Susan Barrantes, far left, in yellow, best man Prince Edward, right rear, and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. In the front row, the young wedding attendants included Peter Phillips, far left, and Zara Phillips (now Tindall), center. Photo: Derek Hudson/Getty Images

The scene at Buckingham Palace was a joyous one – here little Prince William is pictured without his hat as he played with his eight-year-old royal cousin Lady Davina Windsor. Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images

The royal family and household staff gathered to bid farewell to the Duke and Duchess of York as they headed off on honeymoon. Queen Elizabeth II has her arm around grandson Prince William, center, while on the left is Queen Elizabeth's sister Princess Margaret. Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images