The Duke, known as Hughie to his friends, inherited his title on the untimely death of his father Gerald, 64, in 2016, and with it, the control of a fortune worth an estimated £10 billion.
But ever since their engagement was announced last April, the couple have been at pains to insist that the Chester community where they will put down their roots was at the heart of their celebration, funding the distribution of free ice creams and donating the flowers to local charities. Guests were advised not to bring gifts.
The big day got underway at first light on Friday, as sniffer dogs patrolled the streets around the cathedral.
A sustainable brown carpet – a notable departure from the traditional red – was rolled out at the entrance below an impressive display of greenery erected over the doorway.
Much of the foliage for the wedding was sourced from the grounds of the family estate. The flowers included rambling roses, philadelphus, campanula and orlaya grandiflora, while birch trees lined the aisle of the cathedral.
Crowds gathered from the early morning, many dressed up in their Sunday best and others draped in Union flags.
Bunting and camping chairs lined the street as excited wellwishers eagerly awaited the arrival of Prince William and the groom, himself a local celebrity.
Catharine Smith, 66, said: “The whole family have always been very decent people.”
“It’s brilliant for Chester,” said Eileen Turner, 70.
Shortly before 10.30am, a buzz of anticipation swept through the crowd. Prince William was on his way.
Minutes later, an unassuming van with blacked-out windows pulled up at a side entrance and out filed 11 suited and booted ushers, the heir to the throne among them.
Aware that this was not his day, Prince William kept his head down as he strolled quickly inside, ignoring the excited yells of recognition from the crowd.
Soon afterwards, the guests began to trickle in, a colourful parade of designer labels, elaborate hats, capes and handbags.
The 400-strong guestlist read like a who’s who of high society, including the tight network of close confidants that has long surrounded this exclusive social circle alongside old friends from university and prep school.
Among the first to arrive was Thomas van Straubenzee, Princess Charlotte’s godfather, who arrived with his wife Lucy, who taught at George and Charlotte’s former school, Thomas’s Battersea.
Then came his brother, Charlie van Straubenzee and his wife Daisy Jenks. Princess Eugenie, in a sleek olive-green dress and veiled cream hat, was accompanied by Violet Henderson-Vestey, a former Vogue editor and author.
