On 19 June 1999, Sophie Rhys-Jones married Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II.
Sophie and Edward met at a tennis event in 1993, and their engagement was announced on 6 January 1999. The engagement ring, made by Garrard & Co., featured a two-carat oval diamond with two heart-shaped gemstones set in an 18-carat white gold ring.
The wedding took place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and it was not considered a state occasion. The future King Charles III and the Duke of York served as Edward’s supporters.
Sophie arrived on her father’s arm in a Rolls Royce, and he walked her down the aisle. The Bishop of Norwich performed the ceremony. As per tradition, the wedding ring was made from Welsh gold.
Sophie’s wedding dress was designed by Samantha Shaw. It consisted of a long, fitted coat with long sleeves and an ivory train. She wore a diamond tiara made from four antique pieces from Queen Elizabeth II’s private collection.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds rode in an open, horse-drawn carriage to St George’s Hall, where their reception would take place. Sophie sent her wedding bouquet to Westminster Abbey, where it would rest on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
Shortly before the wedding, Prince Edward was created Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. This meant that Sophie became Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex upon marriage. They went on to have two children together: Louise (born 2003) and James (born 2007). In 2023, Prince Edward was created Duke of Edinburgh.
Be the first to comment