Will Prince William Say Yes? The Godparent Choice That Has Royals Talking
Exciting news from one of Britain's most prestigious families — the Duke and Duchess of Westminster are expecting their first child this summer. The couple, Hugh and Olivia Grosvenor, shared their joy through a public statement on March 12, marking another milestone in their high-profile marriage. As anticipation builds, here's everything we know about the expecting parents, their royal connections, and what this new arrival means for Britain's aristocracy.
Who Are the Parents?
Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, is one of the UK's most influential aristocrats. At 34 years old, he holds an estimated net worth of $12.8 billion, as reported by PEOPLE, making him one of the country's wealthiest individuals. His fortune stems from the Grosvenor estate, a vast property empire that spans some of London's most exclusive districts, including Mayfair and Belgravia. Hugh inherited his title in 2016 at just 25 years old, following the sudden passing of his father, Gerald Grosvenor, the 6th Duke of Westminster.
Olivia Grosvenor, formerly Olivia Henson, is 32 years old and comes from a well-respected background. The couple met in 2021 through mutual friends and quickly formed a strong bond. Their engagement was announced in April 2023, and Hugh proposed at Eaton Hall, the Grosvenor family's ancestral estate near Chester. They married in a grand ceremony at Chester Cathedral on June 7, 2024, in what was considered one of the most significant high-society weddings of the year.
Ties to the Royal Family
The Grosvenor name is deeply intertwined with British royalty. Hugh Grosvenor is a godson of King Charles III, continuing a long-standing relationship between the two families. His mother, Natalia Grosvenor, is a godmother to Prince William, further strengthening these aristocratic ties.
Beyond family connections, Hugh is a close friend of Prince William and Prince Harry. He serves as a godfather to both of their firstborn sons — Prince George and Prince Archie. The bond between Hugh and Prince William was evident at the Duke of Westminster's wedding, where Prince William played a key role as an usher. Although Prince Harry did not attend the wedding, reports suggest this was a mutual decision to avoid any media distractions surrounding ongoing tensions within the royal family.
What This Means for the Aristocracy
While the child will not hold a direct claim to the British throne, they will inherit an aristocratic legacy of immense wealth and influence. The Grosvenor family's fortune and status make this birth an event of notable importance in high society.
The baby will be the first in a new generation of Grosvenors, ensuring the continuation of one of Britain's most powerful dynasties. As the future heir to the Westminster estate, this child will one day oversee a property empire worth billions, maintaining the family's centuries-old tradition of wealth and stewardship.
Public Reaction and Family Excitement
The Duke and Duchess expressed their happiness in a heartfelt statement: "The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are very pleased to share that the Duchess is expecting a baby in the summer. The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family together," as reported by PEOPLE.
With their royal and aristocratic ties, the baby is already the subject of great public interest. Speculation has even begun regarding whether Prince William will be asked to serve as a godparent, given his close friendship with Hugh Grosvenor.
A Look Ahead
As the summer months approach, royal watchers will be eagerly awaiting updates on the baby's arrival. The Grosvenors have maintained a relatively private profile despite their high status, but this news ensures they will remain in the public eye in the coming months.
With a legacy of wealth, royal connections, and a future filled with privilege, this new addition to the Westminster family is set to be one of the most anticipated aristocratic births in recent years.
References: The Duke and Duchess of Westminster Are Expecting First Child | Duke and Duchess of Westminster Reveal They Are Expecting First Baby in the Summer
