HEALTH fears have been raised about the Duke of Westminster after his office confirmed he had spent a few days in hospital at the end of last month.

A number of sources had contacted The Chronicle inquiring into rumours about the health of Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, 51, the richest man in Britain, whose family seat is at Eaton Hall, near Eccleston, south of Chester.

Vicky Bolton, personal assistant to the Duke, told The Chron -icle: 'The Duke did spend a few days in hospital towards the end of July with an infection in his left leg. Thankfully it is now virtually healed and he is making a good recovery.'

Little more is known about the nature of the condition, but insiders at Eaton Park say the Duke is now walking, driving and keeping all his engagements.

An exhausted Sixth Duke revealed in June 1999 how he had been forced to cut down on his demanding round of business and charitable duties which had left him depressed. However, this time the problem appears to be physical.

The Duke and the Duchess, both smokers, have each had health fears which they discussed during an exclusive interview to coincide with the Duke's 50th birthday in 2001.

His Grace told The Chronicle he was once again at the top of his game after cutting back on his commitments. Although aside from his involvement in the Grosvenor business empire, he is still a brigadier with the Territorial Army and patron of 150 charities and other organisations.

Speaking at his country retreat at Abbeystead, near Lancaster, the Duke, estimated to be worth £4.9 billion, said: 'Hitherto one used to be going to dinners every night or every other night. But one cannot go on burning the candle at both ends. One hits the buffers at some stage. Putting in a full day, getting home at midnight and then getting up early in the morning. There comes a moment when one's tank is dry.'

The Duke, who as a youngster had trials for top flight club Fulham FC, still enjoys having a kick around with his son Hugh. On reaching 50, he added: 'I feel no different from when I was 40 or 30. I suppose my legs are getting slower. But it's very nice to be able to reach a landmark like this having regretted nothing.

'It has been an uphill struggle on occasions but life without challenge is no life at all.'

The Duchess, Natalia Ayesha, 44, remarked that she was feeling well having been given the all clear after receiving chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

'I'm fine...it was a nasty time. It was tough and frightening and it was a struggle to get through. But out of an experience like that come the most positive things - when you're up against the wall you see life differently. It frees you from lots of little things. You begin to see what is really important.'

The couple have children Lady Tamara, 23, Lady Edwina, 21, Hugh, the Earl Grosvenor, 12, and Lady Viola, 10.