Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú, 10th Marquis of Villaverde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cristóbal, Marqués de Villaverde |
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| Duke Consort of Franco | |
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| Marquess of Villaverde | |
| Tenure | 12 December 1980 – 4 February 1998 |
| Predecessor | María de la Esperanza Bordiú y Bascarán |
| Successor | Francisco Martínez-Bordiú y Franco |
| Born | 1 August 1922 Jaén, Mancha Real, Spain |
| Died | 4 February 1998 (aged 75) Madrid, Spain |
| Burial | Almudena Cathedral |
| Spouse | Carmen Franco y Polo, 1st Duchess of Franco |
| Issue | María del Carmen, Duchess of Anjou and Cádiz María de la O Ardid y Martínez-Bordiú Francisco Martínez-Bordiú y Franco, 11th Marquess of Villaverde María del Mar Martínez-Bordiú y Franco José Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú y Franco María de Aránzazu Quiroga y Martínez-Bordiú Jaime Martínez-Bordiú y Franco |
| Father | José María Martínez y Ortega |
| Mother | María de la Esperanza Bordiú y Bascarán, 7th Countess of Argillo |
Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú y Ortega (born August 1, 1922 – died February 4, 1998) was a Spanish nobleman and a talented heart surgeon. He was also known as the 10th Marquess of Villaverde. He became famous for being the son-in-law of Francisco Franco, who was the leader of Spain for many years.
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Early Life and Family Background
Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú was born in Jaén, Spain. His parents were José María Martínez y Ortega and María de la O Esperanza Bordiú y Bascarán. His mother was the 7th Countess of Argillo.
Cristóbal was one of four children in his family. He received the title of 10th Marquess of Villaverde from his mother. He finished medical school when he was 23 years old.
Marriage to Franco's Daughter
On April 10, 1950, Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú married María del Carmen Franco y Polo. She was the only daughter of Francisco Franco, who was the leader of Spain at the time. The wedding took place at the Royal Palace of El Pardo and was a very big event. More than 800 people attended the ceremony.
This marriage gave Cristóbal a very high social standing in Spain. People sometimes jokingly called him the Yernísimo. This nickname was a play on his father-in-law's title, Generalísimo. Yerno means son-in-law in Spanish.
Their Children
Cristóbal and Carmen had seven children together. They were:
- María del Carmen Martínez-Bordiú y Franco (born 1951)
- María la O (Mariola) Martínez-Bordiú y Franco (born 1952)
- Francisco Franco y Martínez-Bordiú (born 1954)
- María del Mar (Merry) Martínez-Bordiú y Franco (born 1956)
- José Cristóbal (Cristóbal) Martínez-Bordiú y Franco (born 1958)
- María de Aránzazu (Arantxa) Martínez-Bordiú y Franco (born 1962)
- Jaime Felipe (Jaime) Martínez-Bordiú y Franco (born 1964)
Pioneering Heart Surgery in Spain
Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú was a skilled heart surgeon. He was also a good friend and admirer of Dr. Christiaan Barnard, a famous surgeon. In September 1968, Cristóbal made history. He became the first Spaniard to perform a heart transplant. Sadly, the patient only lived for 24 hours after the surgery.
Later Life and Death
The 10th Marquess of Villaverde passed away in Madrid on February 4, 1998. After his death, his oldest son, Francisco, became the 11th Marquess of Villaverde. Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú is buried in the crypt of Almudena Cathedral in Madrid.
Honors and Awards
Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú received several important honors and decorations during his life. These included:
- Knight of the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece
- Knight Collar of the Order of Charles III
- Knight of the Order of Calatrava
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
- Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre
See also
In Spanish: Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú para niños
