It’s not every day that a love story plays out inside the walls of a 1,000-year-old castle.
But on a bright and sunny Saturday in Leicestershire, Lady Violet Manners and William James Lindesay-Bethune—better known as Viscount Garnock—did just that.
Their wedding, hosted at the legendary Belvoir Castle, turned out to be one of the most talked-about society events of 2025.
A Historic Setting for a Modern Love Story
Lady Violet, 31, is the eldest daughter of David Manners, the 11th Duke of Rutland, and Emma Manners, the Duchess of Rutland.
The couple’s engagement was announced last summer with Lady Violet calling her groom her “Caledonian Cowboy”—a playful nod to William’s Scottish-American background.
William, 33, is the heir to the 16th Earl of Lindsay and splits his time between Scotland and Texas.
He’s also the co-founder of a brand that makes low and non-alcoholic spirits—a sign this aristocrat isn’t afraid to modernize tradition.
The Ceremony at St Mary’s Church
The couple exchanged vows at St Mary The Virgin Church in Bottesford, a charming spot just a short carriage ride away from Belvoir Castle.
The sun shone brightly as Lady Violet walked down the aisle in a custom-made Phillipa Lepley gown.
The dress featured puffed sleeves, delicate embroidery—including stars and hearts—and a sheer neckline that added a touch of whimsy to a classically regal look.
What truly stole the show, though, was the diamond Rutland tiara perched atop her head.
This family heirloom hasn’t been seen at a public event since the 1990s, making its appearance all the more special.
A Scottish Kilt and a Castle Send-Off
Viscount Garnock leaned into his heritage, wearing a kilt made from the red and green Lindsay family tartan.
He completed his look with a traditional sporran, a pale grey jacket, and a green and blue patterned tie.
Together, the newlyweds waved at guests as they made their way from the church to the grand Belvoir Castle for the reception.
Violet Bridesmaids and a Touching Family Moment
Fittingly, Lady Violet’s bridesmaids wore violet-toned dresses, tying in her name in a stylish and meaningful way.
They adorned their hair with flowers and wore soft, elegant updos.
Among them were her sisters Eliza and Alice, as well as her close friend Devisha Kumari Singh.
The mother of the bride, Emma Manners, looked radiant in a soft pink jacquard coat and dress, topped off with a dramatic tilted hat.
Her grace and strength stood out even more given that she is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer following a diagnosis earlier this spring.
A Guest List Straight from the Social Pages
As expected, the guest list was a who’s who of British high society.
Familiar faces included Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, Lady Sabrina Percy, and Flora Vesterberg, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra.
From the historic walls of Belvoir Castle to the high-profile attendees, everything about this wedding reflected deep-rooted tradition paired with modern elegance.
A Family Estate and a Fairytale Ending
With nearly a millennium of family history tied to Belvoir Castle, it’s no surprise that Lady Violet and Viscount Garnock chose to host their nuptials on the sprawling 15,000-acre estate.
The 360-room castle offered the perfect fairytale backdrop for a love story that seamlessly blends aristocratic heritage with contemporary charm.