Prince George’s godfather Hugh Grosvenor has inherited billions and half of London after the death of his landowner and philanthropist father.
The 25-year-old’s father, Gerald Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, died suddenly in Lancashire on Tuesday after suddenly becoming ill on his Abbeystead Estate. He was 64.
According to Forbes the duke’s fortune was estimated at $10.8bn (USD) and he was ranked the 68th wealthiest person in the world.
Hugh now stands to inherit his late-father’s title, as well as his fortune – which many societal types reportedly joke includes ‘half the land in London’ – making him a remarkably wealthy young man.
The late-duke pictured with the Queen in 2004 following the wedding of his daughter Lady Tamara Grosvenor and Edward van Cutsem in Chester.
Despite the family’s affluence, Hugh – whose title is ‘Earl Grosvenor’ – and his three sisters, Lady Tamara, 36, Lady Edwina, 34 and Lady Viola, 23 are believed to have enjoyed a rather grounded upbringing, thanks to Gerald and his duchess wife, Natalia’s influence.
Uncommon for those in the aristocracy, Hugh did not go to boarding school. As a child he attended a local state primary school on The Wirral, close to the family home, and then private day school, Mostyn House before attending the co-ed Ellesmere College in Shropshire.
After growing up in virtual obscurity – expect for a lavish 21st birthday party rumoured to cost in the millions and attended by the likes of Prince Harry – the young account manager for a bio-fuels company is now touted as the most eligible bachelor in Britain after getting the bulk of his father’s fortune.
In July 2014 Hugh was named as one of Prince George’s godparents.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge selected seven people as godparent’s to their eldest child, including Zara Tindall, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem and the young earl.
Cute: Prince George at his christening in 2014.
The long-lasting links between the royal family and the Grosvenor family meant Hugh was not a surprise choice for godfather to George.
The late Duke of Westminster and Prince William’s father, the Prince of Wales had a friendship spanning decades, and Hugh’s sister, Lady Edwina, is Princess Diana’s god-daughter.
The late Duke of Westminster and the Prince of Wales were firm friends.
Prince Charles said he was “greatly saddened” by the death of his friend.
