Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is expected to take on a significant role during a friend’s wedding ceremony scheduled for next month.
His Royal Highness is set to participate as an usher at the Duke of Westminster’s nuptials, which will be held at Chester Cathedral on Friday, June 7. This news comes courtesy of The Sunday Times.
The wedding of Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson is expected to be a highlight social event, boasting an attendance list full of high-profile guests. Yet, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is not slated to attend among the approximately 400 guests expected, nor will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle be present, despite their connections to the duke.
The reason stated for Kate’s absence is her ongoing “preventative” chemotherapy for an undisclosed cancer, with which she was diagnosed earlier this year.
William, Kate, and Grosvenor have shared a friendship for years, as underscored by Grosvenor’s role as godfather to William and Kate’s son, Prince George, who is now 10 years old. King Charles, too, is listed among the significant godparents for the 33-year-old duke.
Grosvenor also shares a solid bond with Prince Harry and former actress of Suits, Meghan Markle, being one of the godparents to their son, 5-year-old Prince Archie.
Despite the notable absence of some members of the royal family, the decision for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to skip the event is not indicative of any family dispute. According to The Times, it is more a measure to ensure “royal tensions do not eclipse the special occasion.”
The grandeur of the event will continue after the official ceremony, as the guests are invited to a grand reception at Eaton Hall, which is situated on the Grosvenors’ enormous 11,000-acre family estate, as reported by the publication. A secondary, more intimate reception for family and close acquaintances will follow the next day on the estate, which will be the couple’s future residence. Details concerning the receptions remain closely guarded secrets.
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FAQs About The Upcoming Westminster Wedding and The Royal Family’s Roles
- Is Prince William attending the Duke of Westminster’s wedding?
Yes, Prince William is reported to be attending and serving as an usher at the wedding. - Why is Princess Kate not attending the wedding?
Princess Kate is not attending the wedding as she continues her “preventative” chemotherapy treatments following a cancer diagnosis earlier in the year. - What is the relationship between the Duke of Westminster and the royal family?
The Duke of Westminster has close ties to the royal family, with Prince William and King Charles among his godparents. Additionally, he is godfather to Prince George and Prince Archie. - Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle be at the wedding?
No, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to not attend the wedding, reportedly to avoid potential royal tensions overshadowing the event.
Conclusion
The highly anticipated wedding of the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, and Olivia Henson stands as a prominent social event of the year. With Prince William’s involvement in the ceremony and the sensitive circumstances concerning Princess Kate’s health, the wedding is expected to garner significant attention. Although significant figures such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not expected to attend, the event is likely to display the pomp and splendor associated with royal celebrations, adhering to the long-standing traditions of British aristocracy.