The wedding of the Duke of Westminster to Olivia Henson on June 7 is expected to be the society event of the year.
The couple will exchange vows at Chester Cathedral surrounded by their close family and friends, including the Prince of Wales, who will attend in a private capacity and serve as an usher on the day.
Since Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia announced their engagement in April 2023, many royal enthusiasts have speculated that Prince William’s eldest son, Prince George, who is also the Duke’s godson, might attend the wedding and possibly act as a page boy.
However, royal editor Emily Nash has disclosed that her understanding is that the ten-year-old will not be in attendance.
“I think there was some expectation by royal fans that George might appear, he might take part as a page boy. And perhaps he might have but this is all happening on a Friday, it’s a school day,” Emily explains.
“Aside from everything else that’s going on for William and Kate and their family at the moment, it’s something they’ve probably considered at length, because if you take your child out of school for a wedding does that set a precedent? It is a really tricky one.”
Other members of the royal family who were expected to attend but can no longer include the King and Queen. The Duke’s wedding falls at the end of a busy week of royal engagements for Charles and Camilla. The royals will mark the D-Day anniversary in France and the UK just days before Hugh’s big day.
On June 5, Their Majesties, accompanied by Prince William, will attend the UK’s national celebration in Portsmouth. The Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will also be in attendance.
