Some royal watchers got an unwelcome surprise when they returned to their cars after the royal visit today.

With the Queen and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, entering the Town Hall for lunch, the crowds of thousands dispersed.

In the streets between Northgate Street and Watergate Street, a parking warden was on duty and at least two cars had been served with heart-stopping yellow penalty notices.

Chester and District Standard:

A ticketed car on double yellow lines

Some had over stayed their allotted time in the small Hamilton Place car park, which has a maximum stay of four hours, while other cars were parked on double yellow lines.

Prior to the visit, Cheshire West and Chester Council has warned people planning to come to the city for the royal visit that many of the car parks in the city were expected to be busier than normal.

Visitors were urged to use public transport or the park and ride services which have been running as usual and offer a quick and convenient route into the city centre.