THE Duke of Westminster is reported to have spent almost £40,000 for a television comic to appear at a surprise party for his son.
Former Britain’s Got Talent judge Michael McIntyre performed a 40-minute routine for the Duke's son, Hugh, who was celebrating his 21st birthday with more than 200 family and friends, including Prince Harry.
Both the Duke and his son are said to be huge fans of McIntyre, 35, who will have earned £1,000 a minute for his brief appearance.
The party was held at the Duke’s 17th century, 10,827-acre estate, Eaton Hall in Eccleston, on the outskirts of Chester.
The Duke, 60, also booked hip-hop stars Rizzle Kicks and a host of other performers for Hugh, heir to the family’s £6.7billion fortune.
Guests from around the country were staying at various hotels in Chester paid for by the Duke, who is Britain’s richest man.
He is believed to have spent £26,000 on transport, ferrying guests back and forth from their hotels to the venue.