Prince William was photographed arriving solo to the society wedding of the year in England on Friday as wife, Princess Kate, continues her time out of the public eye while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Crowds gathered at Chester Cathedral in northwestern England on Friday morning in anticipation of the 33-year-old Duke of Westminster’s marriage to his fiancée, Miss Olivia Henson.

The duke, also known as Hugh Grosvenor, is a godson of and a close friend of both William and . He is godfather to and also reportedly godfather to .

Grosvenor’s wedding became the subject of increased media focus after its announcement, with attention placed on whether Harry would travel to Britain for the ceremony which would have seen him at the same event as William for the first time since the coronation of their father last year.

Reports suggested that though Harry had received an invitation, it was agreed between the friends that

William served as an usher for the high profile ceremony, accompanying members of the wedding party into the cathedral that is situated in the county of Chester. William and Kate currently hold the , which they assumed when King Charles made his eldest son the Prince of Wales following his accession to the throne.

Kate’s absence from the high society wedding comes as she continues her time out of the public eye after in March.

The princess has not been seen at an official event since Christmas Day and Kensington Palace revealed last month that she would

During a commemoration event marking the 80th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landings this week, William provided a brief update on Kate’s condition, telling a veteran that she is

Grosvenor is one of England’s most senior peers, inheriting an estate estimated at over £8 billion ($10 billion) in 2016. A large proportion of this wealth is held in an extensive property portfolio known as the Grosvenor Estate. It includes over 300 acres of London’s most exclusive residential areas in Mayfair and Belgravia.

Henson, 31, is a senior accounts manager at London based ethical food initiative, Belazu. She reportedly met the duke through friends and the couple began dating in 2021.

Henson’s wedding dress was designed by London-based bridalwear designer Emma Victoria Payne and featured long sleeves and a keyhole cutout exposing her back. Her tulle veil was held in place by an antique diamond tiara that is an heirloom of the Grosvenor family. She was escorted into the church by her father, Rupert Henson.

Their wedding reception is set to be held at the duke’s country estate, Eaton Hall, near Chester Cathedral.

William Brown is Regalrumination.com‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly ) at and read his stories on Regalrumination.com‘s

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