Carmen Martínez-Bordiú’s life after moving to Sintra is an example of how to set personal boundaries without losing close relationships. Although she has long stepped away from the spotlight of the Spanish press, she is still surrounded by influential and loyal friends, as well as family members scattered between Madrid and Paris. This choice has allowed her not only to avoid constant media scrutiny but also to create her own pace of life, where tranquility and trust are valued.
In 2019, Carmen decided to start a new chapter by moving to Portugal with Australian surfer Timothy McKeague. Although their relationship ended in 2023, she remained in her spacious ocean-view home, surrounded by neighbors that include celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Madonna. However, her true support comes not from famous neighbors but from her relatives and friends who live in other countries yet are always ready to help.
Family and longtime connections
Carmen’s daughter, Cynthia Rossi, lives in France and has given her two grandchildren. In Madrid remains her son Luis Alfonso with his wife Margarita Vargas and their four children. Although she does not own a home in the Spanish capital, Carmen visits regularly, staying with friends or relatives. Her visits are always as discreet as possible, and photos from these trips are extremely rare. Among those who especially value her company is the former Duchess of Montealegre, María Dolores Bermúdez de Castro, who often shares stories about meeting Carmen.
In Paris, Carmen also maintains a close relationship with her daughter and grandchildren, enabling her to keep strong family ties despite the distance. This way of life is unusual among people in her circle, where public exposure often becomes a constant part of daily routine.
Friends and trust
Carmen’s inner circle includes people united by years of friendship and shared memories. Among them are Blanca Carrillo de Albornoz, sister of the Viscount of Torre Hidalgo, and Pilar González de Gregorio, daughter of the famous Duchess of Medina Sidonia. In Madrid, she frequently meets with Nuria González, widow of Fernando Fernández Tapias, as well as Maribel Yébenes, a renowned figure in aesthetic medicine, and Cari Lapique, with whom Carmen has often attended bullfights and social events.
In Madrid, Carmen often meets her friends at the Qüenco de Pepa restaurant, where they discuss news and plans over lunch. She also maintains relationships with Luis Miguel Rodríguez, known as Chatarrero, and lawyer Teresa Bueyes. These people form her close-knit circle, which remains unchanged even after her move.
Public image and privacy
Carmen Martínez-Bordiú deliberately avoids public events and prefers rare appearances at social gatherings. The last time she was seen in public was in September 2023, when she attended the wedding of architect Blanca Martínez Carrillo de Albornoz and financier Salvador Delso Noguera in Seville. This was an exception to her usual lifestyle, where anonymity and personal space are priorities.
Interestingly, this strategy of avoiding press attention is becoming increasingly popular among aristocrats and celebrities. For example, King Charles III recently chose a private meeting with a close person despite family scandal, as reported in the Russpain article about the British monarch’s visit to his nanny. This shows that even the most public figures are increasingly choosing personal relationships and trust over constant news coverage.
The relationship between Carmen and Isabel Preysler, which began back in the 1970s, remains a mystery to many. Despite their long-standing friendship, in recent years their contact has become less frequent, and certain events—such as Carmen’s absence from Tamara Falcó’s wedding—have fueled rumors of a rift. The cause may lie in an old story involving Isabel’s daughter, Chábeli, who appeared on a television show where Carmen did not support her during a controversial moment. Nevertheless, both women continue to keep silent about the details of their relationship, only increasing public interest.
Carmen Martínez-Bordiú is a member of one of Spain’s most prominent families, the granddaughter of Franco, whose life has always attracted attention from the press and society. Her decision to step back from the spotlight and build her own circle of trust has become a kind of response to the pressure faced by many public figures. Today, she surrounds herself with those who truly matter and values the opportunity to be herself, without worrying about the opinions of others.
