Francisco de Borbón von Hardenberg, despite his reserved nature and preference to stay out of the spotlight, has once again found himself at the center of attention. After the death of his father, Francisco de Borbón y Escasany, the issue of succession to the Duchy of Sevilla sparked widespread debate in Spanish society. While many expected Francisco to become the new Duke, fate had other plans.
In recent years, Francisco’s name has surfaced repeatedly in the media. In 2012, he made a surprise appearance on the American reality show Secret Princess, where he joined other aristocrats in search of love. Later, he was back in the headlines when the ambitious Eurovegas project in Extremadura—in which he was involved—was cancelled due to disagreements among the partners.
Family trials
Francisco holds honorary positions in several aristocratic and charitable organizations, including the Order of Saint Lazarus and the Knights of the Principality of Asturias. His sister, Olivia de Borbón, who is better known to the public, has always stood by him during difficult times. In recent years, the family has faced a series of tragedies: in 2020, their mother Beatriz von Hardenberg zu Fürstenberg passed away, and soon before, their sister Cristina died suddenly at the age of 44. In May 2025, the head of the family—the father of Francisco and Olivia—also passed away.
Despite personal losses, Francisco continued to build his career. He earned a degree in sports management and business from Barry University in Miami. Today, he is known as an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, and is a founding figure behind several companies operating in the fields of technology, finance, commerce, and energy. In 2014, he was named Spain’s Entrepreneur of the Year, receiving the prestigious Laurel de Platino award.
Personal Life and Society Pages
Francisco’s life is not limited to business. In 2021, his wedding to Countess Sofia Károlyi at the Seville Cathedral became a notable event for Spanish aristocracy. Francisco’s wife, Austrian by origin, had no ties to European nobility but quickly earned respect in high society. The couple met during a vacation in Montenegro, and their son Francisco Maximo was born back in 2017. The family splits their time between Madrid and Marbella, where Francisco’s mother was one of the most prominent figures of the resort’s golden era.
Sofia Károlyi is a recognized expert in marketing and communications, with extensive experience in international business, especially in the luxury real estate sector. She is also on friendly terms with Queen Sofía, which further strengthens the family’s position in high society.
Struggle for the Title
After the death of Francisco de Paula de Borbón y Escasany, the question of inheriting the ducal title became the subject of intense debate. Initially, it was believed that Francisco would become the new duke, as their father intended to pass on not only the title to him but also the responsibility of preserving the traditions and humanitarian legacy of the Order of Saint Lazarus. However, in July 2025, it emerged that Olivia de Borbón had initiated the official procedure to obtain the title of Duchess of Sevilla, as the eldest daughter and rightful heir under Spanish law.
This was officially confirmed in the government bulletin, which announced the start of a thirty-day period for other potential claimants to submit their applications. The decision sparked widespread discussion in aristocratic circles and prompted new publications about the Borbón family.
Family disputes over inheritance and titles are not uncommon among Spanish nobility, but in the case of Francisco and Olivia, the situation has proved particularly contentious. The question of who deserves the title of Duke of Sevilla has become not only a legal matter but a societal one as well.
In case you didn’t know, Francisco de Borbón von Hardenberg is a member of one of Spain’s most renowned aristocratic dynasties. He is actively involved in business, philanthropy, and upholding family traditions. His sister, Olivia de Borbón, is a socialite and now the official heir to the Duchy of Sevilla. The Borbón family remains in the spotlight of Spanish society, despite internal disagreements and changes.
