Among the first decisions he will be required to make is whether to abandon the family’s much anticipated Glorious Twelth shoot on Friday on the Abbeystead estate, in Lancashire – where his father was taken ill before being rushed to the Royal Preston Hospital – or carry on as normal in tribute to the Duke.
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He is thought to be worth £9.35 billion and owned Grosvenor Estates, which has 300 acres across west London.
Hugh was thrust into the media spotlight again the following year when Prince William chose him as one of the seven godparents to his firstborn son Prince George.
The sixth Duke, who was ranked 68th richest billionaire in the world by Forbes with a calculated wealth of £8.3 billion (Dh39.72bn), was on close personal terms with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs.
(L-R) Michael and Julia Samuel arrive with one of Prince George’s godparents Hugh Grosvenor (Earl Grosvenor) at the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace, ahead of the christening of the three month-old Prince George of Cambridge by the Archbishop of Canterbury on October 23, 2013 in London, England.
Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor is listed 68th on the list of billionaires established by the United States business magazine Forbes, with a fortune of $ 10.8 billion.
His vast wealth comes from estates in Oxford, Cheshire, Scotland and London. Another sister Lady Edwina is married to historian and television presenter Dan Snow. His younger sister is Lady Viola Grosvenor.
The Duke of Westminster with the Queen.
Grosvenor was not meant to inherit his title, and had intended to be a beef farmer before his uncle died without heirs.
His father Robert, inherited his brother’s title and it was then passed down to Gerald.
Grosvenor was educated at prestigious Harrow School before leaving with two O-levels and joining the Territorial Army as a trooper.
A spokeswoman for his estate said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we can confirm that the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, 64, died this afternoon at Royal Preston Hospital”.
The 25 year old son of Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, has inherited his entire £9bn portfolio, including Abbeystead estate.
The duke’s estate said the family had asked for “privacy and understanding at this very hard time”.
Talking to Daily Mail, the spokesperson added that no further comments will be made but more information will be given later.
Kensington Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were very sad to learn of the Duke of Westminster’s passing”.
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Her Majesty The Queen has written a private letter of condolence that will be send to the Duke’s family.
