Hugh Grosvenor will marry at Chester Cathedral, near Eaton Hall, the historic mansion where he grew up. However, his parents chose to say “I do” closer to the bride’s family residence, Luton Hoo. After all, Natalia always belonged to the aristocracy: her great-grandfather was the Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich of Russia. His lineage implies that his brothers, among whom are Alexandra Hamilton, Duchess of Abercorn and the composer Marita Knightdate back to the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.
Gerald and Natalia Grosvenor, former Duke and Duchess of Westminster, smiling after receiving the keys to the City of London on July 20, 1981.
Simon Dack/Getty Images
The then brand new Countess Grosvenor wore a most successful tiara. Originally made for the Russian princess Catherine Bagration at the beginning of the 18th century, the diamond and spinel Bagration tiara was the perfect touch to accompany her wedding dress designed by Sarah Butler. Known as “the wandering princess,” Catherine Bagration’s life of affairs and literary salons inspired some of Europe’s greatest minds, from Victor Hugo to Honore de Balzac. We don’t play the cards nor do we know what will happen, but many royal experts will be paying attention to whether or not she wears the Bagration tiara when Olivia Henson walks down the aisle this weekend.
When he married, the Earl of Grosvenor was already maturing. After years of being bullied at the exclusive Harrow private school, he had given up a conventional military career to take care of his family’s real estate business. After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst he was appointed lieutenant in the Royal Armored Corps Volunteer and Territorial Reserve Army. His marriage to Natalia would mark the beginning of a new stage in Gerald’s life, full of military, philanthropic and educational achievements.. However, the most likely thing is that that was not at all present in the minds of the happy couple on such an important date.
