Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, was not royalty. But he was close to royalty all of his life, and he was arguably in a much better position than most royal figures. He was worth billions, mostly from extensive real estate holdings, and he was a greatly respected figure in the UK. The Duke of Westminster passed away following a short illness yesterday. He was one of Prince William’s godfathers, and the Duke often allowed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge the use of his private plane. Will and Kate last used his plane on Friday, when they returned home from their French holiday.

Britain’s wealthiest landowner and friend to the royal family, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, died today, a spokeswoman for his estate said. The 64-year-old 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,” a statement from his estate says. “He was taken there from the Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire where he had suddenly been taken ill. 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.”

Many best know the late Duke as the third richest Briton, with a net worth estimated at £ 9.35 billion – or $ 12.15 billion, according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2016. He also owns several acres of property near Buckingham Palace, in some of London’s priciest neighborhoods.

He served in the British Army for nearly 40 years, eventually obtaining the rank of Major General. He is survived by his wife, Natalia, their four children, Tamara, Edwina, Hugh and Viola, as well as four grandchildren.

Throughout his life, he was close to several members of Britain’s royal family, including Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William and Princess Kate. His wife, Natalia, is one of Prince William’s godparents.

His only son, 24-year-old Hugh Grosvenor, will inherit his title, as well as the bulk of his father’s wealth, and become the 7th Duke of Westminster. Royal fans may recognize his name: He’s one of Prince George’s godparents.

[From People]

My gossip radar is blinking a little with “he had suddenly been taken ill.” What kind of illness would come upon someone so quickly? Or was he sick for a while and it just took a turn for the worse in the past week? The Daily Mail explains it this way: “He is believed to have suffered a heart attack at his grouse shooting estate, Abbeystead House in Lancashire.” Wow, that must have been a massive heart attack. Poor guy.

So now we have the new Duke of Westminster, who is 25-year-old Hugh Grovenor. The DM is already running glowing profiles of Hugh. In just one day, a 25-year-old is suddenly worth billions, all because of aristocratic primogeniture. I wonder how much money the daughters get after their father’s passing? Hugh has three sisters and I wonder if they’ll be allowed to stick around the family’s many residences? Also: Hugh doesn’t have a girlfriend. Too bad Pippa Middleton is engaged now, I’m sure she would have loved to try for Hugh.

Photos courtesy of Getty.