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Harry and William's pal makes cryptic remark on wedding plans amid invite 'snub'

03 June 2024 , 10:12
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Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson will marry in Chester on Friday (Image: Handout)
Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson will marry in Chester on Friday (Image: Handout)

In just four days' time, the Duke of Westminster will marry Olivia Henson in what has been dubbed the society wedding of the year. There is a huge buzz surrounding the nuptials - and not only because the 33-year-old groom is one of the richest people in the UK with an estimated £10bn inherited wealth.

The 400-strong guest list will feature a number of notable names - including members of the British royal family. Hugh Grosvenor's family has long standing links to royals. King Charles is Hugh's godfather, and the groom, known as 'Hughie', is himself a godfather to Prince William's heir and the future king, Prince George. He is also godfather to Prince Harry's son, five-year-old Archie.

Amid Harry's ongoing tense relationship with the royal family, there has been much speculation about whether he will attend the big day. His older brother William, meanwhile, is rumoured to be serving as an usher on the day.

Just last month, Hugh made rare remarks about his marriage as he visited Chester Cathedral - his wedding day venue. And he publicly spoke about those who have 'supported' him in the build-up to the big day.

"I think next time we're in here will be slightly more nerve-wracking. But I'm unbelievably excited," he told Town & Country. "I just wanted to make it very clear how unbelievably helpful people have been, how supportive they've been so far which I'm unbelievably grateful for.

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"Because I do realise that it's going to be a big thing for the city. It's going to be certainly a huge thing for us, so we're just really grateful for all the help."

While close friend William is expected to be in attendance, Princess Kate will likely miss the wedding amid her cancer diagnosis. The couple's three children are also likely to miss out given that it is taking place on a school day.

It is also not known whether King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend. They were not present for Hugh's older sister Lady Tamara's 2004 wedding, and Charles has scaled back his public appearances following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Furthermore, he and Camilla will be in northern France the day before the event attending commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Harry and Meghan are also unlikely to attend. According to The Sunday Times, Hugh wanted both princes at the wedding but decided against inviting the Sussexes to avoid the risk of their feud overshadowing his big day.

A source told the publication: "Hugh is one of the very few close friends of William and Harry's who has maintained strong bonds and a line of communication with both. He wishes they could put their heads together and patch things up, but realises it's unlikely to happen before the wedding. He wanted to avoid anything overshadowing the day, especially for Olivia, and doesn't want any awkwardness."

Gemma Strong

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