It was a picture-perfect moment steeped in centuries of tradition, as aristocratic elegance met modern romance in the rolling hills of Leicestershire.
Lady Violet Manners and Viscount Garnock, known to friends and family as William James Lindesay-Bethune, tied the knot in what’s being called one of the most glamorous society weddings of 2025.
The Venue Fit for Nobility
The couple exchanged vows on Saturday at St Mary The Virgin Church in the charming village of Bottesford before hosting a lavish celebration back at Belvoir Castle — the Manners family’s 15,000-acre estate.
Nestled in the countryside and dripping in historical grandeur, the castle has been home to the Dukes of Rutland for nearly a thousand years, so there was little surprise they’d choose to keep the celebration on their storied home turf.
Aristocratic Roots and a Global Twist
Lady Violet, 31, is the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, David and Emma Manners.
Her new husband, 33-year-old William, is the heir to the 16th Earl of Lindsay.
He splits his time between Scotland and Texas and is also known as a co-founder of a low- and no-alcohol spirits brand.
Their engagement was announced last summer with Lady Violet playfully referring to him as her “Caledonian Cowboy.”
The Bride Wears History With Grace
On her special day, Lady Violet was every bit the regal bride.
She wore a stunning custom Phillipa Lepley gown featuring puffed sleeves and a sheer embroidered panel dotted with stars and love hearts.
But it was her headpiece that truly stole the show — the diamond Rutland tiara, a family heirloom not seen publicly since the 1990s, completed her elegant bridal look.
Her brunette hair was styled in a classic updo beneath a flowing veil, creating a timeless silhouette.
A Scottish Groom in Full Heritage Mode
Not to be outdone, the groom paid homage to his roots with a traditional red and green Lindsay family tartan kilt.
He paired it with a soft grey jacket, sporran, and a green-and-blue patterned tie, blending tradition with a splash of contemporary flair.
As they left the church hand in hand, the newlyweds smiled and waved to the crowd before heading off to Belvoir Castle for the celebration.
Bridesmaids in Shades of Violet
The bridesmaids offered a sweet nod to the bride’s name, wearing dresses in soft violet hues.
Their hairstyles were pulled back and adorned with matching floral accessories.
Among them were Lady Violet’s sisters, Eliza and Alice, along with her close friend Devisha Kumari Singh.
Duchess of Rutland Makes Brave Appearance
In a touching moment, Emma Manners, the Duchess of Rutland and mother of the bride, attended the wedding looking graceful and strong despite her recent breast cancer diagnosis.
She wore a soft pink jacquard coat and dress, complete with an eye-catching tilted hat — a quiet yet powerful reminder of her resilience during a challenging time.
High Society Guest List
The guest list read like a who’s who of British aristocracy.
Socialites including Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, Lady Sabrina Percy, and Flora Vesterberg — granddaughter of Princess Alexandra — were spotted among the elegantly dressed crowd.
The 360-room castle, with its history and grandeur, provided the perfect backdrop for the union of two of Britain’s prominent noble families.