There are few things more romantic than weddings — let alone royal weddings. Of course, most of us will never get to attend nuptials that take place between members of the royal family, British or otherwise, but we can certainly dream about it. And in recent years, witnessing a kiss between the newlyweds on their wedding day has become a big part of the event that makes it all so dreamy.
It hasn't always been this way; even when then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip got married, public displays of affection like that between royalty really weren't done. But after Princess Diana and Prince Charles kissed on that palace balcony to much fanfare, it sparked a new tradition, and royals all over the world have been showing their love for each other on the day they tie the knot in similar ways.
Ready to get lost in some royal love stories? Here are the sweetest royal kisses throughout the years from princes, princesses, kings, and queens around the world. Hopefully, there are many more to come!
Prince Charles & Lady Diana Spencer
As one of the earliest British couples to kiss on the balcony, Diana and Charles definitely made their smooch memorable. They tied the knot on July 29, 1981, when Diana was just 20 years old. Little did they know that this moment would become iconic — along with the gown the Princess of Wales was wearing the day she was given the title.
Prince Andrew & Sarah Ferguson
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's marriage ultimately didn't last (though they did bring Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie into the world while they were still together), but they were another royal couple who kissed on the balcony. They got married on July 23, 1986, continuing the tradition Diana and Charles had started just a few years earlier.
Prince William & Kate Middleton
Following in the footsteps of his parents, Prince William had a pretty romantic balcony kiss of his own on his wedding day on April 29, 2011. This sweet moment between him and Kate Middleton became iconic all on its own too, especially since these two typically don't engage in much PDA as a married couple.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have done things differently since they got married on May 19, 2018. They might not have had the traditional balcony moment, but they shared plenty of kisses for the world to see to celebrate their big day elsewhere, including this sweet moment outside St. George's Chapel.
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
Princess Eugenie & Jack Brooksbank
When Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank on October 12, 2018, she pulled out all the stops — two wedding dresses, a gorgeous ceremony at St. George's Chapel, and of course plenty of romantic kisses like this one. Three years later, they still seem so in love.
Zara Phillips & Mike Tindall
Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Phillips, married rugby player Mike Tindall on July 30, 2011, in Edinburgh, and it looked every bit like a fairy tale. More than a decade later, they're still together, and they have three children: Mia Grace, Lena, and Lucas.
Prince Carl Philip & Sofia Hellqvist
Romantic royal wedding kisses happen outside of the United Kingdom too. In Sweden, Prince Carl Philip married Sofia Hellqvist on June 13, 2015, in Stockholm, a day on which they took the opportunity to kiss in front of the world. Anyone else getting Kate Middleton vibes from that lace dress?
Princess Madeleine & Christopher O'Neill
Another Swedish royal, Princess Madeleine, tied the knot in June 2013 at the Royal Chapel in Stockholm. Much like Prince Harry, she married an American, Christopher O'Neill, and judging by this smooch they exchanged on their big day, they truly did live happily ever after.
Prince Willem-Alexander & Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti
King Willem-Alexander was still a prince when he got married in February 2002 — more than 10 years before he and his wife, Queen Maxima, would ascend to the Dutch throne and become king and queen. But their wedding in Amsterdam still looked totally fit for a king anyway — and clearly, he was more than ready to celebrate.
Prince Albert II & Charlene Lynette Wittstock
Though Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco spent some time apart earlier in 2021 when she left the country for surgery, their marriage is still going strong — and it all started with this kiss. The couple got married in July 2011, though their relationship has been plagued with rumors over the years.
Prince Felix & Claire Margareta Lademacher
In 2013, Prince Felix of Luxembourg and Claire Margareta Lademacher got married in a two-day event — first with a civil ceremony, and then a religious one. This photo was taken at their religious ceremony, where they pulled out all the stops. Since then, Prince Felix and Princess Claire have become parents to two children, Amalia and Liam.
Crown Princess Victoria & Daniel Westling
Here's another Swedish royal wedding for the books. In June 2010, Crown Princess Victoria married Daniel Westling, now Prince Daniel. And because Victoria will be queen someday, this was obviously a big deal — as was their kiss. Not every wedding-day smooch is flanked by swords, after all.
Prince Felipe & Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano
A lot has changed for these two since they got married in May 2004. Back then, King Felipe was still a prince, and Queen Letizia wasn't royal at all — in fact, she was a news anchor. They tied the knot, shared this kiss, and a decade later, in June 2014, Felipe ascended the throne, making them king and queen of Spain.
Prince Haakon & Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby
In 2001, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, though their wedding was a bit controversial. As The New York Times reported at the time, Mette-Marit was a waitress who admitted to using drugs in the past and had a child with a man who had been convicted on drug charges himself. That didn't stop Haakon from marrying her, though — or planting this kiss on her during their big day. They're still together 20 years later.
Prince Guillaume & Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy
The wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Countess Stéphanie was held on October 19 and 20, 2012, and of course it included this sweet kiss. Eventually, Guillaume will become the grand duke, but until then, he and Stéphanie certainly seem to be living happily ever after with their son, Prince Charles.
