WITH an estimated fortune of £10 billion, the Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor is arguably the country’s most eligible bachelor.
That is until tomorrow, when he will marry his fiancée, Olivia Henson, in a lavish ceremony in the city of Chester.
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The nuptials have already been touted as the social wedding of the year, with a star-studded guest list.
With royalty and famous dignitaries in attendance, the powerful duke blocked off several streets to the public.
The 33-year-old groom-to-be has pulled out all the stops and spared no expense to ensure it will be an unforgettable day.
Here, we reveal everything we know about the glitzy ceremony.
100,000 flowers
Although the cost of the wedding has been kept secret, it has been reported that the Duke will finance it privately.
For the big day, 100,000 flowers were planted throughout the city, all paid for by the Duke. After the ceremony, they will be donated to charity.
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The wedding, at historic Chester Cathedral, will be attended by 400 guests.
Speaking about why he chose to get married at the venue, the Duke said: “Obviously we have a long association with the cathedral as a family, so we have been here for my father’s memorial, my sister’s wedding and every Sunday Memory in which I can attend. is here.
“But I’m incredibly excited and I also wanted to make it really clear how incredibly helpful people have been, how much they’ve supported me so far, which I’m incredibly grateful for because I realize it’s going to be a big, big thing for the city.”
Three talented students were invited to sing selected songs as the Duke and his bride walked down the aisle.
Grace Crook, Isla Mills and Cassie Lounds, who all attend The Queen’s School in Chester, even appeared on video to talk about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Year 12 student Grace, principal chorister of Chester Cathedral Choir, said she was “thrilled” to be involved in such a big occasion.
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“It’s an absolute honor to now be the Principal Chorusist and I’m really looking forward to the big day. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s an incredible opportunity and I can’t wait,” she says.
After the wedding, guests will be welcomed to a reception at Eaton Hall, the Duke’s country home.
A second day of celebrations will also take place on Saturday at the sprawling 10,872-acre estate in Cheshire. The incredible home was designed to showcase the wealth of the first Duke of Westminster.
The choice of location will mark a full circle moment, as it was on the property where the Duke proposed to Olivia in November 2023.
Free ice cream for supporters
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Hundreds of well-wishers take to the streets to catch a glimpse of the young couple.
Earlier today, the couple announced that the public would receive free ice cream, gelato and ice cream at three independent shops in the city center, which would also offer donuts, water and coffee.
The city was a hive of activity today, with police planning security operations and securing the area and florists transporting floral arrangements.
Even the telephone booths were being spruced up – with a painter touching up the golden crowns on top with strict attention to detail.
The council chose to close several roads around the Cathedral.
He advised people who wish to travel that day: “Please rethink traveling to the city center on that day, avoiding traveling by car if possible.”
The Duke also hinted that he will compensate businesses that will close or lose business during the road closures, promising to offer “financial support”.
£5 million parties
The wedding will be nothing short of extravagant if the Duke’s previous parties are anything to go by.
For his 21st birthday in 2012, Hugh’s father spent a whopping £5 million on a lavish party with high-profile guests including Prince Harry.
The party was held in the gardens of Eaton Hall and featured performances by comedian Michael McIntyre and hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks.
Its 800 guests enjoyed complimentary champagne and a midnight light show.
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A-List Guests
Several members of English high society are expected to join Cheshire to help celebrate the nuptials.
The Duke is close friends with high-ranking royals such as Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry.
His family has an extensive history with the Royal Family.
Hugh’s father was the late Queen’s 14th cousin once removed and mentored William at Her Majesty’s request, according to reports.
In 2013, Hugh became godfather to the Prince of Wales’ eldest son, Prince George.
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The extensive estates of Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster
The Grosvenor family originally made their fortune in mining before turning to the world of real estate.
Hugh inherited an impressive property portfolio when his father passed away in 2016.
The Duke owns Park Lane in London and half of Mayfair.
Additionally, properties that Hugh owns include:
- Eaton Estate – the Grosvenor family home of 11,500 acres in Cheshire.
- Abbeystead – the 23,500 acre shooting estate in Lancashire.
- Finca La Garganta Estate – 37,000 acre plot of land in rural Córdoba, near Seville, Spain.
- Reay Forest in Sutherland, Scotland.
Prince William and his son Prince George are expected to play critical roles on the big day. Although the Prince of Wales will be the usher, it is unknown what role George will play.
It was reported that Prince Harry, who was also invited, declined the invitation because he did not want the focus of the day to be on his rivalry with his brother and other family members.
A source told The Times: “It is understood that a civilized understanding has been reached between the Duke [of Westminster] and Harry by phone. After all, it’s a long way from California.”
They added: “Harry was invited but agreed to stay away.
“The Duke’s diplomacy then paved the way for William to play the role of usher during Friday’s ceremony – a job which would have been very awkward if he had been required to show Harry to his pew, even though he might have liked to tell him where to go. “
The King and Princess of Wales, who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis, are not expected to attend.
Other guests include the Duke’s sisters Lady Tamara, Lady Viola and Lady Edwina, along with her husband, TV historian Dan Snow.
Eye-watering wealth
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The Duke of Westminster became a billionaire at the age of 25 when his father died, and inherited his family’s impressive wealth.
According to last year’s Sunday Times Rich List, the clan is now the 12th richest family in the country.
As property portfolios go, very few can compete with the Duke’s, including the 23,500-acre Abbeystead shooting estate in Lancashire.
Additionally, he owns Reay Forest in Sutherland, Scotland, which is home to a series of beautiful mountains and thousands of wild deer.
Whenever you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, you can retreat to your 37,000-acre estate, Finca La Garganta, in rural Córdoba, near Seville, Spain.
William and Harry are known to be occasional visitors to the sprawling Spanish estate, spending their time hunting wild boar and deer.
The duke, who had a reputation as a party animal before his inheritance, also enjoyed lavish holidays with his family and friends.
Olivia has hinted that she and her future husband will leave London after the wedding.
“That’s it [Eaton Hall] obviously a place where we will live, where we will build our lives together,” she told Town and Country.
“And we’re slowly transitioning out of London and being much more permanent here, really putting down roots. So actually, yes, it was a very easy decision in the end.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
