Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster, announced the birth of their baby girl yesterday. As well as being a close friend of Prince William and Prince Harry, the 34-year-old is godfather to Prince George and Prince Archie.
The couple revealed that their baby girl is named Cosima Florence Grosvenor. A statement released on Sunday read: “The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are thrilled to announce the birth of their baby daughter.” The statement continued: “They have named her Cosima Florence Grosvenor, who was born in London today, 27 July. Both the Duchess and Cosima are doing well. The Duke and Duchess now look forward to spending this special time together as a family.”
When the couple – who met in 2021 – tied the knot last year, Olivia became the new Duchess of Westminster, which sparked questions over any titles that their children would inherit.
As it stood when they wed, any offspring would be affected by a centuries-old rule that also led to Hugh inheriting the immense Grosvenor fortune, which is estimated to be £10 billion.
As their new baby is a girl, Cosima will be affected by the controversial royal rule and she will not be entitled to inherit the Westminster title – nor the family fortune and estate that goes with it.
As reported by the Mirror, the benefit is only passed down the male line – which means that the peerage can only be inherited by a male relative.
Instead, Cosima will be styled as ‘Lady’ and any of her future male siblings will be styled as ‘Earl Grosvenor’ until they inherit the dukedom.
The same rule also directly impacted Hugh, who has two older sisters, Lady Tamara and Lady Edwina Grosvenor.
After their father, Gerald Grosvenor, who was the 6th Duke of Westminster, died in 2016, the family title went to Hugh – who was his third child and only son.