A private funeral has been held for the Duke of Westminster. Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, who was a close friend of the royal family, died on Tuesday aged 64.
The Grosvenor Estate announced that the Duke had been laid to rest in a statement, writing: "A quiet private funeral service, attended only by close family members, was held this afternoon, Friday August 12, for the Duke of Westminster who died on Tuesday August 9 2016."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duke passed away aged 64
A spokeswoman from Preston coroner's office confirmed that the Duke had passed away from a heart attack, and that there would be no inquest as he died of natural causes.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace revealed that the Queen and Prince Philip were aware of the Duke's passing, saying: "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 short eulogy was also posted on the Grosvenor website, which 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.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duke was a close friend of 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 son, 25-year-old Hugh Grosvenor, will inherit his father's title and estate, worth an estimated £8billion, as well as the family seat.
