Britain’s biggest landowner, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, dies after a sudden illness

The Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, has died aged 64.

The Grosvenor family own major landlord and developer Grosvenor Estates, of which he was a former chairman.

Grosvenor Estates said in a statement that he became ill and died on Tuesday afternoon (9 August) at Preston Royal Infirmary.

His son Hugh Grosvenor has inherited his dukedom and estimated £9bn fortune.

The firm said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we can confirm that the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor (64) died this afternoon at Preston Royal Infirmary.  He was taken there from the Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire where he had suddenly been taken ill.

“His family are all aware and they ask for privacy and understanding at this very difficult time.”