At 95 years old, Victoria Eugenia de Figueroa y Bourbon, widow of the Marquess of Tamarit, remains the embodiment of elegance and aristocratic spirit. Her name is inseparably linked with the golden era of Spain’s high society. Born in 1931 into a family with deep roots, she is the daughter of the second Count of Romanones, Luis de Figueroa, and María de Bourbon y de León, who was related to King Juan Carlos and descended from the first Duke of Seville. The story of this woman’s life is more than a chronicle—it’s an entire saga of style, family, and devotion to tradition.
The pivotal meeting with her future husband, Juan José Suelves Ponsich, took place in the mid-20th century, and in 1955 the couple married. Her chosen one held the titles of Marquess of Tamarit and Viscount of Montserrat, and was a prominent figure among the Catalan nobility. He spent much of his life in Peru, where he built a significant fortune before returning home with his family. Their marriage, which lasted nearly half a century, produced six children: Juan José, María, Victoria, Cristina, Luis, and Blanca. The family’s happiness was shattered by a tragic loss—the death of their 28-year-old son, Luis, in a car accident. The Marquess himself died in 2004 at the age of 76 after battling cancer.
Victoria, affectionately called Mimi by her loved ones, was rightfully considered one of the most stylish women of her era. Her friendship with the legendary Cristóbal Balenciaga became the stuff of legend. It was he who designed her wedding dress, which caused a real sensation. The unique silhouette, inspired by the attire of a medieval nun with a short headdress, was so striking that a photograph of it appeared in the pages of ‘Tatler,’ the authoritative publication of the British aristocracy. This passion for fashion was passed down to her granddaughter Inés, the daughter of the current Marqués de Tamarit. Today, Inés is one of the most sought-after young designers, often drawing inspiration from the looks of her famous grandmother, who still carries herself with royal poise.
According to her granddaughter Inés, Mimi is the most life-loving person she knows, gifted with the rare ability to find joy in small things and see the bright side in everything. She was always a unique grandmother, who indulged her grandchildren and made each one feel special. Despite her large family—fourteen grandchildren and three great-granddaughters—she found time for everyone. The Suelves family has always been known for their unity and an uncommon modesty among their peers, even though both of Victoria’s daughters, María and Blanca, once found themselves under close media scrutiny.
María found herself at the center of society pages following her marriage to Francis Franco, the eldest grandson of General Franco. Their 1981 wedding at the family castle in Altafulla (Tarragona) was the event of the year. Blanca, meanwhile, made her mark in the fashion world, becoming the face of the popular 1980s youth clothing brand Don Algodón. Over time, the sisters’ paths diverged from their beginnings. María’s marriage lasted nine years before she wed entrepreneur Claudio Montes. Blanca left the runway, married the Duke of Alburquerque—whom she later separated from—and founded a successful wedding planning agency that became a favorite among Madrid’s high society.
Mimi de Figueroa y Bourbon herself recalled with humor the moment she learned of Blanca’s desire to become a model. She noted that she didn’t need to react in any special way, as her daughter had always done as she saw fit. The marchioness was only pleased, since it was the talented designer Jorge Gonçalves who first believed in her daughter’s abilities, and there was never any family conflict over it. Throughout her life, the widow of the Marquess de Tamarit maintained her reserve regarding the honorary King Juan Carlos. Despite his frequent visits to their home, she never commented on the subject.
The title of Marquess de Tamarit, held by the family, has a rich history. It was established in 1681 by King Charles II and granted to Francesc de Montserrat, who was governor of Tarragona and lord of Montoliu and the barony of Altafulla.
