#15077, Hugh (Hughie) Richard Louis GROSVENOR

The Duke of Westminster is chair of both the Grosvenor Trustees and the Westminster Foundation, which represents the charitable interests of the Duke and Grosvenor businesses.

He succeeded to the Dukedom on the death of his father in 2016.  he is firmly committed to using his position and the resources in his care to make a positive contribution to society, just as previous generations of his family have done before him.

He does this by helping set Grosvenor's cultural framework, leading the organisation as it continues its long history of improving property and places and supporting communities across many of the world's most prominent cities.  He also does so through his philanthropic activities or patronage of charities and local community organisations.

The Duke is particularly interested in business initiatives linked to the responsible development of land and protection of biodiversity, heading an organisation that focuses on both a strong commercial return alongside making a positive impact on the communities and people it supports.

Born in 1991, he understands the issues that affect the next generation.  His charitable activity through the Westminster Foundation is focused on helping vulnerable children and young people access opportunities so they can thrive in life, working closely with organisations supporting families, schools and local communities.

Additionally, he has led a major fundraising campaign for the Defence and Rehabilitation Centre, which was initiated by his father and continues to support the rehabilitation of seriously wounded or injured members of the Armed Forces.  The Duke and his family have personally gifted £105m towards the programme.  The Defence clinical rehabilitation facility, to replace Headley Court and located near Loughborough, is now operational.  The Duke remains closely involved in the creation of the National NHS specialist facility for civilians on the same site.

He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire in 2023 in recognition of his ongoing support to the county, both as Chair of Grosvenor and the Westminster Foundation.

Outside of his business and philanthropic work, the Duke represents Team GB at Olympic Skeet Shooting competitions overseas and in the UK and continues to pursue his ambitions as an elite sportsman.  Known as Hughie, the Duke is a close friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales and godfather to Prince George.   

On 25th April 2023 he announced his engagement to Olivia Henson, an account manager with a Mediterranean food company who was educated at Marlborough and also got a 2:1 at university.  They were married in 2024.

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From the DT of 22 May 2026:

It is no surprise that a key friend of William's [PoW] is Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster and one of Britain's wealthiest men.  The King is the duke's godfather and the duke is, in turn, godfather to Prince George, while William is godfather to Grosvenor's daughter, Cosima.  William was an usher at the duke's wedding in 2024, despite already having become Prince of Wales by that time.

Whether this is truly a close friendship, or one that's a matter of station and family connection is hard to discern.  "In this respect William is a master at keeping us guessing when it comes to the details," says Fitzwilliams.  

Guy Pelly

Even a prince needs a stag do before his big day, and it was Guy Pelly who came in to organise the royal romp: a private weekend-long affair with 20 guests at Hartland Abbey in Devon, which is understood to have featured clay pigeon shooting, surfing and drinking games.

Pelly met William while fox hunting in 2001.  "He's part of the St Andrews set," Fitzwilliams explains, "and he comes across as being a sort of colourful, lively character."  Pelly has become nightclub owner in recent years, but he still remains as tight-lipped as ever about his friendships with both William and Harry.  Pelly is now godfather to Prince Louis.  "There's no doubt that he's been a close fellow for years and years now." Fitzwilliams says.