Preston coroner's office has confirmed that the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, died after suffering a heart attack. The Duke, who was a close friend of the royal family, passed away on Tuesday aged 64. A spokeswoman for the coroner's office confirmed on Thursday that there would be no inquest as the Duke died of natural causes.
A spokesperson for the Grosvenor family announced the sad news to the public earlier this week, saying: "His family are all aware and they ask for privacy and understanding at this very difficult time.
The Duke passed away on Tuesday
"No further comment will be made for the time being but further information will follow in due course."
Buckingham Palace then released a statement confirming that the Queen and Prince Philip were aware of his passing. "I can confirm the Her Majesty the Queen is aware of the news about the Duke of Westminster. A private message of condolence is being sent by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh," a statement read.
A message posted on the Grosvenor website on Thursday paid tribute to the Duke. It read: "He was a passionate country man, committed soldier, an excellent shot, a true entrepreneur and, importantly, he went out of his way to be courteous and humorous with all people, regardless of status or wealth.
The Duke was a close friend to the royal family
"Distinctly down-to-earth, the Duke of Westminster was rarely seen without a Diet Coke and a cigarette (later electric). Not much of a sleeper, one might expect emails from him at any hour of the night and an average week would see him up and down from home in Chester to London and all over the world to visit soldiers, businesses, charities and rural estates while representing and promoting numerous organisations."
The Duke's only son, 25-year-old Hugh Grosvenor, who is also godfather to Prince George, will now inherit his father's title and estate, including the family seat in Cheshire, Eaton Hall. The Duke is also survived by his wife Natalia and three daughters; Lady Tamara, Lady Edwina and Lady Viola.