Royal wedding 'absolutely dead' as sparse crowds greet Princess Eugenie nuptials in Windsor

Police outnumber spectators behind barriers along some parts of route - while comparison with images of Harry and Meghan's marriage suggest relative lack of enthusiasm

When Prince Harry wed Meghan Markle in May, the most zealous of royal supporters camped for days on the streets of Windsor to ensure they caught a glimpse of the happy couple.

For the nuptials of Princess Eugenie, ninth in line to the throne, it would appear public enthusiasm is more limited.

The roads that the royal toured in an open carriage with husband Jack Brooksbank on Friday were lined with the usual security barriers, but nothing like the thronging crowds who turned out for her cousin’s marriage.

The crowds in Windsor Castle's lower ward for Princess Eugenie's nuptials, left, compared to those for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May

In some parts of the historic market town, police officers even outnumbered Union Jack-adorned spectators.

"I thought there would be lots of people arriving but there aren't. I've been waiting and waiting," said Kerry Evans, 54, who travelled from Lincolnshire on Tuesday.

Traders hoping to capitalise on patriot fervour were disappointed.

“Business is not as good as I expected,” one scarf salesman told the Daily Mail. “I took a day off thinking I’d make good money but it’s absolutely dead.”

Thames Valley Police has deployed hundreds of officers in a major operation expected to cost £2m.

Many were pictured lining empty streets ahead of the ceremony at St George’s Chapel.

“Well, it’s not the same as Meghan and Harry,” as Eamon Holmes put it on ITV’s This Morning.

Crowds of more than 100,000 lined the streets for the wedding in May.

But much like Harry's wedding, Eugenie's special day was not lacking for famous faces.

A star-studded congregation of 800 people have turned out watch the Queen's granddaughter wed tequila brand ambassador Mr Brooksbank in Windsor Castle's 15th century church.

Robbie Williams, Hollywood actress Demi Moore and supermodel Naomi Campbell were among the guests.

About 1,200 members of the public have been admitted to watch from the castle's Lower Ward, along with charity workers, local school children and royal household staff.

However, comparisons with an image taken of the same spot on the day of Harry and Meghan's wedding in May suggested the clamour for places to witness the latest royal nuptials was less frenzied.