Royal Rules of Engagement

By Tara Lewis

Royals don't get engaged like the rest of us. There may be a ring in the champagne glass or a private beachfront proposal, but there's also the media speculation and the amplified attention of an entire country, and formal events and photo shoots. Now that Prince William and Kate Middleton have finally announced they will marry after an eight-year, up-and-down romance, the frenzy begins in earnest. As with previous royal couples, the pair will face wedding planning the likes of which we mortals can't even imagine. Traditionally, such couples first have an investiture at Buckingham Palace, then the lord chancellor announces the pair's status to the public, which then leads to a flurry of media appearances and interviews. William and Kate, who will wed in the next few months, join a long line of Windsor couples with big engagements, and their wedding will be the biggest since Charles and Diana's. Here's a look at some of the most memorable royal betrothals.