Today, as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie and Edward are trusted members of King Charles’ ‘slimmed down’ Royal Family.
The couple showed their popularity at the weekend when they did their bit amidst the pomp and majesty of Trooping the Colour.
But, 25 years ago today, Edward – the late Queen’s youngest son – married the then Sophie Rhys-Jones in a relatively modest ceremony at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
The royaltook nearly six years to propose to the former public relations consultant, who he met at a tennis match in 1993.
When the couple’s engagement was announced in January 1999, Edward told reporters:’It’s impossible to understand why it has taken me this long, but I don’t think it would have been right before, and I don’t think she would have said yes.’
He also emphasised that their wedding would be informal and not treated as a state occasion.
Edward, now 60, commissioned jewellers Garrard, who also designed Princess Diana’s engagement ring, to create a show-stopping sparkler.
It boasted a two-carat oval diamond set in white gold and flanked by two heart-shaped diamonds.
Prince Edward takes the hand of his bride Sophie on their wedding day inside St George’s Chapel at Windsor, 25 years ago today
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh showed their popularity at the weekend when they did their bit amidst the pomp and majesty of Trooping the Colour. Above: (From left) Prince George, Prince William, Prince Louis, Kate, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Sophie, Prince Edward, Lady Louise Windsor and Princess Anne on the Palace balcony on Saturday
On her big day, Sophie, who is now 59, travelled to St George’s Chapel with her father, Christopher Rhys-Jones, in a Rolls-Royce.
The car had originally been presented to the Queen for her Silver Jubilee in 1978.
Sophie exuded elegance in a custom-made ensemble, comprising a coatdress and an evening dressdesigned bySamantha Keswick(ne Shaw).
Her full-length ivory coatdress featured a deep V-neckline, long sleeves and intricate beading around the neck, sleeves and train.
Concealed beneath was a silk corseted dress, adorned with an impressive 325,000 cut-glass and pearl beads.
The designer, who created the outfit in four months, ensured the dress fabrics perfectly matched the stone of St George’s Chapel – even making secret visits to the venue for colour coordination.
Sophie Rhys-Jones smiles broadly as she is kissed on the cheek by Prince Edward during the announcement of their wedding engagement in January 1999
Edward surprised Sophie with a dazzling ring, featuring a two-carat oval diamond set in white gold and flanked by two heart-shaped diamonds
The bride arrived at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, with her father, Christopher Rhys-Jones
Sophie exuded elegance in a custom-made ensemble, comprising a coatdress and an evening dress, designed by Samantha Keswick (ne Shaw)
The bride carried a cascading bouquet of ivory roses and white lilies
Samantha Keswick, who created the bride’s outfit in four months, was on-hand throughout the day
Sophie attends the wedding of herdress designer, Samantha Keswick, in May 1999
Prior to her wedding day, Sophie appeared to drop subtle hints about her bridal look when she attended thenuptials of Samantha Shaw and David Keswick in May 1999.
Sophie wore alilac coatdress and matching pencil dress, both of which were designed by Shaw.
For her own wedding day,Sophie completed her look with theAnthemion tiara, her first wear from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection.
Complementing this regal accessory were pearl jewels personally designed by her new husband, who commissioned Asprey and Garrard to make the pieces.
In return, Sophie had gifted Edward an 18-carat gold pocket watch, which was secured to hisJohn Ken waistcoat.
The bride carried a cascading bouquet of ivory roses and white lilies as she made her grand entrance, accompanied by a fanfare from the band of the Royal Marines.
Despite the modest guest list of 500, around 200 million viewers tuned in to watch the event on television.
But unlike the extravagant weddings of Edward’s siblings, there was no ceremonial state or military involvement – as per the couple’s request.
Prince Edward arrives at St George’s Chapel with his brothers, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew
The newlyweds are joined by members of the Royal Family on the steps of St George’s Chapel
The late Queen Elizabeth wore an embroidered lilac dress and matching feathered fascinator – even though the couple had advised guests against wearing hats
The ceremony was largely a family occasion, with Edward’s brothers, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew, serving as his supporters.
The late Queen Elizabeth wore an embroidered lilac dress and matching feathered fascinator -even though the couple had advised guests against wearing hats.
In keeping with tradition, the wedding rings were crafted from Welsh gold from the Prince Edward mine in Gwynedd. This custom dates back to 1923.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds rode in a horse-drawn carriage to the reception at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle, where they enjoyed a buffet-style dinner with their guests.
An array of music was provided by the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, the London Mozart Players and the band of the Royal Marines.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds rode in a horse-drawn carriage to the reception at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle, where they enjoyed a buffet-style dinner with their guests
Linda Fripp shows off the ten-foot-tall fondant cake that took her over 515 hours to make
Sophie and Edward employed Linda Fripp to create their 10-foot-tall fondant cake.
The chocolate-flavoured design, painstakingly crafted over 515 hours, showcased seven tiers embellished with iced fruit and flowers. It was topped with miniature tennis rackets, referencing the couple’s first encounter.
Among Queen Elizabeth’s children, Edward is the only onewho has not re-married.
He and Sophie have daughter Lady Louise, 20, and son James, 16, who succeeded his father as the Earl of Wessex.
James has a lower profile than his sister, as evidenced by his absence from Trooping the Colour at the weekend.
