Britain's wealthiest landowner and friend to the royal family, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster has died on Wednesday at age 64.  He died at Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire, England after developing a sudden illness at his home, Abbeystead Estate. 


"It is with the greatest sadness that we can confirm that the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor died this afternoon at Royal Preston Hospital. He was taken there from the Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire where he had suddenly been taken ill," a statement from his estate says.


"His family are all aware and they ask for privacy and understanding at this very difficult time. No further comment will be made for the time being but further information will follow in due course."