IT WAS Chester's and indeed the UK's wedding of the year - and more than 4,000 people lined the streets of the city to wish the happy couple well.

The marriage of Lady Tamara Grosvenor and Edward van Cutsem on Saturday put Chester firmly in the social spotlight with guests including the Queen and Princes William and Harry.

Lady Tamara, 24, daughter of the Duke of Westminster, Britain's richest man, and Mr van Cutsem, eldest son of Norfolk landowners Emilie and Hugh van Cutsem, were married in a lavish ceremony at Chester Cathedral.

Although the historic building was closed to the public during the nuptials, thousands of well-wishers lined the narrow streets to try to catch a glimpse of the happy couple, and the impressive array of well-heeled guests.

But it was when Prince William and Harry waited to be taken to the reception at Eaton Hall, ancestral seat of the Westminster family, that the hordes of on-lookers went wild.

Alongside teenage girls chanting "Marry me, William" a group of pensioners began calling out to attract Harry's attention.

Both princes smiled and waved before being whisked away.

A high-visibility police presence was in force during the day with more than 100 officers deployed around the city.

Named Operation Aisle, the costs were met by Lady Tamara's family and Cheshire police said the day had passed without incident.

Although there were sporadic showers throughout the morning it did not deter the on-lookers.

Linda Jones, from Chester, said: "I thought Lady Tamara looked beautiful. It was such a big occasion that it was worth standing out in the cold and rain for.

"It was great to see Prince William and Harry as well, particularly as they both looked happy.

"I don't think we will see anything so grand here again for a long time."

Princes William and Harry had arrived ahead of the main throng to take up their positions as ushers during the service.

Looking tanned and relaxed, the brothers, who are both good friends of the groom, showed the 650 friends and family members to their seats, including their own grandparents the Queen, dressed in a dark purple skirt and jacket, and Prince Philip.

Lady Tamara, who retains her title but will take her husband's surname, looked every inch the society bride dressed in a stunning ivory silk georgette creation by Bruce Oldfield, a favourite of Princess Diana.

The designer helped her from a purple vintage Rolls Royce and adjusted the dress, embroidered with rows of tiny antique silk rosebuds, and straightened out the two-metre long train.

With Jimmy Choo shoes and a tiara designed by Carl Faberge, Lady Tamara stunned the crowds, who cheered as she made her way into the cathedral followed by six bridesmaids.

She was given away by her father, the Duke, who is believed to have given the couple a wedding present of £10m.

The service was officiated by the Dean of Chester, The Very Reverend Dr Gordon McPhate, the Bishop of Chester, The Right Reverend Dr Peter Forster, and Canon Lawrence Skipper.

It was rumoured that it was Dr Forster, well-known for his outspoken views and hard-line traditional values, who was at the root of the decision not to attend by Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.

He is claimed to have told the two families at the wedding rehearsal that it would be unacceptable for the prince to "turn up with his mistress".

No one at his office was available for comment last night.

Prince Charles instead visited the headquarters of the Black Watch regiment in Warminster, Wiltshire, of which he is colonel-in-chief.

As Mr van Cutsem is from a Catholic family, the Bishop of Brentwood Thomas McMahon and Dom Edward Corbould were also in attendance.

Both families have been friends for many years and the bride and groom have known each other since childhood.

A statement issued by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster said: "This is a very special day for us all. Both families are proud and delighted."

After the hour-long service the couple emerged to posed for photographs.

It was a perfect day, says guest Lady Doreen
SIR TREVOR JONES, former leader of Liverpool City Council and his wife, Lady Doreen, attended the wedding with their daughter, Louise, and two grandsons Thomas and George.

The couple, Lib-Dem councillors for Childwall, have known Lady Tamara and her family for more than two decades. Lady Doreen said: "It was a beautiful day, a truly magnificent occasion.

"We had quite a long chat to Prince William and he was lovely, as was Harry. They couldn't have

been nicer. "My grandson Thomas caught the bouquet, which left him very red faced. He's 13 and plays a lot of cricket so he automatically went to catch it, but he quickly handed it over to a woman stood next to him who was thrilled.

"After the service we were driven back to Eaton Hall for lunch in a beautiful two-tier marquee.

"Lady Tamara went round all the tables and talked to everyone. She is such a lovely, down-to-earth girl - the whole family are - the day was perfect."