Close Friend of Princes William and Harry Faces Delicate Godparent Decision

Published: 17 August ‘2025 | The English Chronicle Desk

Selecting godparents for a firstborn is traditionally a joyous milestone for any family, yet for the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, the decision has become unexpectedly delicate amid ongoing royal tensions. Last month, Grosvenor’s wife, Olivia, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Cosima, and the couple is reportedly considering whether to ask Prince Harry to serve as godfather.

Known affectionately as Hughie, Grosvenor has long-standing friendships with both Prince William and Prince Harry, having grown up alongside them. He is also the only mutual friend chosen as a godfather for their eldest sons, Prince George and Prince Archie, underscoring his unique position in the royal social circle. While Prince William is understood to have been confirmed as a godfather, no final decision has yet been made regarding Prince Harry’s potential inclusion.

The challenge reflects the continuing estrangement between the formerly close brothers, which has persisted since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. The divide deepened following the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, after which the two siblings reportedly did not communicate. King Charles has also seen his youngest son only briefly since February 2024, when Harry returned from California to Clarence House following the announcement of the King’s cancer diagnosis.

Grosvenor, 34, and his wife, 32, married in June last year at Chester Cathedral in a lavish ceremony with Prince William, the Prince of Wales, serving as an usher. Although the Sussexes were initially invited, their attendance was later withdrawn to avoid any potential tensions overshadowing the celebration. Friends of the couple have described the situation as “incredibly sad,” noting that Grosvenor has maintained strong relationships with both brothers and hopes for reconciliation, but acknowledges it is unlikely to occur in the immediate future.

The decision regarding the godparent role could carry symbolic weight, potentially serving as an olive branch in the fractured relationship between the brothers. Naming both Princes as godfathers might be interpreted as an attempt to encourage a rapprochement. Harry himself has publicly expressed a desire for reconciliation in interviews following his legal battles over taxpayer-funded security. Reflecting on the challenges within the Royal Family, he acknowledged that some grievances may never be forgiven, but emphasized his hope to mend familial bonds, particularly given his father’s health concerns.

In his memoir Spare, Harry detailed the personal conflicts and public controversies that have marked his life within the Royal Family, including allegations of betrayal and media manipulation. These revelations underscore the complexities surrounding Grosvenor’s godparent decision and highlight the delicate balance of loyalty, friendship, and family in the midst of longstanding royal disputes.