William Among Guests at Duke of Westminster's Wedding
By Rumeana Jahangir, Chris Long & PA News, BBC News
Thousands of well-wishers gathered in Chester for the wedding of the Duke of Westminster, where Prince William acted as an usher.
Hugh Grosvenor, godson of King Charles III, married Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral earlier today. The 33-year-old duke, who is godfather to Prince George, saw the young prince unable to attend due to school commitments.
The event saw some disruption when two women were arrested after deploying an orange plume from a fire extinguisher-like device. The activist group Just Stop Oil claimed responsibility for the incident, using powder paint to project their message as the couple exited the cathedral. The two women, aged 69 and 73, were arrested by Cheshire Police on suspicion of public order offenses.
Notable Guests and Security Measures
Prince William performed his ushering duties, while other notable guests included Princess Eugenie. The bride, Olivia Henson, arrived in a vintage Bentley and wore a dress designed by Emma Victoria Payne, complemented by a Fabergé tiara traditionally worn by Grosvenor brides since 1906. Her bouquet featured flowers from Eaton Hall's gardens.
The ceremony was not attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who were in Normandy for D-Day commemorations. The Princess of Wales, undergoing cancer treatment, also did not attend.
Public Reaction and Celebration
The public began gathering early, many bringing chairs and picnics to witness the event. Despite the protest, the majority of the day proceeded without incident, with the couple receiving cheers and well-wishes from the crowd.
The newlyweds funded Chester's annual Summer Flowers project, planting 100,000 flowers as part of the celebration. They also provided free ice cream and sorbet from local businesses to visitors in the city center, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
Background and Future
Hugh Grosvenor inherited his title and the Grosvenor Estate at 25 after his father's death in 2016. He and Olivia announced their engagement in April 2023 after two years together.
The couple's decision to marry in Chester reflects their deep personal connection to the city and cathedral, emphasizing local involvement in their special day.
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