In the world of Spain’s elite, where every move is scrutinized by the press, there is one figure who manages the nearly impossible—staying out of the spotlight. Elena Cue, wife of influential financier Alberto Cortina, has elevated privacy to an art form. Despite her status, she rarely attends public events, making each appearance a noteworthy occasion.
The couple’s recent outing to celebrate the 50th birthday of Arrianna de Hohenlohe at her brother Hubertus’s Madrid home was another display of their selective public presence. However, an even bigger stir was caused by a lunch in February 2024, when Elena was spotted at Madrid’s Horcher restaurant with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and their daughters. Such gatherings are an exceptional rarity for a woman who prefers a quiet life away from the flash of cameras.
Her husband, Alberto Cortina, whose name once made headlines in business and society columns as part of the ‘Los Albertos’ duo with his cousin Alberto Alcocer, now also leads a private life. The tumultuous years, marked by a scandalous divorce from Alicia Koplowitz after an affair with Marta Chávarri, are in the past. His marriage to Chávarri in 1991 lasted just five years and brought her considerable pain. Her sudden passing in the summer of 2023 was a heavy blow for the family.
Elena Cue met her future husband during a hunt at his Las Cuevas estate. It was love at first sight, leading to their wedding on June 10, 2000. This year, the couple celebrates their silver anniversary, having spent a quarter of a century together in harmony and far from the scandals that once haunted the financier. Their life together has become a pillar of stability and peace.
Born in 1972, Elena is more than just a socialite. She holds a degree in philosophy and boasts impressive sporting achievements. In clay pigeon shooting—a rather uncommon sport—she was crowned champion of Spain and runner-up in Europe. Together with Alberto, she has raised their daughter Alejandra, who reached adulthood in 2024.
Considered one of the country’s most elegant women, Elena is known for her loyalty in difficult times. She was among the few who publicly supported Nuria González after her husband, financier Fernando Fernández Tapias, passed away, attending his funeral. You might spot her at the wedding of Ferrovial’s president’s son or at a prestigious journalism award ceremony, but such public appearances are rare exceptions. Most of the time, her life remains out of the spotlight, which only fuels curiosity about her enigmatic persona.
