After three decades in the world of high fashion and fine jewelry, Simoneta Gómez-Acebo is turning a new page in her life. Having stepped down as Communications Director at Cartier, she faced profound family challenges, yet found the strength not only to take on the role of head of the Gómez-Acebo clan, but also to devote herself to new passions. Today, her life is focused on supporting unique artisanal traditions and continuing the charitable mission begun by her mother, Infanta Pilar.
After losing her two brothers, Fernando and Juan, last year, Simoneta threw herself into her work. She is actively involved with the international Michelangelo Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting craftsmanship and artisanal skills. The niece of Honorary King Juan Carlos I believes that luxury goods and fine art have a rightful place in the world, even if they’re not accessible to everyone. In her view, they create prosperity and allow people to connect with beauty—and she genuinely admires those who can surround themselves with it.
As the eldest daughter and only girl in the family of the Dukes of Badajoz, Simoneta naturally stepped into the matriarchal role once held by her mother. She fondly recalls the lessons she learned from Infanta Pilar and strives to follow her example. One of her main causes has become organizing the Rastrillo Nuevo Futuro charity fair in Madrid, where her mother was honorary president. Simoneta herself modestly refers to herself as just an ordinary staff member and trustee of the project.
Despite her close ties to the royal family and occasional public appearances, such as at regattas in Sanxenxo alongside her uncle Juan Carlos, Simoneta prefers to stay out of the spotlight. She insists that her life holds no interest for the press and she gives no grounds for gossip. She spends her free time reading and connecting with family and friends. Travel has become an integral part of her work with the foundation. Since her divorce from producer José Miguel Fernández Sastrón in 2012, little is known about her personal life, except for fleeting rumors. She has three adult children, each of whom has chosen their own path. She occasionally shares her current activities—such as a crafts exhibition in Sevilla—on her modest Instagram page, posting moments from her travels and family memories for her followers.
