In Spain’s high society, it is uncommon to air family disputes in public, but the story of the Allendesalazar clan has become a rare and resounding exception. Recently, one of Rita Allendesalazar’s brothers, José María, passed on two count titles—Alpuente and Montefuerte—to his children. At first glance, this might seem like a routine event for an aristocratic dynasty, yet in reality, it marks just another chapter in a longstanding drama unfolding behind the walls of family palaces.
Rita Allendesalazar is one of six children of the Marquess de Casariego, who for many years headed the protocol of the Spanish Royal Household and was one of King Juan Carlos I’s most trusted confidants. His sudden death in 1983 left his wife, Isabel de la Cierva, widowed with six heirs and an immense fortune. It was then that the seeds of a future conflict were sown, splitting the family into two opposing camps.
The late Marquess wished for his estate to be equally divided among all his children. However, his widow had very different plans, clearly favoring the sons. This was not merely a question of money, but of a vast inheritance that included numerous properties, priceless works of art, antique furniture, and family jewels—most notably a platinum necklace with diamonds and emeralds that once belonged to Queen María Cristina.
As a result, all their father’s titles went to the two brothers. Manuel inherited the marquisates of Santa Cristina and Casariego, while José María received those same countships, which he has now passed on to his children. Meanwhile, the eldest sister, Isabel—who, under current laws, should have inherited all four titles—was left with nothing. But this was not the matriarch’s most controversial decision.
The harshest blow fell on Rita Allendesalazar and her sister Almudena after their mother’s death in 2017. During the will reading, they learned they had been completely cut out of the inheritance. The reasons stated in the document seemed blatantly contrived: allegedly, Rita’s husband had once claimed a noble title the mother intended for her eldest daughter, and Almudena insisted on selling the family chalet in a prestigious district of Madrid.
The sisters had to settle for only the mandatory legal share, which in Spain is the closest equivalent to complete disinheritance. But their mother’s final wishes included another humiliating clause: Rita and Almudena were to receive their portion exclusively in cash or securities. In this way, they were cut off from the historic and material heritage of the Allendesalazar family. The close friend of Infanta Elena had no choice but to turn to the courts to defend her rights.
Despite these fierce family battles, Rita, who became the Countess of Ventosa after her marriage, managed to maintain her dignity and became a safe haven and support for the daughters of the honorary kings during their most challenging times.
