British aristocracy is celebrating today as Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, and his wife, Olivia, the Duchess of Westminster, announced the birth of their first child. The couple welcomed a baby girl in London on Sunday, July 27th.
In a statement released today, the couple shared their joy: “The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are thrilled to announce the birth of their baby daughter,” revealing the newborn’s name is Cosima Florence Grosvenor. The statement added, “Both the Duchess and Cosima are doing well,” and expressed their eagerness to enjoy “this special time together as a family.”
News of the Duchess’s pregnancy first broke in March. A spokesperson confirmed then: “The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are very pleased to share that the Duchess is expecting a baby in the summer. The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family together.”
The arrival of baby Cosima comes just over a year after Hugh and Olivia’s high-profile society wedding at Chester Cathedral on June 7, 2024. Hugh Grosvenor, widely recognized as the richest person in the UK under 40 and previously one of the nation’s most eligible bachelors, holds deep connections to the British Royal Family. He is a godson of King Charles III, and his own mother is Prince William’s godmother.
It is this close royal bond, particularly with Prince William, that immediately sparks speculation about the new baby’s future godparents. The Duke of Westminster holds the prestigious role of godfather to both Prince William’s eldest son, Prince George (11), and Prince Harry’s son, Prince Archie.
This longstanding friendship was visibly on display during Hugh’s wedding last year, where Prince William served as an usher, even assisting guests like Princess Eugenie to their seats. More recently, the two families were spotted enjoying a shared passion: soccer. On April 15th, Prince William and Prince George attended an Aston Villa Champions League match alongside Hugh and Olivia. Photos captured the expectant Duke and Duchess enthusiastically celebrating a Villa goal alongside the Prince and future King.
Given this enduring closeness and the tradition of reciprocal godparent roles within their circle, many royal watchers are now asking: Will Prince William be named godfather to baby Cosima? While no official announcements regarding godparents have been made, the existing ties make Prince William a leading candidate in the court of public opinion.
The Duke of Westminster’s significant wealth and status, combined with his family’s multi-generational links to the monarchy, ensure that the birth of his heir is a notable event within British high society. The addition of potential royal godparent connections only heightens interest in the newest member of the Grosvenor family, Cosima Florence. The couple and their newborn daughter are now focused on their private celebrations as they begin their journey as a family of three.