Here comes the bride – in an old Bentley.
Today marks Britain’s high society wedding of the year, and none other than Prince William (sans Harry) is leading the guests. As he strode into Chester Cathedral for the nuptials of the Duke of Westminster, Britain’s richest man under 40, and Miss Olivia Henson, who remained a relative mystery until the engagement, Wills opened the flow of celebrity guests and high-profile aristocrats who are in for a massive celebration. This came after the Prince honored the heroes of D-Day yesterday as world leaders marked the 80th anniversary.
Hugh Grosvenor, 33, owns a massive 300 acres of London real estate and is worth a total of £10.42 billion. He also boasts close ties to the royal family – King Charles is his godfather, while Grosvenor himself is the godfather of William’s George and Harry’s Archie. The future Duchess of Westminster Olivia, 31, is an Old Marlburian, studied at the same college as the Princess of Wales and is senior account manager at Belazu, the ethical food company based in London.
The bride chose a dress by London-based bridal designer Emma Victoria Payne, complete with a touching tribute to her great-great-grandmother by incorporating floral motifs and trim from her 1880 veil. Olivia also wore the Fabergé Myrtle Leaf Tiara, which has been in the Grosvenor family since its creation in 1906, and a pair of blue high heels.
On a bright Friday morning in June, Princess Eugenie of York walked into the cathedral wearing an olive green Joseph dress with a pleated skirt and an acorn-shaped beige hat by Emily London with a white veil. They were joined by hordes of Sloane Ranger types: printed dresses and gold, block heels at the ready.
400 guests were expected to line the pews that morning, with the aisle reportedly lined with birch trees. The entrance, meanwhile, was packed with visitors, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the inevitable crowd of Lords and Ladies arriving for the ceremony.
Arrival at Chester Cathedral for the wedding of the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson
