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May 8, 2023 16 tweets 7 min read Read on X
#THREAD

Globally, what were the most-watched royal events in history?

And how does Charles's #Coronation compare?

The results might surprise you...

history101.com/27-of-the-most…
Prince William and Kate Middleton wedding: 350 million viewers.

On April 29th, 2011, Kate Middleton, who was the daughter of wealthy business owners with ties to the crown, became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Image
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer wedding: 1 billion viewers.

On July 29, 1981, Lady Di went from nursery teacher’s assistant to the Princess of Wales. Image
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wedding: 1.9 billion viewers.

On May 19th, 2018, Meghan Markle, who had previously worked as an actress, blogger, charity ambassador, and advocate, (briefly) became HRH the Duchess of Sussex, Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel. Image
Funeral of Lady Di: 2 billion viewers.

Di’s funeral took place at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 6th, 1997. A hearse transported her coffin to Kensington Palace days before the funeral took place. Although this wasn’t the formal procession, thousands of onlookers lined the streets. Image
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral: 2.5 billion people.

The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II took place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September. Image
King Charles III #coronation - 400 million.

UK viewing peaked at 20.4 million as Charles was crowned (compared to the 29 million who watched the Queen's funeral, & the 32 million who watched Di's funeral - second only to the 32.3 million who watched the 1966 World Cup Final). 🇬🇧 Image
Only ten global events (including Di's & Queen's funeral) have been watched by 2 billion+ viewers.

Ali vs Larry Holmes: 2 billion viewers.

On Oct. 2nd, 1980, Ali took to the ring suffering slurred speech & decreased motor function. After 10 rounds his manager ended the fight. Image
Michael Jackson Memorial Service: 2 billion viewers.

A public memorial service for Michael Jackson was held on July 7, 2009, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, twelve days after his death. Image
Live 8: 2 billion viewers

Live 8 was a benefit concert to raise money to try & end poverty worldwide. The G8 countries & South Africa performed simultaneous concerts on July 2nd, 2005 - the 20th anniversary of Live Aid (estimated TV audience of 1.9 billion). Image
9/11 terror attacks: 2 billion viewers.

Media coverage started when American Airlines Flight 11 collided with the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Within one hour and fifteen minutes, three more planes crashed in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Image
1998 World Cup Final, France vs. Brazil: 2 billion viewers.

France's 3-0 win was their first World Cup title. Zidane was named the man of the match, while Ronaldo was awarded the Golden Ball as FIFA's outstanding player of the tournament. Image
Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks II: 2 billion viewers.

September 15th, 1978, marked the second time Ali and Spinks met in the ring. Ali was 36, but dominated the fight and defeated Spinks by unanimous decision, avenging his split decision loss to Spinks from seven months prior. Image
2002 World Cup Final, Brazil vs. Germany: 2 billion viewers

On June 30, 2002, Brazil played Germany in a world cup final for first time. Two second-half goals by the original Ronaldo led to a 2-0 victory. Image
2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony: 3 billion viewers.

The number “8” is a big deal in China, and it’s no accident that the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony took place on Aug. 8, 2008 (8/8/08).

On that day, 15,000 performers put on a show that seemed to defy belief. Image
1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony: 3.6 billion viewers!

On July 19, 1996, Ali lit the Olympic torch that started the games, at the most watched event in TV history.

(The opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics attracted a global TV audience of 900 million people). Image

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