Who Is Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gerald Grosvenor, the 6th Duke of Westminster, was born on December 22, 1951, and passed away on August 9, 2016. As a prominent British landowner and esteemed businessman, he held considerable influence within aristocratic circles. Gerald Grosvenor was renowned for his contributions to both his family estate—one of the largest privately-owned landholdings in the UK—and various philanthropic endeavors, including significant support for the military and charitable organizations.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 22, 1951 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Ireland |
| Date of death | 9 August, 2016 |
| Died Place | Preston, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom |
Popularity
Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gerald Grosvenor stood at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm). While specific details regarding his weight and body measurements are less documented, his stature and presence reflected the grace often attributed to British nobility.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gerald was married to Natalia Grosvenor, the Duchess of Westminster. The couple shared three children: Lady Tamara Grosvenor, Lady Edwina Grosvenor, and Hugh Grosvenor, the current Duke of Westminster. Throughout his life, Gerald was known for maintaining strong familial bonds, and his relationships were characterized by loyalty and dedication.
Leslie Field - Tatler-journalist and biographer of the second Duke of Westminster - explained why the Gerard Grosvenor, the 6th Duke, was not the owner of the Grosvenor-capital. In his last will, dated in November 1952, "Bendor" (Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster) provided that his direct survivors would not inherite his capital.
Apart from numerous legacies and annuities he created a trust for the benefit of all future dukes. 'The trust was to be controlled in the first instance by his executors, and then by a Board of Trustees of whom the current duke might, or might not, be one.
The scheme ensured that the bulk of the fortune would by-pass the three elderly cousins in line to succeed him and devolve upon the future 5th Duke’s infant son. Assets were divided into twenty parts and at the time of Bendor’s death, the present Duke (the 6th), received three parts.
His portion was doubled when William, the 3rd Duke died in 1963, increased to nine-twentieths when Gerald the 4th and childless Duke, his uncle, died in 1967, and to twelve-twentieths when his father, the 5th Duke, died in 1979.
Although Gerald the 4th and Robert the 5th Dukes controlled their Estate income absolutely, the capital value was held ‘in fee simple’ by the trustees.'
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2016, the Duke of Westminster was one of the wealthiest individuals in the UK, with an estimated net worth valued at around £10 billion ($13 billion) at its peak. His wealth primarily stemmed from property developments, large landholdings, and lucrative business ventures in various sectors, including agriculture and retail.
The sixth Duke of Westminster inherited a crush of debt from death duties. With shrewd investments he and his advisors turned the family business, which was no personal wealth of the Grosvenor-family anymore, into a healthy business. The sixth Duke of Westminster was a reluctant billionaire.
"Given the choice, I would rather not have been born wealthy, but I never think of giving up. I can't sell. It does not belong to me."
Career, Business and Investments
Gerald Grosvenor’s career was marked by a successful foray into land management and real estate. Under his leadership, the Grosvenor Group thrived, managing a substantial portfolio of property across London and other major cities worldwide. His investments were strategic, focusing on developing residential and commercial spaces, ensuring continued growth and prosperity for the family estate.
In addition to his business achievements, he served as an officer in the Territorial Army and was involved in various charitable foundations, especially those supporting veterans and youth initiatives.
Major General Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster (22 December 1951 – 9 August 2016) was a British landowner, businessman, aristocrat, Territorial Army general, and peer. He was the son of Robert Grosvenor, 5th Duke of Westminster, and Viola Lyttelton. He was Chairman of the property company Grosvenor Group.
In the first-ever edition of The Sunday Times Rich List, published in 1989, he was ranked as the second richest person in the United Kingdom, with a fortune of £3.2 billion (approximately £ in today's value), with only the late Queen Elizabeth II above him.
Social Network
Gerald Grosvenor maintained a relatively low profile on social media; however, he was well-connected within elite social circles and often participated in high-profile events and charitable endeavors. His family, particularly his son, Hugh Grosvenor, continues to represent the Grosvenor legacy in public spheres, garnering attention on social media for community-focused initiatives.
As a child, the Duke lived on an island in the middle of Lower Lough Erne in Northern Ireland (Ely Lodge, Blaney, County Fermanagh). His early education was in Northern Ireland before he was sent at age 7 to Sunningdale School in Ascot, followed by Harrow.
Because of his Fermanagh accent, the Duke struggled to fit in at first, and even after his accent was "bullied" out of him, he found it difficult to make friends. His sense of isolation became worse after the death in 1967 of his uncle, the 4th Duke.
His schoolmates ostracised him because the newly styled Earl Grosvenor became the heir to the Grosvenor-fortune. "One's so-called friends," he recalled, "disappeared like snow in the summer." Unhappy at boarding school, his education suffered. He left school with two O-levels in history and English.
Education
Gerald Grosvenor attended a prestigious private education system. He completed his education at Harrow School before furthering his studies at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. This educational background provided him with a solid foundation in leadership and management, which proved beneficial in his later business endeavors and responsibilities as Duke.
Born in Northern Ireland, Grosvenor moved from an island in the middle of Lower Lough Erne to be educated at Sunningdale and Harrow boarding schools in the south of England. After a troubled education, he left school with two O-levels. He entered the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and served in the Territorial Army, where he was promoted to major-general in 2004.
