Sad news everyone. The Duchess of Alba, Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva (to use her full title), has died at 88. She had been admitted to hospital on Sunday with pneumonia and possible heart problems, after having suffered a stomach virus a few days earlier.
The Duchess was Spain’s richest woman, and was a distant relative of Queen Elizabeth but – it is claimed – was more noble. She held more titles recognized by an existing government than any other noble in the world, including being a duchess seven times over, a countess 19 times and a marquesa 23 times. Her array of titles meant that, according to protocol, she was not expected to bow to the Pope. According to some experts, the Queen would be required to bow to her, because she is descended from James II, while the Queen comes from the less regarded Saxe-Coburg-Gotha line.
The Duchess was well-loved for her flamboyant style and determination to live by her own rules. She was married three times, most recently to Alfonso Díez, 24 years her junior, and had six children. Known for her striking looks, she was once asked by Picasso to be his muse, but declined. What a woman!