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Duke of Alba facts for kids

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"Duchess of Alba" redirects here. For the late Duchess, see Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, 18th Duchess of Alba.
"Dukedom of Alba" redirects here. It is not to be confused with Kingdom of Alba.
For the 16th-century governor of the Spanish-ruled Low Countries, see Duke of Alva.
Quick facts for kids
Dukedom of Alba de Tormes
Escudo del Ducado de Alba de Tormes.svg
Creation date 1472
Monarch Henry IV of Castile
Peerage Spain
First holder García Álvarez de Toledo y Carrillo de Toledo, 2nd Count of Alba de Tormes
Present holder Carlos Fitz-James Stuart y Martínez de Irujo, 19th Duke of Alba de Tormes
Heir apparent Fernando Fitz-James Stuart y Solís, 15th Duke of Huéscar
Seat(s)
Former seat(s) Castle of the Dukes of Alba (Alba de Tormes)
Palace of the Dukes of Alba (Ávila)
Standard of the Dukedom of Alba de Tormes
Standard of the Dukedom of Alba

The Duke of Alba de Tormes (in Spanish, Duque de Alba de Tormes), often called the Duke of Alba, is a very old and important noble title in Spain. It also comes with the special rank of Grandee of Spain. This means the Duke or Duchess of Alba is one of the highest-ranking nobles in the country.

The title began in 1472. King Henry IV of Castile changed the title of Count of Alba de Tormes into the Duke of Alba de Tormes. The first person to hold this new title was García Álvarez de Toledo.

History of the Dukes of Alba

The Dukedom of Alba de Tormes is one of Spain's most famous noble titles. It is the main title for the important House of Alba family. Over many centuries, three different families have held this title. These families include the House of Álvarez de Toledo, the House of Silva, and the House of Fitz-James Stuart. The Fitz-James Stuart family is related to King James II of England.

Famous Dukes and Duchesses

Some people who held this title became very well known:

  • Don Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba was a powerful governor. He was in charge of the Spanish-ruled Low Countries (today's Netherlands and Belgium). People in the Netherlands often called him the "Iron Duke" because of his strong actions during the Eighty Years' War.
  • Doña María Teresa de Silva, 13th Duchess of Alba was a famous beauty and a friend to the painter Francisco Goya. She was a source of inspiration for many of his artworks. Goya was older than the Duchess when they first met. He was in his late 40s, and she was in her early 30s.

The Dukes and Duchesses of Alba have married into many other important families. This includes relatives of Christopher Columbus and Cosimo de Medici. They are also distantly related to the Dukes of Berwick, the Earls Spencer, and the Dukes of Marlborough.

The Alba Family's Treasures

Today, the Alba ducal family still owns a very large and valuable collection. This collection includes amazing art and important historical documents. Most of these treasures are kept at the family's main home in Madrid, which is called the Liria Palace.

Dukes of Alba de Tormes (since 1472)

Coat of arms of the House of Alvarez de Toledo, duchy of Alba de Tormes, Grandee of Spain
Arms of the Dukes of Alba of the House of Álvarez de Toledo
Coat of Arms of the Duke of Alba (Common)
Arms of the Dukes of Alba of the House of Fitz-James Stuart

Here is a list of the people who have held the title of Duke or Duchess of Alba de Tormes:

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ducado de Alba de Tormes para niños

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