With her bridal gown, Olivia Henson wows Chester audiences

By
June 7, 2024
Olivia Henson looked the embodiment of a lovely wife as she married her man, the Duke of Westminster, at Chester Cathedral now.

The Duchess and her businessman husband Hugh Grosvenor kissed in front of the crowds outside the church after their nation ceremony of the year.

Olivia, 31, looked airy in a custom dress by London-based custom Emma Victoria Payne, teamed with a mask and the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara, which were designed for Grosvenor wives to use on their wedding time.

The crown has been in wedding Hugh Grosvenor’s family since its creation in 1906, while the bride’s beautiful dress and veil featured decorative motifs and edgings from Olivia’s excellent excellent grandmother’s veil from around 1880.

The bride was accompanied by a woman who appeared to be her mother as she arrived at the cathedral for the historic wedding, who carried her train in a sweet moment.

The bride also nodded to the traditional “something blue” for brides with a subtle nod in her footwear as she donned teal velvet block heels, whose veil at one point seemed to be flying around in the wind uncontrollably.

Introducing the husband and wife! The Duke of Westminster and his bride Olivia following their wedding at Chester Cathedral
A kiss for the bride! The coupe share a sweet peck after their wedding ceremony today
Olivia Henson looked the epitome of a beautiful bride as she arrived at Chester Cathedral this morning to marry her groom, the Duke of Westminster
The bride couldn't stop smiling as she arrived for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster at Chester Cathedral
The bride couldn't stop smiling as she arrived for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster at Chester Cathedral
The soon-to-be Duchess, 31, wowed the crowds - gathered in their hundreds - as her father, Rupert Henson, joined her as she walked towards her wedding
Olivia's stunning bridal dress featured a partly open back as she arrived at Chester Cathedral
The bride's veil appeared to have a mind of its own as it flew around in the wind upon Olivia's arrival

To complete her elegant ensemble, Olivia carried a bouquet of flowers, picked from the gardens of Eaton Hall, the Duke’s ancestral home.

They comprised Meadow grass, Ox eye daisies, Iris, Rose, Clematis, Mock orange, Scabious, Sweet pea, Astrantia, Martagon lily and Love in a mist.

Her dress, which was made of ivory silk, crepe satin, and organza, had a scalloped edge neckline and was hand-applied delicately, using floral and leafy motifs.

It also boasted a sleek silhouette with a bias cut skirt, pleated waistband, gathered sleeves, wide embroidered silk organza cuffs with a scalloped edge repeat motif and button detailing.

A detachable two-meter silk crepe satin train with panelled construction was featured on the back of the bride’s gown, which had a dropped waist, keyhole back, and panelled construction.

On the veil, meanwhile, personalized initials and wedding date completed the design in the centre back.

The veil blew in the wind, prompting gasps from the crowd, as the elegant bride entered the cathedral.

The city of Chester, 14 minutes drive from Eaton Hall, has largely come to a standstill to celebrate the couple’s big day- with a host of high- profile attendees, including.

The wedding, which will see 400 guests attend from the cream of high society, will be led by the Dean of Chester, the Very Revd Dr Tim Stratford.

The bride looked ethereal in a bespoke gown by London-based designer Emma Victoria Payne
The bride's outfit was completed with a veil and the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara, made for Grosvenor brides to wear on their wedding day
The bride's outfit was completed with a veil and the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara, made for Grosvenor brides to wear on their wedding day
Olivia Henson in her wedding dress outside the Cathedral for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor
Olivia looked stunning as she arrived for her wedding to the Duke of Westminster today
The bridge smiled in her wedding dress before walking into the Cathedral to marry the Duke of Westminster
Olivia walking through the stunning flower arch displayed on the entrance to the Cathedral
Olivia arrives for her wedding to the Duke of Westminster at Chester Cathedral today
Olivia holds flowers as she enters Chester Cathedral for her wedding to the Duke of Westminster
The bride's dazzling tiara has been in groom Hugh Grosvenor's family since its creation in 1906
The bride's stunning dressand veil featured floral motifs and edgings from Olivia’s great great grandmother’s veil from around 1880
The veil blew in the wind, prompting gasps from the crowd, as the bride entered the cathedral
Bride Olivia Henson arrived at the cathedral wearing a dress and veil designed by Emma Victoria Payne
The bride stands in her wedding dress before entering the Cathedral in Cheshire
Olivia Henson arrives at her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster
Olivia stops and smiles at the crowds before heading inside the Cathedral to marry the Duke of Westminster
The bespoke embroidery design on her gown and veil was hand drawn by Emma Victoria Payne
Olivia arrives in a vintage Bentley for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster
Olivia just before arriving at Chester Cathedral for her wedding to the Duke of Westminster
Olivia's bouquet was made of flowers picked from the gardens of the duke's family home, Eaton Hall
The bride wore blue shoes with her wedding dress to marry the Duke of Westminster
Olivia Henson arrives for her wedding to Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster at Chester Cathedral
Olivia opted to make her shoes the 'something blue' at her wedding, which she paired with pink and purple flowers

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Chester, the Right Revd Mark Tanner, will preach and the Revd Canon Rosie Woodall will lead the prayers.

