Family conflicts within the Alba household revealed in new book by Cayetano Martínez de Irujo
Cayetano Martínez de Irujo’s book examines how family traditions shape the destiny of the Alba dynasty
Family secrets of the Alba house: key revelations from Cayetano’s memoir
In 2026, the House of Alba will mark the centenary of the birth of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, the 18th Duchess of Alba. The milestone will be celebrated with a series of major events, including the exhibition Cayetana, Grande de España in Seville, and the publication of a new book by Cayetano Martínez de Irujo. Titled La última duquesa, the book is scheduled for release in March and has already attracted attention for its candid insights into family relationships and personal challenges.
In an interview with El Mundo, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo spoke about the difficulties he faced after his mother’s death in 2014. He noted that tensions between the siblings persisted for many years, despite efforts at reconciliation. Even his wedding to Bárbara Mirjan, which temporarily brought the family together, did not fully resolve their differences. The sense of distance was especially pronounced during the most recent Christmas holidays, when Cayetano and his wife were absent from the family dinner at the Palacio de Liria. He added that, after years of conflict, his relationships with brothers Carlos and Eugenia have been restored, and he has always maintained a warm connection with Fernando.
Family roles and legacy
The book pays special attention to the role of eldest brother Carlos, the current Duke of Alba. Cayetano emphasizes that the responsibility for the family’s legacy does not rest solely on one person, but is the result of the entire family’s efforts. He notes that many of his actions were done for the benefit of his elder brother, though this was not always recognized. At the same time, Cayetano recalls with regret that he did not receive the title Conde Duque de Olivares and could not manage all the family estates, as their mother had wished. According to him, Carlos did not support this decision, despite their mother’s particular trust in Cayetano.
The book also addresses issues of upbringing and personal experiences. Cayetano describes his childhood as a period of strict discipline and a lack of emotional warmth from his parents. In his view, this experience led him to provide his own children — Luis and Amina — with more care and support. He notes that his children have grown up to be independent and successful, which is especially important to him.
Looking back at the past
La última duquesa includes memories not only from Cayetano himself, but also from other family members and close friends of the Duchess. Among them are his brothers Carlos and Fernando, husband Alfonso, grandchildren Tana, Luis and Amina, as well as family friend Luis María Anson. The book gathers stories that reveal different facets of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s personality: her openness, generosity, charisma, and, at the same time, her strictness on family matters. The author does not hide that their mother was demanding and conservative, but also possessed a unique character.
A special section of the book is dedicated to Picasso’s failed attempt to paint a nude portrait of the duchess, as well as criticism of Jesús Aguirre, the second husband of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart. According to Cayetano, Aguirre had a negative impact on the family atmosphere, especially in his relationship with Eugenia. He recalls that his sister felt deeply dissatisfied with her stepfather’s behavior, whom Cayetano considered jealous and at times even aggressive. Nevertheless, over time, Cayetano was able to forgive Aguirre, believing that his actions were shaped by a difficult past.
Family drama and public interest
The history of the Alba family has always attracted public attention, with internal conflicts and reconciliations regularly discussed in the media. The new perspective on family relationships presented in Cayetano Martínez de Irujo’s book offers a fresh assessment of tradition and personal ambition within aristocratic dynasties. According to russpain.com, such revelations are increasingly popular among readers interested in the lives of prominent Spanish families.
When discussing family disputes within well-known dynasties, it is worth recalling other cases that have put personal relationships in the spotlight. For example, a recent story drew attention to the unexpected reconciliation of Kiko Rivera and Isabel Pantoja, where new circumstances and risks once again raised questions about the stability of family ties. You can read more about this in the article about changes in the Pantoja family.
Cayetano Martínez de Irujo is a member of one of Spain’s most famous aristocratic families and the son of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, the 18th Duchess of Alba. He is known not only as an athlete and public figure, but also as an author whose books provide an open account of life within the Alba dynasty. His publications often spark discussion in Spanish society, and his personal revelations offer a fresh perspective on the traditions and conflicts of the aristocracy.
