Today in history: Over 20 million viewers watched the first televised royal wedding when Princess Margaret marries Antony Armstrong-Jones

 Today in history

On May 6, 1960 – More than 20 million viewers watch the first televised royal wedding when Princess Margaret marries Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey.

On May 6, 1960, history was made when over 20 million people tuned in to witness the first-ever televised royal wedding. Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in a grand ceremony held at Westminster Abbey. This event marked a turning point in royal tradition, as the British monarchy embraced the power of television to connect with the public in a more intimate and modern way.The broadcast was a groundbreaking media moment, bringing the pomp and splendor of a royal wedding directly into living rooms across the United Kingdom and beyond. For many, it was their first glimpse of the intricate pageantry of such an occasion. Princess Margaret’s wedding dress, designed by Norman Hartnell, and the grandeur of the ceremony captivated viewers, setting a new precedent for public interest in royal affairs and foreshadowing the global media frenzy that would surround future royal weddings.Beyond its significance as a media milestone, the marriage itself was notable for its break from royal tradition. Antony Armstrong-Jones was a commoner, making him the first non-aristocratic man to marry into the British royal family in centuries. Though the marriage eventually ended in divorce, it symbolized a shift toward a more modern and accessible monarchy, one willing to open its doors to both television cameras and changing societal norms.

See also: Today in history On May 6, 1996 – The body of former CIA director William Colby is found washed up on a riverbank in southern Maryland