He was once Britain’s most eligible bachelor. Now, the 7th Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, is taking on a new role: he and his wife, Olivia, have become parents to their first child, a baby girl.
The couple announced the news on 27 July, the day she was born. In a statement, they said: "The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are thrilled to announce the birth of their baby daughter. They have named her Cosima Florence Grosvenor."
© Getty ImagesThe couple broke the news of Olivia's pregnancy in March, nine months after their wedding at Chester Cathedral, which was attended by Hugh's close friend, the Prince of Wales (the King is Hugh's godfather) and Princess Eugenie.
Cosima, whose name is derived from the Greek word "kosmos" – meaning order, harmony or the universe – was born into one of Britain's wealthiest families. Her father is worth more than £10 billion, thanks to his extensive property portfolio, which includes 50 percent of Mayfair and 300 acres of Belgravia.
There has been interest in whether the baby girl will inherit her father's titles and wealth. When the 6th Duke, Gerald Grosvenor, died in 2016, Hugh, now 34, inherited his father's fortune and estate as the sole son and heir. He has three sisters: Lady Tamara, 45, Lady Edwina, 43, and Lady Viola, 32.
Ancient law
According to Debrett's, Cosima will not inherit her father’s title, owing to a specific rule concerning the dukedom of Westminster.
© GettyWendy Bosberry-Scott, the editor of Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, tells HELLO!: "The dukedom of Westminster can only be passed down the male line, so it currently has no heir. The Duke and Duchess will need to produce a son for the titles to survive. Unless there is a change in the law, Lady Cosima will not inherit her father's titles."
© Karwai TangA source close to the couple says they are focusing on being first-time parents. "The issue of titles and primogeniture is a matter for government and parliament, and isn't something the Duke and Duchess would comment on, certainly not at this stage.
© Getty"They're just looking forward to spending time with their daughter as a family."
Where will baby Cosima grow up?
The family's ancestral seat, Eaton Hall in Cheshire, has been home to the Grosvenors since the 15th century. Hugh and Olivia, 32, announced their intention to live there when they married.
© AlamyIt is assumed that Cosima, following in her father’s footsteps, will grow up at the 150-bedroom home, which has a chapel and bell tower and resembles a French chateau with its 11,000 acres of grounds.
© GettyLooking to the future, Cosima may adopt her parents' passions for sustainability and philanthropy. And with her father running the international property company The Grosvenor Group, she has an impressive role model in the business world.
© GettyAs the Duke and Duchess embark on their parenting journey, they may reflect on the approach of Hugh's late father, who once said of his son: "He was born with the longest silver spoon anyone could have, but he can't go through life sucking it."
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