Prince William's billionaire friend celebrates major family milestone

Cosima Florence Grosvenor, the daughter of the seventh Duke of Westminster and his wife Olivia Henson, celebrates her first birthday today.

Hugh Grosvenor, one of William's closest friends, serves as godfather to both Prince George and Prince Archie, making the families deeply intertwined.

The milestone could even draw the Prince of Wales and his three children away from their summer break - their final retreat before George flees the Wales nest and heads for Eton.

Though the famously private Duke and Duchess of Westminster are unlikely to mark the occasion publicly, few would doubt that a memorable first birthday celebration is being planned for their little girl behind closed doors.

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The duke and duchess tied the knot on June 7, 2024, at Chester Cathedral, in a ceremony attended by several members of the Royal Family.

William himself served as usher, while Princess Eugenie was also among the distinguished guests.

Olivia wore a bespoke gown by Emma Victoria Payne, complemented by the Grosvenor family's Fabergé Myrtle Leaf Tiara.

Cosima arrived in the summer of 2025, just four months after the couple revealed they were expecting. Her name carries the meaning of order, harmony, or the universe.

Announcing the birth, the parents declared: "The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are thrilled to announce the birth of their baby daughter."

The Grosvenors, renowned for guarding their privacy with great care, will almost certainly keep today's celebrations well away from the public eye.

Yet given the depth of the bond between the two families, it would be no surprise if William and his children found time to join the festivities.

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Mr Grosvenor's wealth exceeds an astonishing £10billion, underpinned by a remarkable property empire that encompasses half of Mayfair and some 300 acres of Belgravia.

Before his marriage, the duke was widely regarded as one of Britain's most eligible bachelors.

However, the billionaire's property company, the Grosvenor Group, revealed earlier this year they are set to sell £700million of the 340-year property empire amid growing losses.

The company recorded losses of £108million in North America during 2025, contributing to a total worldwide revenue decline of £23.2million.

Chief executive James Raynor indicated the US portfolio would be sold "over a period of time," with the group emphasising there was no urgency to complete transactions quickly.

The Grosvenor Group was founded by Hugh's ancestor, Sir Thomas Grosvenor, third Baronet, in the 1600s.

The 35-year-old duke took control of the empire in 2016 when his father, Gerald Grosvenor, died unexpectedly from a heart attack.

Becoming the Chair of the group, the duke topped The Sunday Times 40 Under 40 Rich List with his net worth of over £10billion.

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