Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson's Lavish Wedding at Chester Cathedral
This Thursday, June 7, 2023, witnessed the union of Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral in north England. Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, exchanged vows with Henson, who looked resplendent in a long, flowing satiny white dress, adorned with a tiara from the Grosvenor family's collection. Known as the Faberge Myrtle Leaf tiara, it has been a family heirloom since 1906.
The wedding, though not royal, was graced by several British royals including Prince William and Princess Eugenie. Notably absent was Prince Harry, who chose to stay away to prevent any potential disruption, particularly given his strained relationship with his brother Prince William. Grosvenor shares a close bond with both brothers and serves as the godfather to their sons, George and Archie, respectively.
The Significance of a Non-Royal Yet Royal-Like Wedding
Hugh Grosvenor, who inherited the title of Duke of Westminster and a colossal estate after his father's demise in 2016, is among the wealthiest individuals under 40 in the UK, with a fortune estimated at $12.8 billion. His bride, Olivia Henson, is the daughter of a City stockbroker and works as an accountant. The couple has been together for two years and announced their engagement in April 2023.
The wedding, marked by grandeur and exclusivity, saw an attendance of 400 guests, including personalities from the British aristocracy and high society. Prince William performed usher duties, while Kate Middleton, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, was absent.
A Century-Old Legacy and Modern Celebrations
The legacy of the Grosvenor family is deeply rooted in Britain's real estate and aristocracy, with properties spanning across Mayfair, Belgravia, and beyond. The couple managed to keep much of their private life out of the media, showcasing impeccable discretion. Interestingly, Grosvenor even ensured that the local Chester community was part of the celebrations by distributing free ice cream and decorating the town with nearly 10,000 flowers.
The ceremony in Chester Cathedral was not just a wedding but a unification of tradition, wealth, and modern diplomacy, ensuring that Prince Henry's absence did not become a focal point for controversy. Hugh Grosvenor stands as a figure of immense wealth and legacy, yet maintains a profile dedicated to philanthropy and privacy.
- Hugh Grosvenor, the **7th Duke of Westminster**, also known as the most eligible bachelor in the UK, inherited a vast real estate empire at the age of 25. His wealth ranks him 15th in the Sunday Times Rich List and first among those under 40.
- The Duke's significant ties to the British royal family extend beyond wealth. He is a godson to **King Charles III** and a godfather to Prince William's and Prince Harry’s sons, demonstrating his pivotal role in their lives.
- The Grosvenor fortune includes notable properties such as a residential tower in Tokyo, a shopping center in Stockholm, and one of the largest private hunting estates in Europe, 'The Gorge.' The Duke has also shown a knack for strategic business decisions, recently transferring a lucrative office tower in Madrid.
