Hugh Grosvenor’s nuptials to Olivia Henson was the society wedding of the year, attracting a royal and aristocratic crowd including Prince William, Princess Eugenie and Charles van Straubenzee. The Duke of Westminster, 33, wed Olivia, 31, at midday at Chester Cathedral, Cheshire, today (7 June), watched by over 400 guests, some of whom had flown in from around the world.
The Prince of Wales acted as his usher, repaying the favour as Hugh – affectionately known as ‘Hughie’ – is godfather to William’s eldest son George, ten. Despite Hugh also being godfather to Prince Harry’s five-year-old son Archie, the Duke of Sussex, who was initially on the guest list, reportedly decided to miss his friend’s big day due to ‘challenges and difficulties’ that his presence may cause.
It’s thought that his strained relationship with his elder brother, as well as security issues, may have played a part in his decision. Harry and Hugh are said to have come to ‘a civilised understanding’ during a phone call.
‘It was an understanding between the two friends,’ a source told People, adding, ‘He sends his love and support and admiration for the couple.’
Hugh wanted both brothers to attend, another insider revealed. ‘Hugh is one of very few close friends of William and Harry, who has maintained strong bonds and a line of communication with both,’ they said. ‘He wishes they could put their heads together and patch things up, but realises it’s unlikely to happen before the wedding. He wanted to avoid anything overshadowing the day, especially for Olivia, and doesn’t want any awkwardness.’
Hugh – who is King Charles’ godson while his mother is William’s godmother – and Olivia announced their engagement in April 2023 after two years of dating. She becomes the new Duchess of Westminster through their union.
With an inherited fortune of over £10 billion, he’s the richest man under 40 in Britain and was formerly one of the UK’s most eligible bachelors. Their wedding has been described as ‘the most royal non-royal wedding of the year’.
What about Kate?
Kate was not expected to attend the wedding as she remains out of the spotlight to continue her recovery from her cancer diagnosis and preventative chemotherapy treatment. The Princess of Wales is not expected to return to official duties until doctors give her the all-clear, and any appearances at royal events would be sporadic, palace sources have said.