Inside Duke of Westminster's grand wedding with Prince William as his usher

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Hugh Grosvenor’s ‘society wedding of the year.’

The Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, married Olivia Henson in a lavish ceremony at Chester Cathedral, marked by the presence of Prince William as an usher. 

According to the Mirror, thousands of well-wishers lined the streets of Chester, cheering as the newlyweds shared a kiss outside the cathedral. The event, dubbed the wedding of the year, attracted a congregation of 400, including Princess Eugenie.

The ceremony took place at Chester Cathedral, a location close to the Grosvenor family’s ancestral seat, Eaton Hall in Cheshire. Both Hugh and Olivia entered the grand church through its front doors, adorned with an arch of flowers and foliage. The choice of venue held personal significance for the couple.

Seasonal flowers for the ceremony were sourced from local growers through the 'Flowers from the Farm' network, which champions artisan growers. These flowers will be repurposed into bouquets for local charities, churches, and organizations, the Mirror reports.

Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Westminster 💒 pic.twitter.com/owEcbn0uIa

— Cameron Walker (@CameronDLWalker) June 7, 2024

Prince William, one of ten ushers, was the highest-profile guest. Notably absent was Prince Harry, who stayed in California. According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Harry and Hugh reached a "civilized understanding" for Harry to skip the wedding due to his rift with his brother. 

Hugh made a grand entrance at the ceremony with his three best men, arriving in a green Land Rover Defender, a vehicle favored by farmers and estate owners. Following the cathedral ceremony, the wedding party traveled to Eaton Hall for an afternoon reception featuring a lemon wedding cake and an evening party. To maintain privacy, guests were requested not to post on social media during the celebrations.

The Duke and Duchess of Westminster’s wedding combined personal touches and grand gestures, creating a memorable event celebrated by many.