The evening show ‘El Hormiguero’ was expected to become a tribute to Isabel Preysler, and at first, everything went according to plan. The ‘Queen of Hearts,’ as she is known in Spain, looked dazzling at 74 in a blue outfit and sky-high heels, effortlessly charming host Pablo Motos and the audience. She shared stories from her rich biography, while the camera occasionally caught glimpses of her daughter, Tamara Falcó, sitting in the studio with other guests. No one expected that it would be the Marquise of Griñón herself, known for her straightforwardness, who would make the night’s biggest revelation.
The atmosphere shifted when the conversation touched on a sensitive topic—the romance between Isabel and writer Mario Vargas Llosa. The socialite, about to share an episode from the early days of their relationship, suddenly glanced at her daughter and asked for permission to tell the story. This moment set the stage for an unexpected confession that made viewers see the famous couple’s story in a new light.
Isabel began recounting how the Nobel laureate first visited their family home in the prestigious La Moraleja district. According to her, they had known each other for decades but had never been alone together. After she was widowed, the writer—who often visited Madrid—started calling on her. He joined several family lunches, and during one such meal, Tamara, who is deeply religious, asked him if he was married. Isabel’s story sounded rather harmless, presenting her daughter’s curiosity as an innocent question.
However, Tamara Falcó recalled those events differently and wasn’t about to stay silent. Taking the floor, she corrected her mother, painting a much more dramatic and telling picture for the audience. The Marchioness said her interaction with the Peruvian writer was far from how it had been described. Seeing him at the family table for the third time, she addressed him with icy composure: “Mario, it’s a pleasure to see you again. And where is your wife?” According to her, this question wasn’t mere curiosity. Tamara wanted to make it clear that everyone in the house was well aware of his marital status. “A dead silence filled the room,” she recalled. “My mother looked like she wanted to burn me to ashes with her gaze, but in that moment I felt I was protecting our family. Although, as it turned out, it didn’t help much,” she concluded her story with a half-smile.
This remark, delivered with laughter, was nothing short of explosive. It became clear that Tamara—and likely her sister Ana Boyer, who was also present—did not appreciate their mother accepting the advances of a man who was married for many years. Wrapping up her account, the Marquise de Griñón ironically called herself a “seer,” hinting that she had never believed in the future of that relationship. “Just look at how it all ended,” she added, putting the final note on this family drama that unfolded live.
