Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson's modern touch wedding explored (2024)

The Duke of Westminster has married Olivia Henson in the society wedding of the year.

Billionaire aristocrat Hugh Grosvenor, 33, tied the knot with Miss Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral this afternoon.The couple announced their engagement in April last year after being together for two years.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Ms Henson said theyput 'their own personal stamp on all the arrangements' ranging from the flowers to food.

However,in one major twist, the Duke of Westminster eschewed the traditional English service popular witharistocratic couples. As a result, theservice at Chester Cathedral, attended by Prince William and Princess Eugenie, was in contemporary language rather than 17th century English.

Most Church of England weddings use the words from The Marriage Service from Common Worship, which offers a greater choice of readings and prayers. But some couples prefer a ceremony using language such as 'thee' and 'thou' instead of 'you' and may use the Book of Common Prayer from 1662.

The Dean of Chester, the Very Reverend Dr Tim Stratford told MailOnline that the couple were having a 'contemporary' service, rather than using the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, which includes the line that matrimony should not be entered into: 'lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding.'

The Dean, who is officiating the wedding, added: 'In many ways this is like any other couple getting married, just on a larger scale, because they are somewhat in the public eye and some of their guests are definitely in the public eye.

'The couple at the centre of this want to declare their undying love for one another in the presence of witnesses, family and friends and we are here to provide the stage.'

In addition, there is also an updated version of the 1662 service, known as Alternative Services: Series One, which was used by the Prince and Princess of Wales for their wedding.

Universally known as 'Hughie' to aristocratic friends, the Duke of Westminster is estimated to be worth £10.42billion, making him the richest man under 40 in Britain.

Meanwhile, his bride, who grew up in London and Oxfordshire, has worked in the sustainable food and drinks industry.

Ms Henson travelled to the cathedral with her father in a vintage Bentley, originally made for the car manufacturer's founder in 1930.

The service was sung by the Chester Cathedral Choir, accompanied by a group of musicians from North West England.

The Bishop of Chester, the Right Revd Mark Tanner, also preached and prayers were led by the Revd Canon Rosie Woodall.

Seasonal flowers for the ceremony were sourced from local growers and will be made into bouquets after the wedding, to be delivered to local charities, churches and organisations

The couple are said to have chosen the wedding venue for its beauty and because of the personal connection to the duke, whose family home Eaton Hall is nearby. Following the service, there will be a private reception at the estate.

The spokesperson for the duke and Ms Henson added: '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.'

The spokesperson continued: '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.'

Eaton Hall, a mock French chateau set in 10,872 acres of Cheshire (50 acres of which is elaborate formal gardens) is where the couple intend to live after they are married, and is the perfect place for a party.

Details about the reception plans are being kept very private, at least for now, but the Duke has announced that the couple will be treating the citizens of Chester to free ice creams, gelato and sorbet at three local independent cafes so they can join in the celebration.

Prince William acted as an usher for the ceremony, which started at midday with some 400 guests believed to be in attendance.

The prince arrived at the cathedral at about 10.30am, leaving a Mercedes van along with fellow ushers and entering through a side entrance unseen by many of the crowds gathered on the street outside.

His brother the Duke of Sussex is not expected to be there after it was mutually agreed he would not attend.

The wedding comes amid a long-running rift between the princes.

The Princess of Wales, who has been out of the spotlight as she undergoes treatment for cancer, is not expected to attend.

The King, the groom's godfather, and Queen are not due to be at the ceremony either, having been at D-Day commemorations in France on Thursday.

The Duke of Westminster is godfather to William's son, Prince George, and also, reportedly, to Harry's son Prince Archie.

Ten-year-old George is not expected to attend the wedding as it falls on a school day.

The Duke of Westminster became an instant billionaire when he inherited his title and control of the historic Grosvenor Estate aged 25, following the death of his father from a heart attack in 2016.

His property company, Grosvenor Group, owns about 300 acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as major city centre developments such as Liverpool's One shopping centre.