Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, got married in a lavish ceremony on June 7 this year.
The Duke tied the knot with his long-time partner Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral in England, and Prince William played a key role at the event – acting as an usher.
Hugh and Olivia’s wedding was one of the biggest days of the year in high society, and the guest list was nothing short of star-studded.
The Duke of Westminster, 33, is a billionaire businessman and aristocrat who shares a close relationship with William, the Prince of Wales.
The nature of his close bond with Prince William was proven when he was named as one of Prince George’s godparents. Hugh’s ties to the royal family go even further than that, as King Charles is also one of his godparents.
As such, William took on a key role at his friend’s wedding, with the prince acting as an usher on the day.
Despite her husband’s role in the ceremony, Catherine, Princess of Wale did not attend the event as she continues to receive treatment for cancer. Likewise, King Charles III was also absent on the day as he continues his own recovery.
According to a source who spoke to PEOPLE, the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were invited to Hugh and Olivia’s wedding however they declined their invitation to the event. It was reportedly an “understanding between the two friends” that Harry and Meghan wouldn’t attend as not to detract from the big day as focus would likely shift to William and Harry’s current rift.
Like his brother, Prince Harry has also shared a close bond with Hugh for many years who is also the godfather of Harry’s son Archie, five.
Hugh inherited his title from his father in 2016, making him one of the wealthiest men in Britain.
Known as ‘Hughie’ by his friends, the Duke also inherited control of the Grosvenor Estate and the seat at Eaton Hall, as well as 140,000 acres of land in prime locations across the country.
The 7th Duke of Westminster was long referred to as ‘the most eligible man in Britain’ due to his status, wealth and close relationship with the royal family.
Meanwhile, Hugh’s now-wife Olivia Henson is a senior account manager at Belazu, a food company located in London.
The pair met in 2021 through mutual friends and they were engaged two years later in April 2023.
Hugh and Olivia’s wedding ceremony took place at Chester Cathedral, which was followed by a reception at Eaton Hall.
Prior to their wedding, a spokesperson for the pair said: “The couple have chosen the cathedral for both its beauty and long association with the Grosvenor family, including to the Duke personally.”
Hugh also spoke to Town & Country ahead of his nuptials, saying: “I think next time we’re in here [Chester Cathedral] will be slightly more nerve-wracking. But I’m unbelievably excited.
“I also just wanted to make it very clear how unbelievably helpful people have been, how supportive they’ve been so far which I’m unbelievably grateful for. Because I do realise that it’s going to be a big thing for the city. It’s going to be certainly a huge thing for us, so we’re just really grateful for all the help.”
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