This year, as all of Spain prepares to celebrate the centenary of the legendary Duchess Cayetana, a new chapter of family drama is unfolding in the House of Alba. The anniversary seemed poised to unite the descendants of one of the country’s most renowned aristocratic dynasties, but reality proved otherwise. I followed developments with keen interest: behind the façade of lavish palaces lie not only deep-rooted traditions, but also sharp family rifts.
In October last year, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo finally married Bárbara Mirjan—a much-anticipated event. Nearly all his siblings attended the wedding in Sevilla, except for Jacobo, the Count of Siruela, with whom Cayetano’s relationship has long been strained. Even at family gatherings, they go out of their way to avoid each other. Alfonso, another brother, was there but kept conversation to a minimum. After the ceremony, it seemed that the Christmas dinner at Madrid’s Palacio de Liria might bring everyone together, but Cayetano chose to spend the evening with his wife’s family. At Liria, the Count of Siruela and his wife Inka Martí gathered instead. Outwardly, everything appeared calm—perhaps because Cayetano was recovering from major back surgery and had to temporarily step back from family affairs.
Cracks in the Family
However, this calm was deceptive. As soon as Cayetano felt better, he made a series of sharp statements that immediately stirred up the entire family. This time, the conflict went beyond personal grievances between the brothers and involved the third generation of the Alba family. At the center of the dispute is the fate of historic buildings near the Liria Palace in Madrid. For decades, these houses provided housing for the family’s staff or their acquaintances, and now 75 families live there, paying quite modest rent.
Recently, the residents received letters demanding they vacate their apartments once their leases expire. The official reason is an upcoming large-scale renovation. But the real purpose, according to some family members, is to turn these houses into apartments for tourists or students. Rumor has it that Fernando, the son of the current Duke of Alba and heir apparent, will oversee the project. For many, this came as a shock: tradition and social responsibility are giving way to commercial interests.
An Inside View
The position of the Duke of Alba and his son was unequivocal: no final decision has yet been made regarding the future of the buildings. However, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo publicly refuted the statements of his brother and nephew, claiming that plans to convert the property into tourist accommodation are already being discussed. His speech sounded like a challenge: “These houses belong to my elder brother, but my nephew manages them. Their real aim is to turn them into tourist apartments.”
Such open dissent within the Alba family is rare even for this eccentric dynasty. Once again, the halls of Palacio de Liria echo with accusations and mutual reproaches. To me, it’s clear: this is not just about real estate, but also about the struggle for influence, the memory of their mother, and the right to define the future of the family’s legacy. After the death of Duchess Cayetana, it was Cayetano who was her favorite and managed much of the family’s affairs, but now he has been excluded from key decisions. He was forced to leave the Palacio de Dueñas in Seville, where he had lived for many years.
Battle for the Alba Legacy
Now, as the Duchess’s anniversary was meant to unite the family, divisions have only deepened. The debate over whether it’s more important to preserve traditions or move with the times has split not just the brothers, but their children as well. For some, it’s a matter of honor and memory; for others, it’s an opportunity to modernize and increase the family fortune. I’ve heard many times, as they talk in Liria’s corridors, questions about the fate of these homes: will they remain part of history, or become yet another set of luxury apartments for outsiders?
Family dinners are now tense affairs, and any attempt at compromise ends in new flare-ups of discontent. The whole country is watching this conflict, for the fate of the Alba family is not just a private story, but part of Spain’s cultural heritage. The future of Palacio de Liria and the adjacent buildings has become a symbol of the changes impacting not just one family, but the entire aristocratic order of the country.
In case you didn’t know, the House of Alba is one of Spain’s oldest and most influential aristocratic families. Their residence, the Liria Palace in Madrid, houses unique collections of art and historical documents. Duchess Cayetana, whose centenary is being celebrated this year, was renowned for her eccentric style and active public presence. The Alba family has traditionally played a significant role in Spain’s cultural and charitable life, and their internal conflicts always attract widespread public attention.
