PRINCE William will play a major role in the lavish wedding of his close friend – and nephew Archie’s godfather – but brother Harry won’t attend.
Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, 33, is getting married next month to Olivia Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral on June 7.
The Prince of Wales, 41, is among the groom’s party and will be an usher during the ceremony, for which there will be 400 in attendance.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, 42, who is receiving cancer treatment, is not expected to attend.
King Charles – who is also undergoing chemo – is not expected to be there either, despite being Hugh’s godfather.
It is understood, to avoid any tension, Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan Markle, 42, will not be attending, reports the Sunday Times.
Hugh – known as “Hughie” to his pals – is said to be close with the Duke of Sussex.
The businessman and aristocrat – who is also godfather to William’s son and second in line to the throne Prince George – boasts a fortune of £10.1 billion.
He inherited his title and control of his family’s estate following his father’s death in 2016.
His property company, Grosvenor Group, owns about 300 acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as major city centre developments such as Liverpool’s ONE shopping centre, and the duke is part of the royal inner circle.
He and Olivia were introduced by mutual friends in 2021 and have reportedly insisted on a “strictly no-gifts policy” for guests.
Following the wedding service, guests will enjoy a reception at nearby Eaton Hall on the Grosvenors’ 11,000-acre estate.
A second smaller reception will be held there for close family and friends.
Hugh, who often maintains a low profile, said he is “incredibly excited” about the wedding, but admitted it will be “nerve-racking”.
It is understood he wanted Harry and Meghan at his wedding but eventually decided against it, in light of the ongoing rift between the two princes.
A friend of princes previously told the Sunday Times: “It’s incredibly sad it has come to this.
THE Rich List of Britain’s wealthiest people came out this weekend.
Each year Sunday Times Rich List compiler Robert Watts charts the ups and downs of the Brits with the biggest bank accounts.
But The Sun has been given a sneak preview of the 40 richest men and women aged under 40.
The list includes showbiz and sports stars, musicians, self-made tycoons and those who inherited a family fortune.
Top of the Young Rich List list is worth over £10billion and number 40 has amassed £56million. See who is worth what:
“Hugh is one of the very few close friends of William and Harry’s who has maintained strong bonds and a line of communication with both.
“He wishes they could put their heads together and patch things up, but realises it’s unlikely to happen before the wedding.”
Sources had claimed the Sussexes had received a ‘save the date’ card but decided attending would be “too awkward”.
The day before the ceremony, Charles, William and Queen Camilla will be travelling to France for events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
