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Society Wedding of the Year: Hugh Grosvenor Ties the Knot with Olivia Henson
In a grand procession of three buses and two vans, esteemed guests made their way to witness the union of Hugh Grosvenor, previously known as England's most eligible bachelor, and his bride, Olivia Henson.
Today marks the day when the title transitions from the Duke of Westminster to Olivia Henson.
Amidst the joyous celebration, Prince William, attending without Catherine and their children, assumed a more subdued role at the event.
Prince Charles, fresh from attending the 80th-anniversary commemorations of D-Day in France, arrived quietly at the cathedral in a somber suit to partake in the society wedding of his close friend.
Joining a group of ten ushers, they arrived together in a discreet van around 10.30 a.m., slipping through a side entrance unnoticed.
The stunning bride, adorned in a chic wedding gown and a veil crafted by Emma Victoria Payne, donned the Fabergé Myrtle Leaf Tiara, a family heirloom dating back to 1906.
Her bouquet consisted of flowers handpicked from the gardens of Eaton Hall, the Duke's ancestral residence.
As the crowd gathered outside Chester Cathedral, gasps filled the air as the bride, Olivia Henson, made her grand entrance.
Her veil fluttered in the breeze, creating a moment of awe before the ceremony.
Despite a minor struggle to manage her attire, the radiant 31-year-old was met with cheers and applause as she proceeded towards the church just before noon.
The groom, Hugh, cut a striking figure in his formal attire, complete with a long black tailcoat, pinstripe trousers, and a distinctive pink tie featuring dragonflies.
Arriving in a green Land Rover, Hugh greeted the onlookers lining the streets before exchanging pleasantries with the Dean of Chester, Reverend Dr. Tim Stratford, and making his way inside.
The highly anticipated event, dubbed the Society Wedding of the Year, attracted a host of prominent figures, including Princess Eugenie, who exuded elegance in a dark olive green ensemble paired with n^de heels.
Speculation surrounded the potential appearance of Rose Hanbury, linked to the future king, amidst rumors of Princess Catherine's illness.
Despite the buzz surrounding a possible public reunion between William and Rose Hanbury, their paths did not cross at the venue.
Notably absent from the guest list was Prince Harry, a close friend of the groom, who tactfully chose to refrain from attending to avoid overshadowing the festivities.
Reports suggest a mutual understanding was reached between Prince Harry and the Duke of Westminster regarding his nonattendance, acknowledging the delicate nature of the situation.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, the groom's godparents, were notably absent from the ceremony, having recently participated in D-Day commemorations in France.
Their absence, along with William's inconspicuous arrival and the arrival of other guests in buses, added an air of mystery and excitement to the affair.
However, the joyous occasion faced a momentary disruption as two Just Stop Oil protesters released a cloud of orange smoke into the crowd, prompting swift intervention from law enforcement.
Prince William, a witness to the unexpected disturbance, observed as the protesters were swiftly removed by the authorities, ensuring the ceremony continued without further incident.
In a statement issued post the wedding, Just Stop Oil spokesperson, Polly, emphasized the global call to action against oil and gas, highlighting the urgency for collective efforts to secure a sustainable future.