Maria del Rosario Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, better known as Cayetana, was an extraordinary woman whose legacy remains unmatched. Holding an astonishing 57 noble titles, she earned the distinction of being the most titled aristocrat in history. As the 18th Duchess of Alba, she was not only a prominent figure in Spain but also its wealthiest woman, with an estimated fortune of 3 billion euros. Some even speculate that her captivating presence inspired elements of the Duchess of Cambridge’s iconic wedding dress.

A Rebel in the Aristocracy

Unlike the conventional aristocrats of her time, Cayetana chose a different path—one that embodied freedom, individuality, and an undeniable Bohemian spirit. Despite her immense wealth and influence, she declined the opportunity to be painted by Pablo Picasso, famously boasting that she held more noble titles than the Queen of England.

Throughout her life, the media often fixated on her untamed curls, flamboyant wardrobe, and relationships with younger men. Yet, beneath the headlines and speculation, she was a woman of substance, strength, and resilience. In her second autobiography, released just two years after her first, she provided a candid glimpse into her life’s journey, revealing both its triumphs and hardships.

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Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, 18th Duchess of Alba

A Lineage Tied to History

The Duchess of Alba’s ancestry linked her to some of history’s most renowned figures, including Sir Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. They shared a common lineage traced back to Henrietta Fitz-James, the daughter of Arabella Churchill. Despite her privileged upbringing, Cayetana made it clear in her memoirs that her life had not been without challenges.

A Lavish Wedding and a New Image

In October 1947, Cayetana married Luis Martínez de Irujo y Artázcoz, the son of the Duke of Sotomayor, in what was widely regarded as Spain’s last grand feudal wedding. The ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, with an estimated cost of 20 million pesetas and a guest list of 2,500 people, all treated to an extravagant champagne reception.

Following her father’s death in 1953, Cayetana inherited an extensive array of titles, including 18 counts, 14 grandees, and five duchies. Along with these noble distinctions came the immense responsibility of managing her family’s vast estates, most notably the historic Liria Palace, which had suffered significant damage during political upheaval. Her determination to restore the palace reflected her deep commitment to preserving her family’s legacy.

She also played a pivotal role in reshaping her family’s public image. Under her guidance, the House of Alba transitioned from a secluded, old-money dynasty into a modern, high-profile family known for philanthropy and cultural contributions. While Spain’s royal family remained largely private, Cayetana and her children embraced the spotlight, captivating the public with their stories and adventures.

Controversial Love Stories

Cayetana’s personal life was as dramatic as her noble lineage. Her second marriage in 1978 to Jesús Aguirre y Ortiz de Zárate, a former priest who had once been her confessor, caused an uproar. Not only was he 11 years her junior, but he was also born out of wedlock—a scandalous detail in high society. Despite the scrutiny, their marriage endured until his passing from cancer in 2001.

Her third and final marriage proved even more controversial. She met Alfonso Díez Carabantes, a civil servant more than 20 years younger, in the 1980s through her second husband. However, their romantic relationship did not begin until a chance meeting at a cinema years later. Their wedding in 2011 was met with fierce opposition, including disapproval from King Juan Carlos. Some members of her family even accused Díez of being a fortune hunter.

To silence critics, Díez signed a legal agreement renouncing any claim to Cayetana’s wealth, ensuring that her vast fortune remained with her six children from her first marriage. In response to the controversy, the Duchess wittily remarked that while she had an impressive collection of artwork, she couldn’t exactly “eat them.” Their wedding became famous for a memorable moment when Cayetana, full of life, danced flamenco in celebration.

A Life Marked by Reinvention

Despite her aristocratic status, Cayetana was no stranger to criticism, particularly regarding her appearance. Over the years, she underwent several cosmetic procedures, leading to widespread speculation and media scrutiny. Though she had once been celebrated for her natural beauty, plastic surgery gradually altered her features. Some believed she had procedures to refine her nose, enhance her lips, and lift her brow, while frequent filler injections softened her facial contours. A close friend admitted that she “clearly took it too far,” but Cayetana never let public opinion dictate her choices.

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A stunning collection by the world’s most titled woman, Duchess Caetana de Alba

An Unbreakable Spirit

Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart was more than just a noblewoman—she was a force of nature. She represented the last living link to Spain’s grand aristocratic era while also holding a unique place in British history. Her passing marked the end of an era, but her legacy remains as vibrant as ever.

Throughout her life, she embraced every moment with enthusiasm, never allowing societal expectations to confine her. In one of her most memorable quotes, she joked, “I plan to keep on living… just to see the expressions on people’s faces.”

Indeed, life is often more unpredictable and dramatic than any movie script. And for Cayetana, every day was a new chapter in a story unlike any other.