ARCHIE’S best man will breathe a sigh of relief now that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry can’t attend their lavish wedding, a royal expert claims.
Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, will marry Olivia Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral on June 7.
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But the aristocrat and businessman, who is godfather to Archie and Prince George, is said to have been very worried before his big day.
Sources claimed Hugh was worried about Princes Harry and William’s rivalry – and how that might play out on the big day.
But it was reported yesterday that the Duke of Sussex will not be attending to avoid any tension – while Wills will be in the wedding party.
Now royal expert Ingrid Seward has weighed in on the Sussexes not RSVPing – and said it would be welcomed by many.
She said she doubted the couple would want to travel to the UK – where they are unpopular – and attend a wedding where they might attract unnecessary attention.
Ingrid told The Sun: “Harry and Meghan obviously probably have no intention of flying 5,000 miles to attend a wedding. It’s the society wedding of the year when society doesn’t want to meet them – especially Meghan.
“I guess what I mean is that the last thing Meghan wanted to do was fly to the UK – where she is deeply unpopular – and be shown, if you will, what she would be,
“To give them credit, they knew that their presence there would completely divert attention from the bride and groom, and that usually happens when royals attend a wedding.”
Hugh and Olivia announced their engagement at Eaton Hall in Cheshire in April last year, after being together for two years.
And last week, the Duke of Westminster topped The Sunday Times’ 40 Under 40 Rich List, boasting a fortune of £10.1 billion.
Details of his and Olivia’s wedding have come to light in recent weeks — including that Wills will be the usher during the ceremony.
Ingrid added that she thought the Sussexes made a great decision by not coming for the big day.
She said: “If Harry comes without Meghan it would look a bit strange, and if he comes with Meghan they will steal the thunder.
“So in a way I think the situation has been resolved for them and I’m sure Hugh Grosvenor is probably very relieved because this resolves the issue for him as well.”
Hugh became an instant billionaire when he inherited the title and control of the historic Grosvenor Estate at the age of 25, following his father’s death from a heart attack in 2016.
His property company, Grosvenor Group, owns around 300 acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as major city center developments such as Liverpool’s ONE shopping centre, and the duke is part of the royal’s inner circle.
It is said that there are 400 guests for his and Olivia’s wedding.
Wills’ key role in Hugh’s big day
By Ryan Merrifield
PRINCE William will play an important role in the lavish wedding of his close friend – and Archie’s best man – but his brother Harry will not be attending.
Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, 33, will marry Olivia Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral next month.
The Prince of Wales, 41, is in the groom’s entourage and will host the ceremony, which will be attended by 400 people.
Kate, Princess of Wales, who is undergoing cancer treatment, is not expected to attend.
King Charles – who is also undergoing chemotherapy – is also unlikely to be present, despite being Hugh’s godfather.
It is understood that to avoid any tension, Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan Markle, 42, will not attend, reports the Sunday Times.
Hugh – known as “Hughie” to his friends – is said to be close to the Duke of Sussex.
The businessman and aristocrat – who is also godfather to William’s son and second in line to the throne, Prince George – has a fortune of £10.1 billion.
He inherited title and control of his family’s assets following his father’s death in 2016.
His property company, Grosvenor Group, owns around 300 acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as major city center developments such as Liverpool’s ONE shopping centre, and the duke is part of the royal’s inner circle.
Kate, Princess of Wales, who is undergoing cancer treatment, is not expected to attend.
King Charles – who is also undergoing treatment – is also unlikely to be present, despite being Hugh’s godfather.
Hugh was rumored to have wanted Harry and Meghan at the wedding, but ultimately decided not to, in light of the ongoing feud between the two princes.
A friend said: “It’s incredibly sad that it has come to this.
“Hugh is one of the few close friends of William and Harry who has maintained strong ties and a line of communication with both of them.
“He wishes they could come together and fix things, but realizes that’s unlikely to happen before the wedding.”
He and Olivia were introduced by mutual friends in 2021 and reportedly insisted on a “strict no-gift policy” for guests.
Following the wedding ceremony, guests will enjoy a reception at nearby Eaton Hall on the Grosvenors’ 11,000-acre estate.
A second, smaller reception will be held there for family and close friends.
Hugh, who often keeps a low profile, said he is “incredibly excited” about the wedding but admitted it will be “disheartening”.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
