In her much-discussed memoir, Isabel Preysler speaks candidly about the four main men in her life, yet it turns out that it was not singer Julio Iglesias or Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa who held the most special place in her heart. According to her own admission, it was former socialist minister Miguel Boyer who left the deepest mark on her soul. Their union, sealed at a Madrid civil registry away from prying eyes, lasted over twenty years until the politician’s death in 2014, and brought them a daughter, Ana.
For the first time, the socialite openly addresses the delicate subject of her infidelity to the Marquis de Griñón, Carlos Falcó. Their five-year marriage, during which their daughter Tamara Falcó was born, ended because of a sudden passion for Boyer. Preysler describes the difficult conversation with her husband that shattered their worlds into a thousand pieces. She nostalgically recalls the magical moments at the start of their secret affair, when, despite all obstacles, their feelings seemed wonderful. One of the most romantic episodes was their trip to Paris, where for the first time they dared to walk hand in hand down the street like any ordinary couple in love, unafraid of being recognized.
However, while Boyer made a decisive break with his wife, Elena Arnedo, Isabel herself struggled to take that step for a long time. She explains her hesitation by her deep attachment to Carlos and her reluctance to traumatize her young daughter, Tamara, and her other children with the inevitable media scandal. She realized that such a decision would spark a real storm in society.
It seemed that nothing could threaten their happiness after the wedding. But as Preysler admits in her book, their married life was far from perfect. The main issue that almost led to their separation was Boyer’s pathological jealousy. He was obsessed with the idea that everyone around was falling in love with his wife. In private, they could spend days in perfect harmony, but any social event became a trial. Over the years, his jealousy only intensified, and Isabel even begged her husband to seek help from a psychiatrist.
When their relationship hit a breaking point and divorce seemed inevitable, a family tragedy changed everything in 2011. Isabel’s sister, Beatriz, was diagnosed with lung cancer. During these incredibly difficult months, Miguel Boyer proved to be an incredibly devoted and caring husband. He stayed by her sister’s side until the very end, surrounding her with warmth and support. His actions during this dark time made Isabel forget all past grievances. She realized that jealousy and quarrels meant nothing compared to his loyalty. After twenty-three years of marriage, she knew once again—he was the man of her life.
