Just Stop Oil protesters disrupt Duke of Westminster’s wedding with orange smoke bombs

Just Stop Oil protesters attempted to disrupt the wedding of the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, and Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral. 

According to the Mirror, as the newlyweds exited the grand ceremony, two women released orange smoke from fire extinguishers, catching the attention of Prince William and Princess Eugenie among the 400 guests. The police swiftly detained the protesters, who chanted “Just Stop Oil” as they were taken away.

In a statement reported by the Daily Express, Just Stop Oil quoted protester Polly, 73, a care worker from Norfolk, saying, “Weddings are a time of coming together to celebrate the future. However, for countless millions around the world, there is no future unless we stop oil and gas.” Sheila, 69, a retired NHS nurse from Bristol, added, “What do we value most? The wealth of billionaires or the lives of billions being destroyed by the fossil fuel industry?”

The protest aimed to draw attention to the climate crisis and demand an end to the extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030. Despite the disruption, the wedding continued with the bride, Olivia, looking radiant in a gown by Emma Victoria Payne, complemented by the Fabergé Myrtle Leaf Tiara. The couple hosted a private reception at Eaton Estate, home to the Grosvenor family since the 1400s,

Prince William, serving as an usher, attended without Kate Middleton, who is undergoing cancer treatment. Other notable absentees included King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were attending D-Day commemorations in France, and Prince George, who was likely busy with school commitments. Although invited, Prince Harry did not attend, reportedly to avoid overshadowing the day due to ongoing family tensions.

The lavish event, marked by high society’s presence and a touch of drama, highlighted the ongoing clash between environmental activists and traditional elite celebrations.