Wealthy Omagh-born Duke dies

Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, born in County Tyrone dies aged 64. One of Britain's wealthiest men passes away after sudden illness at Abbeystead Estate. The property tycoon was listed as the sixth wealthiest individual in this year's Sunday Times Rich List.

The Duke of Westminster has died aged 64. 

Born Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor in Omagh, County Tyrone, passed away after a sudden illness at his family's Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire.

"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," a statement on his privately-owned property group website read.

He owned swathes of property across London, Scotland as well as locations in continental Europe. 

The Duke was among one of the wealthiest individuals in Britain at the time of his death. His personal wealth was estimated as £9.35 billion according to the Sunday Times Rich List published this year, he was ranked sixth overall.

"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",  the statement on his website continued.

One of the Duke's four children, his only son Hugh, is Prince George's youngest godfather, while his wife Natalia is godmother to the Duke of Cambridge.