Royal wedding watchers in B.C. up early to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially married — and some dedicated royal watchers in Victoria were wearing their finest for the occasion, despite the early hour on the west coast.

More than 100 people gathered at the Union Club to watch the royal wedding, with some arriving at 3 a.m. PT.

The venue is on the edge of Victoria's harbour, where British sensibilities are often on display.

"No royal pajamas, but wedding attire is most acceptable and encouraged," said David Spence with the Royal Commonwealth Society of Vancouver Island of the dress code for the event.

Ken Lane, with the Monarchist League of Canada, said it was never in doubt that the party would be held in the wee hours of the morning.

"If we are going to run this thing, it's got to be while it is happening in Windsor. So here we are," he said, standing next to a cardboard cutout of the bride and groom.

The real wedding, happening several time zones away, was broadcast live on a giant TV screen. 

The newlyweds, now officially the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were all smiles as they rode in a horse-drawn carriage and waved to crowds of well-wishers after the wedding at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England. 

City has historical connection

The royals' big day was also a good excuse to get together for the Bernard family.

Mary Bernard watched the exchange of vows with her daughter and granddaughters.

"It's so special. We are here in Victoria, which is an amazing place to live, and is named after Queen Victoria," she said.

Spence said Victoria's history means the city will always have a strong connection with the Royal family.

"It's more than just a royal wedding," he said. "It's a relationship that is multicultural, multinational."

But for those who slept through the ceremony, royal wedding cake and other delicacies are on offer at some Victoria restaurants.

The iconic Empress Hotel is also replaying footage from the wedding all day in its bar.

According to Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, more than 100,000 people lined the route of Harry and Meghan's wedding procession route in Windsor.

With files from Megan Thomas