The Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, married Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral on Friday, in what many are calling the society wedding of the decade and the “most royal non-royal nuptials.” Roads were shut down in Chester to accommodate the event, and in an effort to stave off any blowback, the bride and groom funded the annual Summer Flowers project, planting 100,000 flowers across the city and providing free ice cream from three local businesses on the wedding day.
A Spectacular Celebration
Today, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster shared their first photos as husband and wife, alongside a statement thanking those who came out to support them. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us yesterday and want to extend a special thank you to those in Chester who helped make our day so memorable,” the couple wrote. “We have been incredibly touched by everyone’s amazing support and warm wishes.”
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Hugh Grosvenor |
| Title | Duke of Westminster |
| Birthdate | January 29, 1991 |
| Occupation | Property Developer |
| Relationship Status | Married to Olivia Henson |
| Estimated Net Worth | £10.1 billion |
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Olivia Henson |
| Occupation | Senior Accounts Manager at Belazu |
| Relationship Status | Married to Hugh Grosvenor |
| Birthdate | April 5, 1992 |
The Ceremony
The weekend’s events began on the morning of Friday, June 7, around 11:30 a.m., as the groom made his way from the Grosvenor family home on the Eaton Estate to Chester Cathedral in a dark green Land Rover Defender, with his three best men following closely behind. Just before midday, the bride arrived in a vintage Bentley, wearing a dress by the London-based designer Emma Victoria Payne.
The billowing dress incorporated floral motifs from a veil once worn by her great-grandmother, dating back to 1880. Underneath her veil, she wore the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara, which was originally made for the Grosvenors in 1906 to be worn by the family’s brides on their wedding days. For her something blue, she chose Silvia Lago Valentina 8 Riveria pumps, handmade in Spain in velvet fabric and accented with bows on the toes.
The couple said their vows in front of 400 guests, including Prince William, who served as an usher, and Princess Eugenie of York. Celebrations at the Eaton Estate, which have been carefully planned by Fait Accompli, the same event planners behind Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, continued throughout the afternoon and evening.
A Gesture of Generosity
In honor of their special day, the Duke and Duchess arranged for people in Chester to enjoy free ice creams, partnering with three local businesses to provide the treats. Additionally, the city’s annual Summer Flowers project was funded by the couple, resulting in the planting of 100,000 flowers across Chester.
Highlights from the Wedding
- Arrival: The groom arrived in a Land Rover Defender, while the bride made her grand entrance in a vintage Bentley.
- Attire: Olivia Henson wore a stunning Emma Victoria Payne dress and the historic Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara.
- Guests: The wedding was attended by 400 guests, including notable figures such as Prince William and Princess Eugenie.
- Reception: Held at Eaton Estate, the reception was meticulously planned by Fait Accompli.
Floral and Community Contributions
The wedding’s impact extended beyond the ceremony and reception. The couple’s funding of the Summer Flowers project added a vibrant touch to the city, and their provision of free ice cream created a festive atmosphere for the public. These gestures of generosity reflect the couple’s desire to share their joy with the community.
A Legacy of Wealth and Philanthropy
Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, inherited his title and the extensive Grosvenor Estate at the age of 25, following the death of his father in 2016. His wealth, estimated at £10.1 billion, makes him one of the richest men in the country. The Grosvenor Group, which he controls, owns property in London’s wealthy Mayfair and Belgravia districts, as well as city center developments such as the Liverpool One shopping center.
The Couple’s Future Plans
The newlyweds currently reside in London but plan to set up their home in Chester, the Grosvenor ancestral home. Olivia Henson, a senior accounts manager at Belazu, was introduced to the Duke through mutual friends. Their relationship, marked by a shared commitment to philanthropy and community engagement, suggests a future filled with both personal and public endeavors.
The event not only marked the union of two individuals but also celebrated their connection to the community and their commitment to giving back. As they embark on their life together, Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson’s story continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of those who follow their journey.
Inside the Prestigious Lineage of the Duke of Westminster, A Complete List
The title of Duke of Westminster is one of the most prestigious in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created by Queen Victoria in 1874 and bestowed upon Hugh Grosvenor, 3rd Marquess of Westminster. It is notable for being the most recent dukedom conferred on someone not related to the British royal family.
An Overview of the Dukedom
The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Dukes were each grandsons of the first. The present holder of the title is Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke, who inherited the dukedom on August 9, 2016, upon the death of his father, Gerald Grosvenor. The current Duke of Westminster is also a godfather to Prince George of Wales.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Hugh Grosvenor |
| Title | 7th Duke of Westminster |
| Birthdate | January 29, 1991 |
| Occupation | Property Developer, Businessman |
| Relationship Status | Married to Olivia Henson |
| Estimated Net Worth | £10.1 billion |
| Residences | Eaton Hall, Cheshire; Abbeystead House, Lancashire |
| Notable Family Member | Gerald Grosvenor (father) |
Historical Seats and Residences
The Duke of Westminster’s seats are at Eaton Hall, Cheshire, and at Abbeystead House, Lancashire. The family’s London townhouse was Grosvenor House on Park Lane, and Halkyn Castle was built as a sporting lodge for the family in the early 1800s. The traditional burial place of the Dukes is the Old Churchyard adjacent to St Mary’s Church, Eccleston.
History of the Grosvenor Family
The Grosvenor family has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. Richard Grosvenor was created Baronet of Eaton in January 1622. Sir Richard Grosvenor, the 7th Baronet, was later created Baron Grosvenor in 1761, and in 1784, he became both Viscount Belgrave and Earl Grosvenor under George III. The title of Marquess of Westminster was bestowed upon Robert Grosvenor, the 2nd Earl Grosvenor, at the coronation of William IV in 1831.
Grosvenor Baronets of Eaton (1622)
| Baronet | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sir Richard Grosvenor | 1584–1645 | MP |
| Sir Richard Grosvenor | 1604–1664 | Son of the 1st Baronet |
| Sir Thomas Grosvenor | 1656–1700 | Son of Roger Grosvenor |
| Sir Richard Grosvenor | 1689–1732 | Eldest son of the 3rd Baronet, died without issue |
| Sir Thomas Grosvenor | 1693–1733 | Second son of the 3rd Baronet, died unmarried |
| Sir Robert Grosvenor | 1695–1755 | Third and youngest son of the 3rd Baronet |
| Sir Richard Grosvenor | 1731–1802 | Created Baron Grosvenor in 1761 |
Barons Grosvenor (1761)
| Baron | Lifespan | Period | Spouse | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Grosvenor | 1731–1802 | 1761–1802 | Henrietta Vernon | Later created Earl Grosvenor |
Earls Grosvenor (1784)
| Earl | Lifespan | Period | Spouse | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Grosvenor | 1731–1802 | 1784–1802 | Henrietta Vernon | Already Baron Grosvenor |
| Robert Grosvenor | 1767–1845 | 1802–1845 | Eleanor Egerton | Later created Marquess of Westminster |
Marquesses of Westminster (1831)
| Marquess | Lifespan | Period | Spouse | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Grosvenor | 1767–1845 | 1831–1845 | Eleanor Egerton | Already Earl Grosvenor |
| Richard Grosvenor | 1795–1869 | 1845–1869 | Elizabeth Leveson-Gower | Son of the preceding |
| Hugh Grosvenor | 1825–1899 | 1869–1899 | Constance Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Katherine Cavendish | Later created Duke of Westminster |
Dukes of Westminster (1874)
| Duke | Lifespan | Period | Spouse | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hugh Grosvenor | 1825–1899 | 1874–1899 | Constance Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Katherine Cavendish | Already Marquess of Westminster |
| Hugh Grosvenor | 1879–1953 | 1899–1953 | Constance Cornwallis-West, Violet Nelson, Loelia Ponsonby, Anne Sullivan | Grandson of the preceding |
| William Grosvenor | 1894–1963 | 1953–1963 | Unmarried | Cousin of the preceding |
| Gerald Grosvenor | 1907–1967 | 1963–1967 | Sally Perry | Cousin of the preceding |
| Robert Grosvenor | 1910–1979 | 1967–1979 | Viola Lyttelton | Brother of the preceding |
| Gerald Grosvenor | 1951–2016 | 1979–2016 | Natalia Phillips | Son of the preceding |
| Hugh Grosvenor | b. 1991 | 2016–Present | Olivia Henson | Son of the preceding |
The Influence and Wealth of the Grosvenors
The Grosvenor family is renowned for its vast wealth and significant influence, particularly in the real estate sector. The Grosvenor Group, which manages the family’s assets, owns prime properties in London’s Mayfair and Belgravia districts, among other valuable assets. The Grosvenors have maintained a legacy of wealth and power through strategic marriages, land acquisitions, and business ventures.
Modern-Day Dukedom
The current Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, continues to uphold the family’s legacy. Known for his philanthropic efforts and business acumen, he has made significant contributions to various charitable causes. His recent marriage to Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral was a highly publicized event, reflecting the enduring public interest in the Grosvenor family.
