A Royal Affair: The Wedding of Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson

In a grand display of elegance and tradition, guests began arriving for the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, and Olivia Henson.

This event marked a significant moment as Hugh transitioned from England's wealthiest bachelor to a married man.

The couple drew attention not only for their love story but also for the high-profile guests in attendance, including Prince William.

Prince William, who attended the ceremony solo, made a subdued entrance.

Just the day before, he was commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France.

Arriving in a mourning suit, he slipped into Chester Cathedral, where the wedding was held, alongside nine other ushers.

They all arrived together in a blacked-out van shortly after 10:30 a.m., opting for a discreet side entrance rather than the main one.

The bride, Olivia Henson, captivated everyone with her stunning wedding dress and a delicate veil designed by Emma Victoria Payne.

Adorning her head was the exquisite Fabergé Myrtle Leaf Tiara, a cherished family heirloom dating back to 1906.

Her bouquet was a heartfelt touch, crafted from flowers picked from the gardens at Eaton Hall, the Duke's family estate.

As Olivia approached the cathedral, the crowd gasped in awe, especially as her veil danced in the wind.

Though there was a slight struggle to manage her dress and veil, the 31-year-old radiated joy, receiving cheers from onlookers as she made her way to the church just before noon.

Meanwhile, Hugh looked dapper in his formal attire, complete with a long black tailcoat and a pink tie adorned with dragonflies.

Hugh's arrival in a green Land Rover was met with excitement as he waved to the gathered crowds before greeting the Dean of Chester, Reverend Dr. Tim Stratford, and entering the cathedral.

This wedding, dubbed the Society Wedding of the Year, attracted many notable figures, including Princess Eugenie, who turned heads in a dark olive green dress paired with n-de heels.

There was much speculation about the potential appearance of Rose Hanbury, rumored to have connections with Prince William during Princess Catherine's recent health struggles.

However, neither Rose nor her husband, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, were spotted at the venue.

The anticipated public reunion of William and Rose did not materialize, leaving many curious about the dynamics at play.

Prince Harry, another close friend of the groom, was also absent despite being invited.

His decision to skip the wedding seemed to be influenced by the ongoing feud with his brother, William.

It was understood that both parties recognized the difficulty of Harry attending without overshadowing the celebration.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were similarly absent, having attended the D-Day commemoration in France just days prior.

With the monarch needing rest, it was clear that the royal family had their commitments elsewhere.

William's swift arrival and the influx of guests in buses made it challenging for the media to capture everyone present at the event.

Just as the couple posed for photographs outside the cathedral, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

Two Just Stop Oil protesters disrupted the festivities, releasing a cloud of orange smoke into the crowd.

Prince William witnessed the chaos as police quickly intervened, escorting the activists away from the scene.

Following the disruption, Just Stop Oil released a statement through one of the protesters, Polly, a care worker from Norfolk.

She emphasized the importance of weddings as a celebration of commitment, while also highlighting the pressing need for action against climate change.

Her words resonated amidst the joy of the occasion, underscoring the urgency of their message.

Despite the unexpected interruption, the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson remained a memorable affair, filled with love, laughter, and a touch of drama.

As the couple embarks on their new journey together, the day will surely be remembered for both its elegance and the surprising moments that unfolded.