Just months before his wedding, Prince George’s godfather has embarked on an ambitious new business endeavor, set to coincide with one of the year’s most notable society events.
The 7th Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, is unveiling a £900 million lending enterprise focused on residential development through his property company.
Grosvenor, renowned for its ownership of approximately 300 acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as prominent city center developments, aims to broaden its investment portfolio to encompass various types of residential properties nationwide.
According to the Financial Times, this expansion may include homes for sale, rental properties, student accommodations, and retirement housing. At the age of 33, the Duke holds the position of Chair at Grosvenor and also chairs the Westminster Foundation, dedicated to assisting vulnerable young children.
The announcement precedes Hugh’s impending marriage to Olivia Henson, a senior account manager at Belazu, a B-Corp certified food company based in London. The couple is scheduled to exchange vows at Chester Cathedral on Friday, June 7, with esteemed guests including the King and Queen, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales, reportedly in attendance.
Hugh and Olivia’s engagement was announced in April 2023, with a spokesperson for the Duke and Miss Henson saying at the time: “The couple have chosen the cathedral for both its beauty and long association with the Grosvenor family, including to the Duke personally.
“Cheshire is the Grosvenor family’s ancestral home and as Miss Henson’s connection to the region continues to grow, they are keen to plan their wedding there.
“The Duke and Miss Henson became engaged at Eaton Hall in April and have been incredibly grateful for the warm messages of congratulations they have received since then.”
Ranked 11th on the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated wealth of £9.9 billion, Hugh inherited the Grosvenor estate from his late father, Gerald Grosvenor, following his passing in 2016.
Raised alongside his three sisters, Lady Tamara, Lady Edwina, and Lady Viola, at the Grosvenor family’s residence, Eaton Hall, Hugh maintains close ties with Prince William and Prince Harry, serving as godfather to their respective sons, Prince George and Prince Archie.
Additionally, King Charles stands as one of his godparents, and Hugh was among the peers tasked with carrying the Royal Standards during the coronation in May 2023.
Despite assuming such substantial wealth and family responsibilities at the young age of 25, this Newcastle University graduate has largely shied away from public attention.
However, his opulent 21st birthday celebration in 2012 attracted media attention, with 800 guests, including Prince Harry and comedian Michael McIntyre, invited to a grand fête held in a marquee within the gardens of Eaton Hall.
