Prince William Takes Center Stage as Usher at Hugh Grosvenor’s Wedding, Prince Harry Declines Invitation

Prince William arrived at Chester Cathedral on Friday for the highly anticipated wedding of his longtime friends Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson.

Noticeably absent was his wife, Kate Middleton, who is undergoing cancer treatment.

The Prince of Wales, 41, served as an usher at his longtime friend’s weddings.AFP via Getty Images

The newlyweds shared a sweet kiss after the ceremony. Getty Images

Olivia Henson looked stunning as she arrived for her nuptials. Getty Images

King Charles also skipped the event, having just returned from France, where he honoured veterans on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The Prince of Wales, 41, looked dapper in a classic outfit, featuring grey trousers and a black tailcoat over a white shirt. He swiftly entered the cathedral without greeting the crowd outside.

Grosvenor, 33, was seen waving at the large crowds waiting outside the cathedral.AFP via Getty Images

The happy couple waved to royalists who lined the streets for hours.Samir HusseinWireImage

William arrived without his wife as she continued to undergo cancer treatment. AP.

Princess Eugenie was also seen arriving at the service, joining other elite guests to celebrate Grosvenor’s, one of Britain’s wealthiest men, union with Henson. William will serve as an usher, as Grosvenor is his son’s godfather, Prince George.

The Duke of Westminster is also godfather to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Archie, although the Sussexes declined the invitation to avoid overshadowing the ceremony.

The Dean of Chester announced the service would be in modern English to reflect the contemporary couple. An intimate gathering at Eaton Hall, Grosvenor’s 11,000-acre family estate, will follow the ceremony.

The bride’s dress was adorned with a long lace veil.AFP via Getty Images

The newlyweds left the ceremony in a vintage Bentley Motors 1930. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Bentley Motors

The Sunday Times described the event as “the most royal non-royal wedding of the year,” with many of Britain’s oldest and wealthiest aristocratic families in attendance.

A spokesman for the couple said they personalized the wedding arrangements and made efforts to involve local suppliers.

Hugh Grosvenor’s wedding to Olivia Henson is taking place at Chester Cathedral.Grosvenor2023/PA

The groom appeared in good spirits as he arrived at his nuptials.Samir HusseinWireImage

Princess Eugenie was also seen attending the lavish service.AFP via Getty Images

On Thursday night, Princess Eugenie was spotted enjoying pre-wedding drinks at the nearby Grosvenor Hotel. Her attendance had not been confirmed until then.

William dashed back for the service after spending Thursday in France in honour of D-Day.AFP via Getty Images

Henson waved to well-wishers gathered outside the cathedral.AFP via Getty Images

Grosvenor, whose fortune is estimated at $12.6 billion, met Henson through mutual friends in 2021. Prince Harry declined to avoid tension with his brother, overshadowing the event despite the invitation.