The Chester Cathedral Choir will play music, and the quartet’s members, Grace Crook, Isla Mills, and Cassie Lounds, all from Chester, are local children’s choir members.

The Duke’s family has lived at the lavish Eaton Estate since the 1400s, and the pair are scheduled to return to their country pile following the ceremony for a private wedding reception.

The wedding of the couple, which the bride and her father drove in this morning, was a 1930 production of W. O. Bentley, the founder of Bentley Motors.

And the flowers, all 100 per cent British, have been carefully chosen from local growers through the Flowers from the Farm network, which champions artisan growers.

The groom, Hugh Grosvenor (left), arriving at Chester Cathedral for his wedding to Olivia Henson
Prince William, pictured right, at the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster to Olivia Henson
Princess Eugenie (pictured) arriving at the cathedral for the wedding of Hugh and Olivia
Hugh smiles and waves as he arrives at the cathedral in Cheshire to wed Olivia

A Duke and Miss Henson spokesman said the couple were thrilled to wed so close to the Eaton Estate, adding that “it means a lot to them to marry in Chester Cathedral, especially given the Grosvenor family’s long and close personal connection to both the Cathedral and the city of Chester.”

The Duke and Miss Henson have taken a great deal of care in planning the wedding, putting their own stamp on all the details, and have made a conscious effort to involve local and regional suppliers in several aspects of the day, the spokesperson added.

The 7th Duke of Westminster, 33, universally known as ‘Hughie’ to aristocratic friends, is estimated to be worth £10.42billion, making him the richest man under 40 in Britain.

He is the godfather to Prince William’s son Prince George and Prince Harry’s son Archie. Harry will not be in attendance at today’s nuptials.

Bride Olivia, who went to Marlborough College, like the Princess of Wales and Princess Eugenie, is senior account manager at Belazu, an environmentally friendly company which imports chef- quality, sustainably- sourced ingredients.

Hugh has started introducing a number of eco-friendly initiatives, including initiatives for green building codes, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Given that both Hugh and Olivia are eco-conscious, it is likely to be a green event. It is understood that the flowers used at the ceremony and reception will be pressed and recycled to create sustainable art afterward rather than simply thrown away.

Coachloads and minibuses of eager travelers started arriving and boarding into the side door of the Cathedral shortly before 11 am.

As they rounded the corner, many smiled and waved back to the crowds lining the streets, who were cheering their arrival.

William, dressed like others in morning suit, smiled as he exited a black minibus to head towards the building.

Guests waited in a long line before being shown their seats by Prince William and the other ushers before entering the Cathedral.

Harry, who would have been expected to attend today’s service, has chosen instead to stay in California.

This morning’s images reveal excited royal fans gathering outside the cathedral to watch the Church of England ceremony, which will take place at noon.

Prince William serves as usher, and Princess Eugenie leads a host of very glam aristocratic guests, including Olivia Henson, who wed the billionaire Duke of Westminster at Chester Cathedral.

Olivia Henson is attending the Duke of Westminster’s annual society wedding in Chester Cathedral.

As he arrived at the Cathedral in Cheshire for the wedding of his old friend Hugh Grosvenor, the ceremony’s usher, received cheers from the crowd.

The 7th Duke, 33, universally known as ‘Hughie’ to aristocratic friends, is estimated to be worth £10.42billion, making him the richest man under 40 in Britain.

He is the godfather to William’s son Prince George’s son Archie. Harry hasn’t left California, though William is playing a significant role at the ceremony for the 400 or so expected guests.

Olivia, 31, arrived at the 11th century cathedral just before noon in a stunning wedding dress and pair of blue shoes.

Emma Victoria Payne handcrafted the bespoke embroidery design for Olivia’s gown and veil, which features floral motifs and embellishments from Olivia’s great-great grandmother’s veil from around 1880.

The bride is wearing a Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara, which was designed specifically for Grosvenor brides. It has been a member of the Grosvenor family since its founding in 1906. Olivia’s bouquet was made of flowers picked from the gardens of the duke’s family home, Eaton Hall.

is one of the many attendees who have already arrived at the event, while the- who has been receiving preventative chemotherapy and has been out in the spotlight- was not expected to attend.

Olivia is getting wed to the Duke of Westminster at Chester Cathedral today
The bridesmaids arrive for the Wedding of The Duke of Westminster to Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral
The groom, Hugh Grosvenor (left), arriving at Chester Cathedral for his wedding to Olivia Henson
Prince William arriving at the Duke of Westminster's society wedding to Olivia
Princess Eugenie walking to the cathedral in Cheshire today before the ceremony
The Duke 33, will wed Olivia Henson, 31, (pictured) in Cheshire today
Hugh smiles and waves as he arrives at the cathedral in Cheshire to wed Olivia
Charles van Straubenzee and his wife Daisy Jenks arrive at Chester Cathedral ahead of the wedding
Thomas Van Straubenzee and wife arrive for the ceremony today
The grooms mother, Natalia Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster (left), arriving at the ceremony
Charlie Gilkes and his wife Anneke arriving at the cathedral for the society wedding of the year today
Guests arriving at Chester Cathedral in Cheshire for the wedding
Guests arrive for the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor to Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral
More guests arriving at the society wedding of the year between Hugh and Olivia
A vehicle pulls up outside the cathedral ahead of the ceremony
Crowds gather outside Chester Cathedral for the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson's wedding today

Coachloads and minibuses of eager travelers started arriving and boarding into the side door of the Cathedral shortly before 11 am.

