- Hugh Grosvenor got married
- Prince William was in attendance
- Harry had declined an invite
In a spectacle of grandeur and aristocratic splendor, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, graced the "wedding of the year" at Chester Cathedral, stepping into the role of an usher for his dear friend, Hugh Grosvenor's opulent ceremony. Despite the buzz, the event saw notable absences, sparking conversations and curiosity among royal watchers and society pages alike.
A Lavish Affair with a Dash of Drama!
Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, and his bride, Olivia Henson, pulled out all the stops for their nuptials, inviting over 400 guests to partake in their joy.
The ceremony, held in northern England, was nothing short of a fairy tale, with the reception at the sprawling Eaton Hall, Grosvenor's 11,000-acre estate. Yet, the absence of Kate Middleton and the shadow of Prince Harry's declined invitation added layers of intrigue to the day.
In a surprising turn, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was notably missing from her husband's side, as both she and King Charles III were reportedly undergoing cancer treatment.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, opted out of the celebration, fearing his presence might steal the spotlight amidst his and William's ongoing feud.
The ties that bind are strong within this elite circle. Grosvenor, boasting a net worth nearing $13 billion, isn't just any friend; he's the godfather to William and Kate's eldest, Prince George, and shares a close bond with both William and Harry despite their rift.
This wedding was more than a societal event; it was a convergence of Britain's most storied families, with royal connections that run deep and complicated.
Despite receiving an invite, Harry chose to stay away, a decision made to avoid awkwardness, given the strained relationship with his brother. A source revealed that Harry personally reached out to Grosvenor, explaining his predicament, a gesture that speaks volumes about their friendship and the delicate balance of royal relationships.
"Harry actually got a ‘save the date’ card a few months ago but called Hugh and said it would be too awkward if he and Meghan Markle attended, so he made his apologies and Hugh understood," the source shared.
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As the dust settles on what 'The Sunday Times' dubbed "the most royal nonroyal wedding of the year," the chatter continues. With guests from Britain's oldest and wealthiest families, the wedding was a spectacle of tradition and exclusivity.
Yet, it's the stories of those who were absent, the whispers of reconciliation, and the bonds of friendship that capture the imagination.