The days when the late Duchess of Alba, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, lived with an open-door policy and enjoyed an almost idyllic relationship with the press are long gone. She reveled in the admiration and respect of the public, was unafraid of cameras, and loved being among people. Today, the House of Alba follows an entirely different, unwritten set of rules perfectly embodied by Bárbara Mirjan, wife of the Duke of Arjona. Her marriage to Cayetano Martínez de Irujo marked a new era for the famous aristocratic family—an era of restraint and near-Spartan modesty.
The wedding of the Duke of Arjona and Bárbara Mirjan, held at the Iglesia de los Gitanos in Seville—a church deeply revered by his mother—became a symbol of reconciliation and a new chapter for the family. Past disagreements now seem to be a thing of the past, as confirmed by the presence of the current head of the house, the Duke of Alba, at both the ceremony and the banquet at Las Arroyuelas. This event turned a page on family disputes. However, not all family members choose to stay in the public eye. For instance, Jacobo Siruela and Inka Martí have long retreated from social life, devoting themselves fully to publishing and an environmental project on their Salamanca estate inherited from their mother.
Other family members have also chosen their own paths. Fernando Martínez de Irujo, who is almost fully recovered from cancer, does not shy away from public events and was recently seen at the Starlite Festival in Marbella. He has openly discussed his illness, showing both optimism and zest for life. Perhaps the most striking heir to her mother’s openness is Eugenia Martínez de Irujo. Happily married to Narcís Rebollo, she easily communicates with journalists and naturally answers any questions, unafraid of public attention.
A completely different approach is taken by the sons of the current Duke of Alba from his marriage to Matilde Solís. They rarely appear at social events and almost never give interviews. While they occasionally make exceptions, for the most part they prefer to remain in the background—unlike some of their predecessors, whose lives always attracted great interest. Fernando, who is married to Sofía Palazuelo, and Carlos, husband of Belén Corsini, are known for their elegance, education, and restraint. They have achieved what is almost impossible: remaining unnoticed, which is becoming an increasingly common trend among heirs to Spain’s aristocratic and business elites.
Many of them don’t even use social media, which only adds to the mystery surrounding their personalities. You could say they enjoy their ‘quiet popularity.’ And it is this unwritten rule, now shaping the agenda of the Casa de Alba, that Bárbara Mirján skillfully follows. During her relationship with Cayetano Martínez de Irujo, she has proven to be one of the most conciliatory members of the family, helping to strengthen newly regained family ties.
Incidentally, the Casa de Alba is one of Spain’s oldest and most distinguished aristocratic families, with a history spanning more than five centuries. Its members have played a key role in the country’s political, cultural, and social life for generations. The head of the house holds more than 40 titles, making him the most titled aristocrat in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The family owns numerous palaces, castles, and priceless art collections, including works by Goya, Velázquez, and Titian. The late 18th Duchess of Alba, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, was one of the most colorful and eccentric figures in Spain’s modern history.
