The release of the book ‘La última duquesa’ has become a significant event for everyone interested in the history of Spanish aristocracy. At its center is Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, a figure whose life and character continue to spark both debate and admiration. The book’s author, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo, did not limit himself to his own memories: he involved people who knew the protagonist personally, allowing him to gather unique material. The book presentation at the Liria Palace in Madrid was not only a tribute but also a rare occasion for family members to come together in public. The absence of one brother did not diminish the sense of unity, and the words of gratitude at the end underlined the importance of this project for all descendants of the Alba family.
Writer Ana Fernández Pardo and journalist, RAE member Luis María Anson, also contributed to the book. Anson recalled an unusual incident: during a trip to Egypt, Cayetana disguised herself as a beggar to experience firsthand the hardships of ordinary people. Cayetano himself recounted how his strict mother showed particular gentleness with her grandchildren, surprising them with small acts of generosity. These details shape the portrait of a person who combined high standards with unexpected warmth.
Family traditions
The book is filled not only with personal memories but also with family anecdotes previously unknown to the wider public. Among them is the story of how the future King Alfonso XIII, who was Cayetana’s godfather, ate the treat intended for the five-year-old heroine after her operation. Equally vivid are the descriptions of visits by Queen Victoria Eugenia, for whom special breakfasts were arranged at home and the staff would don formal uniforms. Such episodes illustrate how traditions and attention to detail have been maintained in the family across generations.
Photographs hold a special place in the book, many of which had never been published before. The pages feature snapshots of family life: from the honeymoon of the Dukes of Alba to images of King Juan Carlos in the gardens of Palacio de Liria. Even the family parrot Pepa, who could mimic the Duchess’s voice, became part of these memories. One of the most unexpected stories is a table football match between Cayetano and Prince Felipe, where an intervention by the mother changed the outcome, leaving the participants with vivid emotions.
Memory and legacy
The release of the book coincided with large-scale events marking the centenary of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s birth. In Seville, the exhibition ‘Cayetana: Grande de España’ opened, featuring personal belongings and artworks linked to the duchess. The exhibition was organized by Eugenia Martínez de Irujo, and King Felipe VI was among the guests in attendance. In the coming days, the city will host flamenco concerts and a series of free lectures, while Canal Sur is preparing to air the documentary ‘Cayetana, la duquesa de todos’ dedicated to the anniversary.
Interest in the lives of Spanish aristocrats remains strong, as evidenced by other publications. For example, the public was recently captivated by actor William Levy’s trip through Andalusia with a new companion, which was covered in detail in the article about a romantic journey through Granada. Such stories highlight that fascination with the private lives of prominent families remains high.
Private and public
In his book, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo does not limit himself to his mother’s story. He also delves into his own childhood and relationships with other family members, including episodes involving Genoveva Casanova. The author’s openness to complex topics, including his personal experiences, lends the publication genuine sincerity. Attention to detail, humor, and self-irony make the book not only a monument to an era but also a vivid testimony of family history.
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, Duchess of Alba, was one of the most renowned and titled women in Spain. Her life spanned nearly the entire 20th century, and her influence on the country’s cultural and public life is still felt today. She became famous not only for her ancestry but also for her active presence in high society, her passion for art, and her support of national traditions. Her descendants continue to honor her memory by participating in social and cultural initiatives connected to the Alba name.
