Princess Diana's Aisle Song: What Was it?

On July 29, 1981, the world watched as Lady Diana Spencer walked down the aisle of St. Paul's Cathedral to marry Prince Charles. The event was a grand spectacle, and one of the most memorable aspects was the music that accompanied the royal procession. So, what song did Princess Diana walk down the aisle to?

The answer lies in the rich musical tradition of royal weddings. Unlike modern ceremonies, Diana's wedding did not feature a single 'aisle song' as we might expect today. Instead, the music was a series of pieces played by the choir and orchestra, carefully selected to complement the various parts of the ceremony.

The Entrance of the Bride

As Diana entered the cathedral, the choir and orchestra performed "I Was Glad" by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry. This piece is a traditional choice for royal weddings, having been used at the weddings of Queen Victoria's children and grandchildren in the late 19th century.

While "I Was Glad" is often referred to as the 'aisle song' for Princess Diana's wedding, it's important to note that it was not the only piece played during her entrance. The procession was also accompanied by other musical selections, including "Prelude on 'Bishopagate'" by William Walton and "Trumpet Voluntary" by Henry Purcell.

The Processional

After the entrance of the bride, the procession continued with a series of musical pieces. These included "Prelude on 'Bishopagate'" by William Walton, "Trumpet Tune" by Henry Purcell, and "Pifa" from "Messiah" by George Frideric Handel.

These pieces were chosen for their ability to create a sense of grandeur and pomp, reflecting the importance of the occasion. They also provided a musical link between the various parts of the ceremony, from the entrance of the bride to the signing of the register.

The Recessional

As the ceremony came to a close, the newlyweds processed out of the cathedral to the sound of "Crown Imperial" by William Walton. This piece was composed for the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and has since become a staple at royal weddings and other grand occasions.

The use of "Crown Imperial" for the recessional was a fitting choice, as it reflected the newly acquired status of Diana as a member of the royal family. The piece also provided a triumphant and joyful conclusion to the ceremony, marking the start of the couple's new life together.

The Role of Music in Royal Weddings

Music plays a crucial role in royal weddings, serving to enhance the solemnity and grandeur of the occasion. The choice of music for Diana's wedding was no exception, with each piece carefully selected to complement the various parts of the ceremony.

In contrast to modern weddings, where the choice of music is often more personal and varied, royal weddings typically feature a series of traditional pieces. These pieces are chosen for their ability to create a sense of continuity with the past, reflecting the long history of the monarchy.

Tradition and Personal Choice

While many of the musical selections for Diana's wedding were chosen for their traditional significance, there was also room for personal choice. The use of "Crown Imperial" for the recessional, for example, was a nod to the couple's shared love of music and the arts.

This balance between tradition and personal choice is a common feature of royal weddings, reflecting the unique role that these events play in both celebrating the couple's love and reinforcing the continuity of the monarchy.

Today, when we think back to Princess Diana's wedding, it's not just the iconic dress or the fairytale setting that comes to mind, but also the beautiful music that accompanied the event. From "I Was Glad" to "Crown Imperial", the musical selections for Diana's wedding continue to inspire and captivate, providing a lasting reminder of the joy and hope that the couple's union brought to the world.