As they rounded the corner, many smiled and waved back to the crowds lining the streets, who were cheering their arrival.

William, dressed like others in morning suit, smiled as he exited a black minibus to head towards the building.

Guests waited in a long line before being shown their seats by Prince William and the other ushers before entering the Cathedral.

Harry, who would have been expected to attend today’s service, has chosen instead to stay in.

Miss Henson arrived at the Cathedral just before noon in a vintage 1930 8-litre Bentley owned by the Grosvenor estate.

At the Grosvenor family seat, Eaton Hall, just outside of Chester, guests will enjoy a lavish reception with a lemon wedding cake after the ceremony is over at 1pm.

The Duke will pay for Cheshire residents to participate in the celebration by purchasing free ice cream, gelato, and sorbet from three local independent cafes.

This morning’s images reveal excited royal fans gathering outside the cathedral to watch the Church of England ceremony, which will take place at noon.

The fans have been gathering since 6 am this morning, hours before the ceremony is scheduled to begin.

Maths tutor Catherina Rhodes, 59, of Chester, said: ‘ It’s an exciting day. I have always cherished the Queen and especially the royal family.

I was taken to Buckingham Palace when I was six years old.

My uncle was a stables employee and assisted in teaching the Queen to ride. Since then, I have been enthralled by the royal family.

She added: ‘It’s great for the city.’

Helen Jackson, a 55-year-old pharmacist, said: “I went for a drink in the Grosvenor hotel last night and saw Princess Eugenie having a drink.”

‘So I know she’s going to be here today.’

‘It’s fabulous for [ …] Chester.’

When the Queen and Megan Markle arrived just before, I came to see the royals.

Ann Beck, a pensioner, arrived at 8 a.m. She stated, “I wanted to come in support of the family because they are from Chester and of course the royals.”

Following the ceremony, the Duke will donate 100, 000 flowers to charities across the city, all of which were paid for by the Duke.

Prince William (right) and Hugh Grosvenor (left) attending the 2004 wedding of Edward van Cutsem and Lady Tamara Grosvenor at Chester Cathedral
Hugh is godfather to Prince Williams's son Prince George and Prince Harry's son Archie. Harry will not attend the wedding
A woman dresses up in wedding attire and a Union Jack scarf outside the cathedral
Crowds gather outside Chester Cathedral for the wedding today
A general view of police and well-wishers as they line the street near the cathedral
Police outside Chester Cathedral before the wedding this afternoon
Well-wishers line the street ahead of the wedding today
Police officers outside the cathedral in Cheshire today ahead of the ceremony
Crowds gather outside Chester Cathedral for the society wedding starting at midday
A general view of Chester Cathedral ahead of the wedding of The Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson
Police vans in Chester Cathedral, where the wedding ceremony will take place
The Duke will pay for free ice cream for locals from three local businesses. Pictured left to right: Craig Fermor from Diddy Donuts, Valentina Aviotti from Krum Gelato and Stephen Young from Cheshire Farm Ice Cream
Scores of boxes of flowers were delivered to the cathedral by a fleet of vans
A large security cordon will be erected around the cathedral due to the presence of so many high profile guests. Pictured: Sniffer dogs in Chester
A workman carries a bundle of chairs through the garden at Chester Cathedral
Temporary scaffolding was also erected near the cathedral as workers trim plants

The 1, 000-year-old Cathedral’s massive West Door was constructed this week around a floral arch in the city center.

Staff members dressed a pair of mannequins in suit and wedding dress with photos of Hugh and Olivia’s faces attached on a city street near the Grosvenor Hospital.

Security measures have also been in evidence with the heir to the throne present at the event, with detectives seen chatting with local Cheshire Police officers this week outside the Cathedral.

Police sniffer dogs were seen examining the building’s perimeter for any explosives traces in the drains.

Eaton Hall, a mock French chateau set in 10, 872 acres of Cheshire ( 50 acres of which is elaborate formal gardens ) is where the couple intend to live after they are married, and is the perfect place for a party.

Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, based in the heart of Chester Market, will be dispensed with a selection of single-scoop ice creams or slices of a brand-new arctic roll in lemon-spray flavor.

The Duke and Olivia’s lemon-flavored wedding cake will be served to guests at the wedding reception, and the lemon-flavored arctic roll was created specifically to honor it.

Ed Warrington, owner of Cheshire Farm Ice Cream outlets, said: ‘ As a local business we’re delighted to be part of The Duke and Olivia’s initiative to provide free ice cream to the public in celebration of their wedding.

Cheshire Farm Ice Cream wishes them the very best for their wedding day, all of us.

We were asked not to post any social media content when we arrived, and the couple made a point of keeping the details confidential, according to a guest.

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