6 months ago
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9 minutes ago
By Rumeana Jahangir & PA News, BBC News
PA Media
A representative for the duke and Ms Henson said it meant "a lot" for them to marry in Chester
Large crowds have gathered at Chester Cathedral for the wedding of the Duke of Westminster, many with the hope of getting a glimpse of his usher, the Prince of Wales.
Hugh Grosvenor, the godson of King Charles III, is due to marry Olivia Henson at the cathedral at midday.
The duke is godfather to Prince William's son, 10-year-old Prince George, but he has not attended the ceremony due to it falling on a school day.
Crowds of well-wishers have gathered at the cathedral to cheer on the happy couple and their wedding party.
The duke is regarded as one of the richest people in the UK, with a fortune of about £10bn, while his bride has worked in the sustainable food and drinks industry.
PA Media
Well-wishers only managed to get a fleeting glimpse of Prince William as he arrived for the service
Along with being a godparent for Prince George, he is also reported to be godfather to the Duke of Sussex's son, Prince Archie.
Prince Harry, who was an usher with his brother at the wedding of the duke’s sister Lady Tamara Grosvenor in 2004, is understood not to be attending the service by mutual agreement.
The King and Queen Camilla will not be attending the service, after travelling to Normandy for the D-Day commemorations on Thursday.
The Princess of Wales, who is receiving treatment for cancer, is also not expected to attend.
PA Media
Large crowds turned out to watch guests arrive for the ceremony
A representative for the duke and Ms Henson said it meant "a lot" for them to marry in Chester, due to the Grosvenor family's "long and close personal connection to both the cathedral and the city".
They said the couple had "made a conscious effort to involve local and regional suppliers in several aspects of the day".
"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," they added.
PA Media
Many of those who gathered were hoping to see the prince
The city’s annual Summer Flowers project has been funded by the couple, with 100,000 flowers planted as part of the wedding celebrations and they have also paid for free ice cream and sorbet from three local independent businesses to be given to visitors to Chester city centre through the day.
The duke inherited his title and control of the Grosvenor Estate at the age of 25, following his father's death in 2016, and the couple announced their engagement in April 2023 after being together for two years.
