As the countdown begins for the highly-anticipated society wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster, and Olivia Henson, all eyes are on their chosen wedding venue – Chester Cathedral. The couple recently visited the Cathedral along with three organisations funded by the Duke’s Westminster Foundation, giving us a glimpse into the reasoning behind their selection.
The Grosvenor family has deep-rooted ties to the Chester Cathedral, with their ancestral seat, Eaton Hall, located just a stone’s throw away. This familial connection played a significant role in the decision-making process for Hugh and Olivia. A spokesperson for the couple revealed that the choice of the cathedral was not only due to its beauty but also its historical association with the Grosvenor family, particularly for the Duke himself. With Cheshire being the ancestral home of the Grosvenor family and Miss Henson having strong ties to the region, the decision to host their wedding at Chester Cathedral was a natural one.
During their recent visit to the Cathedral, Hugh expressed his excitement about the upcoming wedding, acknowledging the significance of the event for both himself and the city of Chester. He expressed gratitude for the support they have received thus far and emphasized the importance of the community’s involvement in making their big day a success. Olivia echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that Chester is not just a wedding venue for them but a place where they plan to build their future together. The decision to move away from London and establish roots in Chester was a thoughtful and deliberate one for the couple.
The upcoming nuptials at Chester Cathedral will not be the first within the Grosvenor family to take place at this historic venue. Hugh’s sister, Lady Tamara Grosvenor, tied the knot with Edward van Cutsem at the Cathedral in 2004, with distinguished guests such as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in attendance. As Chair of the Grosvenor Trustees and the Westminster Foundation, which oversees the charitable activities of the Duke and Grosvenor businesses, Hugh plays a significant role in the family’s philanthropic endeavors. Following the passing of his father, Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster, Hugh inherited the Grosvenor estate and now oversees an estimated fortune of £9.9 billion.
Meanwhile, Olivia is carving out her own path as a senior account manager at Belazu, a B-Corp certified food company based in London. The couple first crossed paths two years ago through mutual friends, and their engagement was announced in April 2023, setting the stage for their upcoming wedding at Chester Cathedral. As they prepare to say their vows and embark on a new chapter in their lives, Hugh and Olivia’s decision to choose Chester Cathedral as their wedding venue symbolizes more than just a beautiful backdrop – it represents a union of family heritage, personal significance, and a commitment to building a future together in a place rich with history and tradition.
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