Britain prepares for the royal wedding of the year as the Duke of Westminster ties the knot

The wedding of one of the richest men in the UK features 100,000 flowers and a significant role for Prince George.

The Royal Family is gearing up for one of the most anticipated weddings of the year as the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, will marry his partner Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral this Friday.

Hugh Grosvenor, known as the UK's wealthiest resident under 40, has maintained a close friendship with Princes William and Harry for many years. In a significant role, the future King William will serve as an usher at the ceremony. However, it's his son, Prince George, who is expected to draw the most attention. Although Prince George's exact role remains undisclosed, the Mail on Sunday reported it will be "prominent."

Notably absent from the event will be Prince Harry, despite his previous close friendship with Grosvenor, who is godfather to Prince Archie. It is believed that Harry declined the invitation due to his ongoing feud with the Royal Family, particularly with his brother William. Princess Kate will also be absent as she continues her cancer treatment. The attendance of King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis remains uncertain.

Despite these absences, Chester Cathedral will welcome 400 guests, including historian and TV presenter Dan Snow, who is married to Lady Edwina Grosvenor, the groom’s sister. According to the Daily Express, the historic city has been adorned with 100,000 flowers in celebration of the nuptials. These blooms, sponsored by the Duke, will be donated to charity after the ceremony. Chester’s Business Improvement District shared photos of the flowers on X, noting the Duke and Olivia Henson's sponsorship of the planting.

As part of local celebrations for their wedding, the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson are delighted to sponsor this year’s Chester BID Flower Planting, along with a planting morning with the BID team and Chester Businesses. (1/3)

Read👉 https://t.co/xuaKGKoB87#chester pic.twitter.com/BO82S2njkl

— Chester BID (@ChesterBID) May 30, 2024

The couple, who have made Cheshire their home, will hold their wedding reception at the Grosvenor family estate, Eaton Hall. This is also where Hugh Grosvenor, 33, proposed to Olivia Henson in 2023. Henson explained to Town and Country why they decided to move out of London, making Eaton Hall the perfect venue for their celebration.

KEEPING CHESTER LOOKING ITS BEST

This week we have been working extra hard to ensure Chester City Centre looks its best for the expected national coverage on Friday, as well as for all who live, work and play in the city. (1/5)#chester #experiencechester #wedding #uk #city pic.twitter.com/jLgjyw8pmQ

— Chester BID (@ChesterBID) June 5, 2024

As the Royal Family and friends gather to celebrate this momentous occasion, the event promises to be a grand affair, marking a significant milestone for the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson.