Hugh Grosvenor Duke Of Westminster Put Security On High Alert As He RESTRICTS Harry From His Wedding

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was notably absent from the highly anticipated wedding of his close friend, Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, which took place on June 7th in northern England. The high-society event saw the union of Hugh and his bride, Olivia Henson, with around 400 guests in attendance at the ceremony held at Chester Cathedral.
Despite their longstanding friendship, the 39-year-old Prince Harry did not make the trip across the pond to celebrate his friend's special day. Instead, his brother, Prince William, took on a formal role at the nuptials, serving as an usher. Their cousin, Princess Eugenie, was also present among the esteemed guests.
Earlier that week, PEOPLE magazine had confirmed that Prince Harry had indeed been invited to the celebration. However, it was acknowledged by both sides that it would be logistically challenging for him to attend. The Duke of Sussex has been residing in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, since their step back from royal duties in 2020, and the couple no longer has access to their former Frogmore Cottage home as a base during their infrequent visits to the UK.
A source close to the situation described the conversation between Harry and Hugh as "an understanding between the two friends." An insider with knowledge of the bride and groom's perspective revealed that they had mutually agreed on Harry's non-attendance at the wedding.
Despite his physical absence, the Duke of Sussex is said to have sent "his love, support and admiration for the couple" on their special day. The source conveyed that Harry's well-wishes and blessings were warmly received by the newlyweds.
Prior to his engagement to Olivia in April 2023, Hugh Grosvenor had been heralded as one of Britain's most eligible bachelors. The Grosvenor family's estimated net worth of $12.8 billion makes the 32-year-old Duke the richest person in the UK under the age of 40 and the 14th wealthiest individual overall, according to The Sunday Times' Rich List 2024.
The Grosvenor family's royal connections are extensive and long-standing. Hugh is a godfather to Prince William's eldest son, Prince George, and Prince Harry's son, Prince Archie. Additionally, Hugh's mother, Natalia, is a godmother to Prince William and was a childhood friend of the late Princess Diana.
Natalia became the Duchess of Westminster when she married Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor in 1978. Together, they welcomed four children, and as the only son, Hugh inherited the Duke of Westminster title and control of his family's vast fortune when his father passed away at the age of 64 in 2016.
Prince William and Prince Harry have previously attended a Grosvenor family wedding, serving as ushers at the nuptials of Hugh's older sister, Lady Tamara, to Edward van Cutsem (another godson of King Charles) in 2004. The brothers assisted in seating the 650 guests at the ceremony, which was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
On the day of Hugh and Olivia's wedding, however, the Royal Family was notably absent. King Charles and Queen Camilla were in France on June 6th, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. This trip held significant importance as it marked the King's first overseas visit since the palace announced his cancer diagnosis in February 2023.
Additionally, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, did not attend the wedding together. Princess Kate has been largely out of the public eye since announcing on March 22nd that she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
While the reasons behind Prince Harry's non-attendance at the wedding may have been practical, the decision appears to have been a mutual one between the two friends. The Duke of Sussex's absence did not diminish the joy and celebration of the couple's special day, as evidenced by the warm sentiments expressed by the newlyweds and their inner circle.
The Grosvenor family's long-standing royal connections, combined with Hugh's status as one of the wealthiest individuals in the UK, ensured that the wedding was a highly anticipated social event within the upper echelons of British society. Despite the absence of several key Royal Family members, the ceremony and reception no doubt showcased the grandeur and opulence that is synonymous with the Grosvenor family's elite social standing.
As the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Westminster embark on their married life, the public's interest in their union and the broader Grosvenor family's affairs is likely to remain high. The family's ongoing royal ties and Hugh's position as one of the country's most prominent young aristocrats will undoubtedly continue to captivate the attention of royal enthusiasts and social commentators alike.
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