New Duke of Westminster is playboy godfather of Prince George whose 21st birthday bash cost £5MILLION
PARTY-loving aristocrat and royal pal Hugh Grosvenor has just become the world's most eligible bachelor - after inheriting his father the Duke of Westminster's £9bn fortune at the age of 25.
He became the 7th Duke last night after his father died of a suspected heart attack.
It instantly made him Britain's third richest man as the title comes with the Grosvenor Estates property portfolio including 100 acres of Mayfair and 200 acres of Belgravia - some of the costliest real estate in the world.
And the new duke certainly knows how to enjoy the trappings of vast wealth, if his uber-extravagant 21st birthday party is anything to go by.
The incredible bash - costing an estimated £5m - saw VIP guests including Prince Harry entertained by comedian Michael McIntyre and hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks.
The grand celebration was held in a giant marquee in the ground of the family seat Eaton Hall near Chester in January 2012.
All photographers were banned and security was reportedly so tight that guests' cars were sealed with tape before being allowed into the estate to foil gatecrashers.
The dress code was "black tie and neon" and on the drive the 800 partygoers were treated to a fireworks display before a lavish dinner and dancing into the night.
At the time Hugh, then a student at Newcastle University, told The Chester Chronicle: "The party was simply amazing – a birthday and a party I will never forget.
"It is the beginning of a new era in my life and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead."
The young Duke of Westminster is known to be friends with Princes William and Harry - but has kept a much lower public profile than some of the royals' other party pals.
His family has long been close to the royal family, with the late Duke close to the Queen and the Prince of Wales.
In 1981 Hugh's mother Natalia, the Duchess of Westminster, was godmother to Prince William.
Three years ago Wills returned the favour and asked Hugh to be godfather for Prince George.
It thrust him into the spotlight at the age of just 22 when he was studying countryside management.
But little else is known about him and he seems to have led a mostly quiet life growing up on the Cheshire estate.
Unlike many heirs to a grand title, Hugh was not sent off to boarding school.
Instead he and his sisters went to the local village state primary school. Hugh later went to a private day school near the estate.
Hugh is the only son of the late duke's four children.
The eldest, Lady Tamara, is married to Edward van Cutsem, brother of fellow royal godparent William van Cutsem.
Their sister Lady Edwina is married to telly historian Dan Snow, and the youngest Lady Viola is 22.
Buckingham Palace said last night: “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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