The Duchess de Alba, an eccentric and titled aristocrat, has died

Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, commonly known as the Duchess de Alba, died in Seville, Spain, at the age of 88. Let's remember this extraordinary woman, the richest and most titled aristocrat in Spain, a distant relative of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana, as well as the failed muse of Picasso.

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1. Caetana de Alba, a long-time favorite of all of Spain, was strikingly different from many members of the nobility. She always broke stereotypes and conventions, enjoyed the taste of life, danced flamenco and skied. The duchess continued to lead an active social life until her last days, and answered journalists' questions about her age: “I will still bury you all!”

2. Alba Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alphonsa Victoria Eugenia Francis Fitz-James Stuart and Silva held more titles than any other aristocrat in the entire world. She held 7 titles of duchess, 23 - marquise and 19 - countess, and this is even more than that of the head of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II. The aristocratic status of the duchess was so high that she was not obliged to get up even when meeting with the queen.

3. The 18th Duchess of Alba was born on March 28, 1926 in Madrid. During her long life, the socialite has seen the Second World War and the Spanish Civil War.

4. In 1948 she married Duke Sotomayor Luis Martinez de Irujo y Artascos (1919-1972), with whom she had six children.

5. In her youth, Cayetana de Alba was a pretty woman who was respected in society and led an active social life. The Duchess had friendly ties with such important contemporaries as Jacqueline Kennedy or Picasso.

6. The first husband of the duchess died in 1972, and after 6 years she married the director of the music department of the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with whom she was married until 2001, when she was widowed again.

7. At home, everyone loved the duchess very much. In Seville, they even erected a monument to her, making Cayetana also the only Spaniard who was awarded a monument during her lifetime. She was also loved for her fidelity to Andalusian traditions - her love of bullfighting and flamenco.

8. It is believed that no one could dance a typical Spanish dance better than her. No wonder she was awarded the Mof & Art award for her contribution to the popularization of flamenco dresses and dance culture. She last performed flamenco at her third wedding, at the age of 85.

9. In 2011, the 85-year-old duchess married a simple civil servant, Alfonso Diez Carabantes, who was 24 years younger than her.

10. The third choice of Alba - 62-year-old Alfonso Dies - caused outrage in her family, as he did not have any noble titles, being a simple civil servant. For his sake, the duchess had to give up most of her wealth, several palaces and a collection of paintings by Goya and Rubens.

11. Despite her age and the number of unsuccessful plastic surgeries, the duchess always behaved the way she liked. Until the last days, she never ceased to amaze journalists with her eccentric dresses and catchy jewelry.

12. In early 2014, at the age of 88, Cayetana de Alba appeared at a wedding in a wine red mini dress and striped stockings.

13. Last week, the Duchess was hospitalized due to cardiac arrhythmia, pneumonia and exacerbation of gastroenteritis. She was treated at the Sagrado Corazon clinic, where she died on November 20.

14. The Duchess de Alba is rightfully considered a legendary woman who went through all the difficulties of life and, having regained happiness at an advanced age, left everything for the sake of her beloved man.