Duke of Westminster wedding LIVE: Bride Olivia Henson looks stunning in Emma Victoria Payne gown as she arrives at Chester Cathedral to marry Hugh Grosvenor
Welcome to our live blog of what has been dubbed ‘the high society wedding of the year’, as the Duke of Westminster weds his bride Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral today, with the cream of aristocracy, royals and Cestrians watching on. We’ll be following every moment of the couple’s big day as it happens…
More detail on Princess Eugenie’s wedding attire…
While the ceremony is underway, let’s take another look at Princess Eugenie’s outfit.
The King’s niece, 34, looked radiant in an olive pleated dress as she arrived earlier at Chester Cathedral.
The mother-of-two – daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York – teamed her stunning V-neck dress with a chic cream fascinator as she arrived at the nuptials with a friend.
Bride-and-groom’s trio of bridesmaids are pictured in simple white gowns and comfy-looking black ballet pumps with bows
Olivia Henson’s bridesmaids looked adorable as they prepared to follow the bride into the cathedral. The three girls wore pretty white floral headbands, simple white gowns to the knee – without tights – and pairs of black velour ballet pumps adorned with bows. Each carried a simple wildflower posy too.
Who’s singing Olivia down the aisle to meet her groom? Chester Cathedral Choir, which includes some very talented teen vocalists
As the ceremony gets underway, a trio of teenage choristers are among those performing at the Duke of Westminster’s wedding to Olivia Henson.
Talented vocalists Grace Crook, Isla Mills and Cassie Lounds, who all attend The Queen’s School in Chester, spoke earlier this week of their delight at singing for the happy couple – and guests such as Prince William, saying they were ‘thrilled’ at the opportunity, if not a little nervous.
A quick glance back, and a wave…and Olivia Henson is on her way up the aisle
While there’s nothing low-key about the stunning Emma Victoria Payne bridal gown Olivia is wearing…the bride appears to take a moment to soak up her big day.
Before she turns and heads down the aisle – and her new life as the Duchess of Westminster – she takes a moment to acknowledge the crowds who’ve turned out to enjoy the couple’s big day. This certainly feels like a royal wedding in all but name.
More detail on the dress: Gown is by Emma Victoria Payne – and the bride is wearing a very special tiara
The Duke of Westminster’s bride is wearing a custom-made Emma Victoria Payne gown featuring floral motifs from her ancestor’s veil and the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara for today’s service.
The tiara has been in the Grosvenor family since its creation in 1906, while the bride’s stunning dress featured floral motifs and edgings from Olivia’s great great grandmother’s veil from around 1880.
A breeze almost wreaks havoc – as the bride takes the arm of her father to enter the cathedral
The tempermental English weather sees the bride-to-be’s train billow wildly as she prepares to enter the cathedral…but disaster is quickly averted, and Olivia Henson’s father Rupert Henson takes his daughter’s arm to walk her down the aisle…
A beautiful gown – with an impressive train, rustic posy and ‘something blue’ heels
The 31-year-old bride-to-be arrives to audible gasps from the crowds. Wearing a beautiful gown with long lace train, she also offers a glimpse of a pair of blue velour heels adorned with a bow…
Here comes the bride! First glimpse of Olivia Henson arriving at Chester Cathedral in her vintage Bentley
The soon-to-be Duchess arrives in a vintage 1930 Bentley…
Get me to the church on time (in a 4×4): The vintage Land Rover the groom arrived in
The Duke’s car of choice was perhaps not the most likely choice – but did reflect the rural communities around Chester…a trusty vintage green Land Rover!
for the wedding a vintage green Land Rover…
Cameras poised: The proud people of Chester wave flags and point their phones at the cathedral doors as they await the arrival of the bride
There’s a heady air of anticipation now as the gathered crowds – in their hundreds, possibly thousands – await the soon-to-be Duchess.
Many spectators have Union Jacks, and there’s a distinct regal feel to the atmosphere…
Clip shows the moment Hugh Grosvenor arrived at his wedding with his best man by his side
Hugh Grosvenor, looking immaculate in his morning suit, with a simple white flower pinned to his lapel, is seen shaking the hand of Revd Dr Tim Stratford – who will officiate – as he makes his way into church. His best man strides alongside him…
Nice day for a white wedding! Guests continue to file into Chester Cathedral – taking selfies as they go
The wedding attire of the 400-strong guest is already proving a colourful affair – perfect for a blue-sky day in Chester – with bold fascinators, floral patterns and even a heart-shaped pair of sunglasses spotted…
Settling the nerves: The Duke of Westminster meets the Dean of Chester, who will marry the couple in just 20 minutes’ time
The Dean of Chester, the Very Revd Dr Tim Stratford, is on hand to calm any pre-wedding jitters, offering a warm handshake to the groom, 33, ahead of his big day.
A spokesperson for the couple said earlier today: ‘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’.
A first glimpse of the groom! The Duke of Westminster waves at the crowds
The 7th Duke, 33, universally known as ‘Hughie’ to aristocratic friends, offers a wave to the hundreds of Cestrians – as people from Chester are known – gathered as he enters the cathedral to await his bride…
Wedding guest Princess Eugenie looks elegant in sage green, wearing a cream pillbox hat
The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson is among the 400 guests arriving at Chester Cathedral ahead of the midday marriage between the Duke and his bride, Olivia Henson…the Princess offered a wide smile to well-wishers as she entered the cathedral.
The first guests arrive – including Prince William and Princess Eugenie…
A very proud Prince William was spotted arriving at his billionaire friend the Duke of Westminster’s society wedding of the year to Olivia Henson along with Princess Eugenie shortly after 11am…
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Duke of Westminster wedding LIVE: Bride Olivia Henson looks stunning in Emma Victoria Payne gown as she arrives at Chester Cathedral to marry Hugh Grosvenor
