Sealed with a kiss: UK's 'most eligible bachelor' marries in front of Prince William at society wedding of the year

7 June 2024, 13:07 | Updated: 7 June 2024, 14:44

Bride Olivia Henson wears a custom wedding dress and veil designed by Emma Victoria Payne
Bride Olivia Henson wears a custom wedding dress and veil designed by Emma Victoria Payne. Picture: Getty Images

By Emma Soteriou

The UK's "most eligible bachelor" has married at the society wedding of the year at Chester Cathedral, attended by guests including Prince William and Princess Eugenie.

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Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, 33, married Olivia Henson, 31, on Friday.

Ms Henson was seen arriving just after midday, wearing a dress designed by Emma Victoria Payne, which incorporated floral motifs and edgings from her great-great-grandmother's veil.

The veil blew strongly in the wind, prompting gasps from the crowd, as she entered the cathedral.

She also wore the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara made for Grosvenor brides to wear on their wedding day, which has been in the family since 1906.

Her bouquet was made of flowers picked from the gardens of the duke's family home, Eaton Hall.

Read more: Just Stop Oil try to interrupt society wedding of the year attended by royals Prince William and Princess Eugenie

Olivia Henson and Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster leave Chester Cathedral after their wedding
Olivia Henson and Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster leave Chester Cathedral after their wedding. Picture: Alamy
Olivia Henson
Olivia Henson. Picture: Getty
Olivia Henson arrives for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor
Olivia Henson arrives for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor. Picture: Alamy
The bride waved at crowds before entering the cathedral
The bride waved at crowds before entering the cathedral. Picture: Getty

Among the 400 guests attending is Prince William, who acted as an usher helping guests to their seats.

However, he was not joined by Kate for the occasion, as she remains out of the spotlight while receiving treatment for cancer.

Prince Harry did not make an appearance either, after it was mutually agreed between the feuding brothers that he would not attend.

Read more: Prince Harry pulled out of attending society wedding of the year after realising 'challenges of his attendance'

Olivia Henson arrives for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor
Olivia Henson arrives for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor. Picture: Getty
William arriving at Chester Cathedral
William arriving at Chester Cathedral. Picture: LBC
Princess Eugenie arrives at the wedding of the Duke of Westminster
Princess Eugenie arrives at the wedding of the Duke of Westminster. Picture: Getty

The Duke, who is the richest man in Britain under 40, is godfather to Prince William's son Prince George and Prince Harry's son Archie.

He is said to be paying for free ice cream, gelato and sorbet for locals from three local independent cafes to mark the occasion.

Read more: 'She's better, thanks': Prince William gives update on Kate's health at D-Day anniversary event amid cancer battle

Read more: Prince William hosts rain-soaked Buckingham Palace garden party in absence of King Charles

Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, arrives at Chester Cathedral for his wedding to Olivia Henson
Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, arrives at Chester Cathedral for his wedding to Olivia Henson. Picture: Alamy
Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, arrives at Chester Cathedral for his wedding to Olivia Henson.
Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, arrives at Chester Cathedral for his wedding to Olivia Henson. Picture: Alamy

Crowds were seen lining the streets outside Chester cathedral ahead of the ceremony, with dozens looking to get a glimpse at the couple.

Some are said to have been camping out since 6am - despite the wedding not starting until the afternoon.

Prince of Wales arrives with guests to Duke of Westminster's wedding

The Duke of Westminster boasts a fortune of over £10 billion, having become an instant billionaire when he inherited his title and control of the historic Grosvenor Estate aged 25.

His bride, who grew up in London and Oxfordshire, has worked in the sustainable food and drinks industry, most recently at London-based artisanal food company Belazu.

The couple are said to have chosen the wedding venue due to the personal connection to the duke, whose family home Eaton Hall is nearby.

Following the service, there will be a private reception at the family home.

Bride arrives at her wedding to the Duke of Westminster

A spokesperson for the duke and Ms Henson said: "This is an incredibly special day for the Duke and Miss Henson and they are very much looking forward to the service.

"It means a lot to them to marry in Chester Cathedral, especially given the Grosvenor family's long and close personal connection to both the Cathedral and the city of Chester.

"The couple have also been moved by the messages of support they have received from around the region and are hugely grateful that people want to share in their happiness."

Crowds gathered outside the cathedral
Crowds gathered outside the cathedral. Picture: Alamy

The spokesperson added: "The Duke and Miss Henson have taken a great deal of care in planning the wedding, putting their own personal stamp on all the arrangements and have made a conscious effort to involve local and regional suppliers in several aspects of the day."

The couple got engaged last year after being together for two years.