Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster has married in what the British press have described as “the high society event of the year.”
If his name doesn’t sound familiar, you may recognise some of the famous faces who attended his nuptials – specifically, members of the royal family.
The Duke is the godson of King Charles, while his mother Natalia is the godmother of Prince William. His late father, the 6th Duke of Westminster Gerald Grosvenor, was also a dear friend of the former Prince of Wales and served as a personal mentor for a young William before his untimely passing in 2016.
Fast forward to 2013 and then 2019, both William and his brother Prince Harry named the Duke as godfather to their firstborn sons Prince George and Prince Archie. They also invited the Duke as a guest of honour to their respective weddings in 2011 and 2018.
More recently, in May 2023, the Duke played a ceremonial role in the historic coronation of his godfather, where he carried the Standards of the Quarterings of the Royal Arms and Standard of the Principality of Wales alongside fellow members of British peerage.
Prince William was the only working royal in attendance at the wedding where he was an usher. While it was previously reported that Prince George would have a “prominent” role in the ceremony, he was absent.
The Prince of Wales was also joined by his cousin Princess Eugenie. Prince Harry reportedly declined an invitation to the event.
According to PEOPLE, an “understanding between the two friends” took place in which they mutually agreed it was for the best that Harry did not attend.
“[Harry] sends his love and support and admiration for the couple [for their wedding day],” a source also shared with the publication in the days leading up to the wedding.
Despite owning more land than the King and being worth billions of dollars, the wedding itself was rather traditional.
Taking place at Chester Cathedral in Chesire, 400 guests watched on as the Duke married his girlfriend of three years Olivia Henson, who is now the new Duchess of Westminster.
Hugh and Olivia reportedly met through mutual friends of theirs from the University of Newcastle.
The reception took place at the nearby 11,000-hectare Grosvenor family estate Eaton Hall.
