Princess Eugenie at Duke of Westminster’s society marriage ceremony of the 12 months
Princess Eugenie put on an elegant display as she attended the Duke of Westminster’s society wedding of the year to Olivia Henson today.
The King’s niece, 34, looked radiant in an olive pleated dress as she arrived at Chester Cathedral this morning for the nuptials of friends Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia.
Pictured arriving alongside some of the 400 guests invited to today’s celebration, mother-of-two Eugenie – daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York – teamed her stunning V-neck dress with a chic cream fascinator.
She isn’t the only member of the British Royal Family attending the wedding; Prince William, 41, has also been spotted ahead of performing his role as an usher at the service.
The 7th Duke of Westminster, 33, universally known as ‘Hughie’ to aristocratic friends, is estimated to be worth £10.42billion, making him the richest man under 40 in Britain.
Princess Eugenie put on an elegant display as she attended the Duke of Westminster’s society wedding of the year to Olivia Henson today
He is the godfather to Prince William’s son Prince George and Prince Harry’s son Archie. Harry will not be in attendance at today’s nuptials.
Hugh will wed Olivia, 31, at the 11th Century cathedral in Cheshire at midday, with guests jetting in from around the world. But the Princess of Wales, who has been out the spotlight as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy, is not expected to attend.
Eugenie appeared to be attending the event solo, without her husband Jack Brooksbank and their two children August, three, and Ernest, four.
Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, the royal donned a dainty necklace and gold hoop earrings while sporting a glamorous makeup look.
Bride Olivia, who went to Marlborough College, like the Princess of Wales and Princess Eugenie, is senior account manager at Belazu, an environmentally friendly company which imports chef-quality, sustainably-sourced ingredients.
Hugh has increasingly started to initiate various eco-friendly practices, including renewable energy projects, green building codes and biodiversity conservation efforts.
It is likely to be a green event as both Hugh and Olivia are eco minded, and it is understood that flowers used at the ceremony and reception will be pressed and made into sustainable artworks afterwards, rather than simply being thrown away.
Shortly before 11am, coachloads and minibuses of excited guests began arriving and filing into the side door of the Cathedral.
The King’s niece, 34, looked radiant in an olive pleated dress as she arrived at Chester Cathedral this morning for the nuptials of friends Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia
Pictured arriving alongside some of the 400 guests invited to today’s celebration, mother-of-two Eugenie – daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York – teamed her stunning V-neck dress with a chic cream fascinator
Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, the royal donned a dainty necklace and gold hoop earrings while sporting a glamorous makeup look
As they rounded the corner, many smiled and waved back to the crowds lining the streets, who were cheering their arrival.
William, dressed like others in morning suit, smiled as he exited a black minibus to head towards the building.
Guests joined the long queue snaking into the Cathedral, waiting to be shown to their seats by Prince William and the other ushers.
Harry, who would have been expected to attend today’s service, has chosen instead to stay in California.
The groom, Hugh Grosvenor, arriving at Chester Cathedral for his wedding to Olivia Henson
Prince William arriving for the nuptials of his old friend Hugh in Cheshire
Miss Henson will arrive at the Cathedral just before noon in a vintage 1930 8-litre Bentley owned by the Grosvenor estate.
After the ceremony finishes around 1pm guests will enjoy a lavish reception with a lemon wedding cake at the Grosvenor family seat, Eaton Hall, just outside Chester.
The Duke will pay for free ice cream, gelato and sorbet for Cheshire locals from three local independent cafes so they can join in the celebration.
Photos from this morning show excited royal fans forming a crowd outside the cathedral ahead of the Church of England ceremony starting at midday.
