Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Weddings and Missing TV Broadcasts

The grandeur and historical significance of royal weddings often leave spectators eagerly anticipating a broadcast of the entire event, from start to finish. Yet, the signing of the registry—the final and perhaps most symbolic moment of these joyous occasions—has never been televised in its entirety. This oversight has puzzled many, prompting the question: how many grown-ups, even those without English as a first language, need the phrase ‘in full’ explained?

A Historical Overview of Royal Weddings on Television

Since the 1947 wedding of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip, television coverage of royal nuptials has evolved. The early broadcasts were partial, focusing on the procession, the ceremony, and the inaugural dance at the reception. Over the decades, coverage expanded, but even the most celebrated marriages—those of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—missed out on being fully reported.

The Royal Weddings That Were Unbroadcast in Full

From the British royal family, we can recount the recent and not-so-recent weddings that were not fully broadcast:

Princess Margaret's marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960 Prince Edward of Kent's marriage to Katharine Worsley in 1964 Princess Anne's marriage to Mark Phillips in 1973 Princess Alexandra's marriage to Angus Ogilvy in 1974 Peter Phillips's marriage to Autumn Kelly in 2015 Prince Charles's marriage to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 Prince Andrew's marriage to Sarah Ferguson in 1986 Prince Edward's marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999 Prince William's marriage to Catherine Middleton in 2011 Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle in 2018 Princess Eugenie's marriage to Jack Brooksbank in 2018 (though this information is more recent and may differ)

Why Were These Royal Weddings Not Fully Broadcast?

The reasons behind the decision to not fully broadcast these royal weddings are complex. Historically, the reason for omission could be attributed to technological limitations, concerns over broadcasting live in the early days of television, and possibly a desire to maintain a sense of privacy. However, as technology advanced and live broadcasts became more common, it is puzzling why such a prime moment in royal history was not seized upon.

Contemporary Concerns and Innovations

In recent times, there seems to be a growing consensus within the royal family and its news outlets to ensure that such significant events are fully reported. However, despite the technological advancements, the signing of the registry remains a key moment that remains unreported.

Growing Public Interest and Advocacy for Full Coverage

With the advent of social media and 24-hour news cycles, there is a growing demand for comprehensive coverage of royal events. Advocates for full coverage argue that the signing of the registry is a crucial symbolic gesture marking the culmination of a long-term commitment. They believe that even more recent royal weddings have continued this tradition of partial coverage, which might not align with modern expectations.

The Future of Royal Wedding Coverage

As the world becomes more connected and more informed, it is likely that the royal family and its news agencies will reassess their coverage policies. In an age where expediency and completeness are highly valued, the decision to not report the signing of the registry in full on television might change. However, until then, royal wedding enthusiasts will need to relish in the moments that are broadcast and perhaps seek out other sources to fill in the gaps.

Conclusion: Filling the Gaps in Royal History

The omission of the signing of the registry from the broadcast of royal weddings is a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of royal traditions and their coverage. As the world changes, so too do the expectations of an audience increasingly in tune with the significance of such important moments. With each passing year, the pressure to provide more comprehensive coverage grows, forcing the royal family and its news agencies to reconsider their coverage approaches.