The Duke of Westminster dies aged 64 after sudden illness
THE Duke of Westminster has died aged 64 after suddenly falling ill with a suspected heart attack.
Billionaire landowner Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, who was once Britain's wealthiest man, died at the Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire yesterday.
He was rushed to the hospital from his Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire after suffering a suspected heart attack.
His 25-year-old son Hugh inherits his title and his vast fortune.
The duke, who is Prince William's godfather, owned swathes of land in central London including in plush Belgravia and Mayfair.
He was thought to be worth £9.35 billion and owned Grosvenor Estates, which has 300 acres across the capital.
It was thought the Duke was the 68th richest billionaire in the world.
He was the third richest British national and was the wealthiest property developer in the UK.
The aristocrat is thought to have seen £769million wiped off his fortune after the Brexit vote.
The Duke was a close friend of the Royal Family's and his only son, Earl Grosvenor, is Prince George's godfather.
It is not known if he he had been suffering from ill health before his sudden death, although he has previously been described as a chain-smoker.
Last week he lent his £8 million private jet to Prince William for a trip with the Duchess of Cambridge and their children to France for a holiday.
The Royals are regular visitors to Grosvenor properties, including their boar hunting lodge in Spain.
He leaves behind his wife Natalia, 57, who is godmother to Prince William, and their four children.
His son Hugh Grosvenor will now inherit his father's entire estate, including the family seat in Cheshire, Eaton Hall, at the age of just 25.
His daughter Lady Tamara is married to one of Wills' best friends, Edward Van Custom.
Her sister Lady Edwina, 34, is married to TV presenter and historian Dan Snow.
The late duke also had a 22-year-old daughter, Lady Viola.
Lord Grosvenor was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order – a personal gift of the Queen – in 2012, in addition to being a Knight of Garter and a Companion of the Order of the Bath.
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Gerald 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.
In a rare interview he once said he was not interested in wealth, claiming: "[I am] not interested in material things.
"Honestly. It would drive me bonkers if I thought too deeply about it."
Grosvenor was educated at prestigious Harrow School before leaving with two O-levels and joining the Territorial Army as a trooper.
He then headed to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1973 and passed out as an Officer Cadet.
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.
“He was taken there from the Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire where he had suddenly been taken ill.
“His family are all aware and they ask for privacy and understanding at this very difficult time.
“No further comment will be made for the time being but further information will follow in due course.”
Buckingham Palace said: “Her Majesty The Queen is aware of the news about the Duke Westminster.
“A private message of condolence is being sent from The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to the family.”
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are "deeply shocked and greatly saddened" by the sudden death of their friend, a Clarence House spokesman said.
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