Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, 19th Duke of Alba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
The Duke of Alba
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Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, in a bust from 1962
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| Born |
Carlos Juan Martínez de Irujo y Fitz-James-Stuart
2 October 1948 Madrid, Spain
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| Spouse(s) |
Matilde de Solís-Beaumont y Martínez-Campos
(m. 1988; div. 2004) |
| Children | Fernando Fitz-James Stuart, 17th Duke of Huéscar Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, 22nd Count of Osorno |
| Parents |
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| Family | House of Alba |
Carlos Fitz-James Stuart y Martínez de Irujo (born October 2, 1948) is a Spanish nobleman and the 19th Duke of Alba. He is the current head of the House of Alba, one of Spain's oldest and most famous noble families. The family has a history that goes back hundreds of years.
As the Duke of Alba, he is a Grandee of Spain, which is the highest rank of Spanish nobility. He is also a direct descendant of King James II of England.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Carlos was born in Madrid, Spain. He is the oldest son of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, 18th Duchess of Alba, and her first husband, Luis Martínez de Irujo y Artázcoz.
When he was just two years old, his grandfather gave him the title of 14th Duke of Huéscar. This is a common tradition in noble families, where titles are passed down through generations.
He went to college at the Complutense University of Madrid and earned a degree in law. Today, he uses his knowledge to help protect Spanish history and culture. He works with groups like the Hispania Nostra Foundation and the Hispanic Society of America.
Head of the House of Alba
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After his mother passed away in 2014, Carlos inherited her main title and became the 19th Duke of Alba. Along with this title, he inherited many others, making him one of the most titled aristocrats in the world.
He is in charge of the House of Alba Foundation. This organization is responsible for taking care of the family's huge collection of art, palaces, castles, and historical documents. This collection is a very important part of Spain's national heritage.
In 2015, he passed on some of his titles to his own sons. His older son, Fernando, became the Duke of Huéscar, and his younger son, Carlos, became the Count of Osorno. This continues the family's long tradition.
Family and Children
In 1988, Carlos married Matilde de Solís-Beaumont y Martínez de Campos at the famous Seville Cathedral. The couple had two sons together before they separated in 2004.
His two sons are:
- Fernando Fitz-James Stuart, 17th Duke of Huéscar (born September 14, 1990). He is now the heir to become the next Duke of Alba. He has two daughters:
- Rosario (born September 8, 2020)
- Sofía (born January 10, 2023)
- Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, 22nd Count of Osorno (born November 29, 1991). He has two sons:
- Carlos (born March 4, 2024)
- Fadrique (born June 9, 2025)
A Man of Many Titles
As the head of the House of Alba, the Duke holds dozens of titles. These titles connect him to the history of Spain and Europe. A title is a special name, like "Duke" or "Count," that is passed down in a noble family.
Some of his most important titles include:
- 19th Duke of Alba
- 12th Duke of Berwick (a title from Great Britain)
- 12th Duke of Liria and Jérica
- 13th Count-Duke of Olivares
He also holds many other titles, such as Marquess, Count, and Viscount. Each one tells a story about his family's long and important past.
Honours
The Duke has received several honours for his work and position in society. These are special awards given to people who have made important contributions.
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Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic
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Knight Grand Cross of Justice of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George
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Knight of the Illustrious Royal Order of Saint Januarius
See also
In Spanish: Carlos Fitz-James Stuart y Martínez de Irujo para niños
