Duke of westminster's father's untimely death and the tragic story behind it

Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, is all set to marry his fiancée Olivia Henson in June. The Duke of Westminster, who is godfather to the future King, Prince George, will tie the

knot on June 7 at Chester Cathedral. The Prince of Wales and his son, Prince George, are anticipated to attend the ceremony. And Prince George is rumoured to serve as a pageboy. But there

will be one important person missing at the royal wedding: Hugh's father, Gerald Grosvenor, the 6th Duke of Westminster, who died aged 64 in August 2016. The sudden death of Gerald was

a devastating blow to his loved ones. Known as one of Britain's most affluent individuals, with an estimated £9 billion property empire that encompassed extensive areas of Mayfair and

Belgravia in London, Gerald's sudden death left his family and friends in shock. He is survived by his widow, Natalia, and their four children: Lady Tamara, Lady Edwina, Hugh, and Lady

Viola. Gerald fell ill while out for a walk on his Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire. Emergency services were called, and he was swiftly airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital. Despite efforts to

save him, Gerald was pronounced dead at the hospital, leaving behind a legacy of wealth and influence that will be deeply felt by those who knew him. At the time, a Lancashire Police

spokeswoman said officers were called at around 5pm. She added: "He was airlifted to hospital after he had been taken ill whilst walking in the Trough of Bowland. There are no

suspicious circumstances and a file will be passed to the coroner." Preston coroner's officer confirmed that the Duke died of a heart attack. Three days following his passing, a

private funeral ceremony was conducted for the late philanthropist and landowner. He was laid to rest in the Grosvenor family plot at the Old Churchyard of St. Mary's Church in

Eccleston. In November 2016, a more extensive memorial gathering was held at Chester Cathedral to honour his life and contributions. The Duke had a strong connection with the royal family,

especially the Windsors. King Charles trusted Gerald to mentor a young Prince William privately. Later, as a sign of honour, Prince William asked Gerald's son, Hugh, to be the godfather

to his first child, Prince George. Gerald's widow, Natalia, is a godmother to Prince William, and Princess Diana was a godmother to Lady Edwina. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed

upon the late Duke the title of Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, personally presenting him with this honour. Additionally, he held the titles of Knight of the Garter and Companion of

the Order of the Bath. Buckingham Palace released a statement following his death, confirming that the late Queen and Prince Philip were aware of his passing. "I can confirm the Her

Majesty the Queen is aware of the news about the Duke of Westminster. A private message of condolence is being sent by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh," a statement read. The then

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also said in a statement that they were "very sad to learn" of the Duke's death, adding: "Their thoughts are very much with his family this

morning".