Olivia Henson’s intriguing parallels with the Princess of Wales
Today, the most anticipated society wedding of the year kicks off, with the man known as ‘Britain’s most eligible bachelor’, Hugh Grosvenor, 33, marrying Olivia Henson.
And everything from the bride to be’s sleek chestnut tresses to her academic background is reminiscent of The Princess of Wales.
The pair share striking similarities. For one, both are alums at the elite Marlborough College, and have attended prestigious universities.
Kate Middleton, 42, famously met Prince William, 41, at St Andrews, while Olivia, 31, completed a Hispanic Studies and Italian degree at Trinity College in Dublin.
When she was younger, the future Duchess of Westminster was also at the equally revered Dragon School in Oxford, with fellow classmate Emma Watson.
Today, the most anticipated society wedding of the year kicks off, with the man known as ‘Britain’s most eligible bachelor’, Hugh Grosvenor (left), 33, marrying Olivia Henson (right)
She now works at sustainable food company Belazu, but according to insiders speaking to Tatler, is said to have left the role to focus on her new ‘era’.
Kate too had her own career path, and worked at Jigsaw and her parents’ business before she became the Duchess of Cambridge.
And much like the Princess of Wales – who has aristocratic ties – Olivia comes from a wealthy family.
Olivia descends from the Hoare banking family as well as the Marquesses of Bristol and the Dukes of Rutland, according to the Telegraph.
The outlet also says her uncle is the Grand Master of Scottish freemasons and her is father is stockbroker Rupert Henson.
Olivia reportedly also has a 29-year-old brother who works in asset management and a 26-year-old sister who’s in a brand relationships role.
She has worked at Daily Dose LDN and No1 Rosemary Water before landing a role at Belazu – a B Corp ingredients brand – in 2019.
Olivia also seems to channel Kate’s easy charisma when it comes to public appearances.
The pair share striking similarities. For one, both are alums at the elite Marlborough College, and have attended prestigious universities
Kate too had her own career path, and worked at Jigsaw and her parents’ business before she became the Duchess of Cambridge
Olivia also shares a striking resemblance to Kate, with not only their sleek chestnut tresses and facial features but her elevated yet High Street savvy selections
And much like Kate, the future Duchess of Westminster comes from a wealthy background. Olivia descends from the Hoare banking family as well as the Marquesses of Bristol and the Dukes of Rutland, according to the Telegraph. Hugh and Olivia during their charity visit
The couple are reminiscent of Wililam and Kate (pictured during a visit to housing charity ‘Jimmy’s’ in Cambridge in 2022)
Images showed the couple (left) being mirror images of William and Kate (pictured right in 2022), who are crowd-favourites when it comes to public engagements
Last month, the Duke of Westminster and his fiancée carried out a very regal string of engagements in Chester, where they are due to exchange vows today.
And as they visited three charities, the pair were very reminiscent of yet another couple renowned for their prowess and easy charisma during public engagements – the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Hugh and Olivia were the mirror image of William and Kate, shooting easy smiles and enjoying conversations with attendees, as they made visits to Cheshire Dance, Storyhouse and the Cathedral Music Trust.
Prince George’s godfather and Olivia, who works at sustainable food company Belazu, chatted with participants at a Young Leaders workshop.
They later sat next to each other in the pews at Chester Cathedral, where their wedding will be held.
She has worked at Daily Dose LDN and No1 Rosemary Water before landing a role at Belazu – a B Corp ingredients brand
They joined family music programme where Hugh joked: ‘Next time we’re in here will be slightly more nerve-wracking.’
He added: ‘But I’m unbelievably excited.’
Images showed the couple being mirror images of William and Kate, who are crowd-favourites when it comes to public engagements.
Much like the Waleses, Hugh and Olivia appeared chatty, engaging and positive.
Olivia also shares a striking resemblance to Kate, with not only their sleek chestnut tresses and facial features but her elevated yet High Street savvy selections.
For the outing, she opted for £249 Sandro floral-print trousers and a chic white cropped jacket, channeling easy elegance.
The engagements were a show of support to three charities supported by the Duke’s Westminster Foundation.
Hugh, a godson of King Charles who inherited an estimated fortune of almost £10billion, proposed to Olivia at his family seat, Eaton Hall, in Cheshire.
Senior members of the Royal Family are expected to attend the wedding.
Although Hugh is reportedly a godfather of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex‘s son, Archie, he is said to have excluded the California-based couple from the invitations to avoid ‘royal tensions’.
Olivia and Hugh announced their engagement on April 23, 2023, after two years of dating. Pictured during their visit
The Prince and Princess of Wales pictured during a visit to the Open Door Charity in Birkenhead last year
However, sources close to Prince Harry subsequently insisted that he had been sent a ‘save the date’ notice, but decided it would be ‘too awkward’ to attend.
Olivia and Hugh announced their engagement on April 23, 2023, after two years of dating.
A statement by the couple said: ‘The Duke of Westminster and Miss Olivia Henson are delighted to announce they are engaged to be married.
‘The couple, who have been together for two years, recently became engaged at the Duke’s family home at Eaton Hall in Cheshire.
Scores of boxes of stunning flowers were delivered to the cathedral on Thursday by a fleet of vans
A workman carried a bundle of chairs through the garden at Chester Cathedral on Thursday, one day before the wedding
Temporary scaffolding has also been erected near the cathedral as workers trimmed plants in preparation
Preparations were underway at Chester Cathedral on Thursday – ahead of the anticipated wedding today
‘Members of both their families are absolutely delighted with the news.’
The Duke’s father Gerald Grosvenor suffered a sudden heart attack while out on a country walk, and died aged 64 in 2016.
Hugh succeeded his father, becoming an instant billionaire. As the 7th Duke of Westminster, he inherited a fortune of £9.3billion.
He also inherited 300 acres across London‘s Mayfair and Belgravia – two of the most expensive areas in the world – as well as estates in Oxford, Scotland and properties around the globe – including the 10,872-acre family estate at Eaton Hall in Cheshire.
Close friends with the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke is the youngest of Prince George’s godparents.
He has previously represented the country at Olympic Skeet Shooting competitions both internationally and in the UK.
Hugh previously dated property and recruitment consultant Harriet Tomlinson, but the couple, who met at £6,000-a-term day school Ellesmere College in Shropshire, split in 2020.
The Duke also supports the rehabilitation of wounded or injured members of the Armed Forces and donated £2.5million to the Health Service when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, but said he was so ‘humbled’ by the work of doctors and nurses he wanted to give another £10million.
