In a grand procession of three buses and two vans, guests arrived at the highly anticipated wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the former wealthiest bachelor in England.
Today marked the day when the title passed on to the Duke of Westminster’s new bride, Olivia Henson.
Amidst the excitement surrounding the happy couple, Prince William made a discreet appearance, attending the ceremony without Catherine or their children by his side.
Fresh from commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France, the Prince of Wales arrived quietly at the cathedral, elegantly dressed in a mourning suit.
He was among the ten ushers at the ceremony, all arriving together in a blacked-out van just after 10.30 a.m., entering through a side entrance to join the festivities.
The bride, Olivia, captivated onlookers in a stunning wedding gown and veil designed by Emma Victoria Payne.
Adorned with the Fabergé Myrtle Leaf Tiara, a cherished family heirloom from 1906, Olivia carried a bouquet of flowers handpicked from the gardens of Eaton Hall, the Duke’s family estate.
Spectators gasped audibly as Olivia’s veil fluttered in the wind outside Chester Cathedral before her union with the Duke of Westminster.
Despite a slight struggle with her dress and veil, the radiant bride, aged 31, was cheered on by the crowds as she made her way to the church shortly before noon.
Hugh Grosvenor looked impeccable in his attire, sporting a long black tailcoat, pinstripe trousers, and a distinctive pink tie adorned with dragonflies.
Arriving in a green Land Rover, he greeted the Dean of Chester, Reverend Dr. Tim Stratford, before proceeding inside the cathedral.
The star-studded event, dubbed the Society Wedding of the Year, attracted prominent figures such as Princess Eugenie, who exuded elegance in a dark olive green dress and n-de heels.
The potential attendance of Rose Hanbury, linked to the future king, stirred speculation, particularly in light of recent events involving Princess Catherine.
However, neither Rose Hanbury nor her husband, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, were spotted at the cathedral.
Amidst rumors of a rift between Prince William and Prince Harry, the latter chose not to attend the wedding, respecting the significance of the day for his close friend, Hugh Grosvenor.
Despite the absence of key figures like King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were engaged in D-Day commemorations in France, the wedding proceeded smoothly until two protesters disrupted the celebrations.
Just Stop Oil activists released orange smoke into the crowd, prompting swift intervention from the authorities.
Prince William observed as the protesters were escorted away, ensuring the safety and sanctity of the occasion.
In a statement following the incident, Just Stop Oil protester Polly emphasized the urgency of addressing environmental concerns, stating, “Weddings symbolize unity and commitment to the future, but we must unite globally to combat the threats posed by oil and gas.”
The disruption, though brief, added a moment of tension to an otherwise joyous celebration, underscoring the importance of environmental activism in today’s society.
