Hugo O'Donnell, 7th Duke of Tetuan facts for kids
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Hugo O'Donnell
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The Duke of Tetuán | |
![]() The future Duke of Tetuán (left) as a teenager in 1963 with Commandant Patrick Denis O'Donnell, an officer in the Irish Army
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Coat of arms | ![]() |
Tenure | 2005-present |
Predecessor | Leopoldo O'Donnell y Lara, 6th Duke of Tetuán |
Heir apparent | Carlos O'Donnell y Armada, 15th Marquess of Altamira |
Born | Hugo José O'Donnell y Duque de Estrada 29 September 1948 Madrid, Spain |
Noble family | O'Donnell |
Spouse(s) | María de la Asunción Armada y Díez de Rivera |
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Father | Leopoldo O'Donnell y Lara, 6th Duke of Tetuán |
Mother | Consuelo Duque de Estrada y Moreno de la Serna |
Occupation | Military officer, historian, lawyer |
Hugo José O'Donnell y Duque de Estrada (born 29 September 1948) is a Spanish nobleman known as the 7th Duke of Tetuán. A duke is one of the highest-ranking nobles in a country. Besides being a duke, he is also a naval officer, a lawyer, and a historian who studies the past.
He holds the special title of Grandee, which is the highest rank in the Spanish nobility. He is also a member of important groups like the Knights of Malta and the Royal Historical Society.
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Becoming the Duke of Tetuán
Hugo O'Donnell inherited his title from his father, Leopoldo O'Donnell y Lara, on October 5, 2005. The title "Duke of Tetuán" was created in 1860 to honor his famous ancestor, General Leopoldo O'Donnell.
General O'Donnell was a military hero who led the conquest of the city of Tetuán in Morocco. He was also very important in Spanish politics and served as the Prime Minister of Spain several times. The king made him the first Duke of Tetuán to celebrate his victory.
Irish Heritage and Clan Chief
The O'Donnell family has a long history that traces back to Ireland. Hugo is considered the head, or Chief of the Name, of the O'Donnell clan. This is a traditional title for the leader of an old Irish family.
Before him, the heir to this role was a Franciscan priest named Father Hugh O'Donel. Because Father O'Donel was a priest, he was never officially named chief. After he passed away in 2023, Hugo O'Donnell was recognized as the new Chief of the Name. He is an active member of the O'Donnell of Tyrconnell clan association, which helps keep the family's Irish traditions alive.
A Life of Service and Study
The Duke is a man of many talents. He had a successful career in the Spanish military as a naval commander. He also worked for the Spanish government as a minister for the navy.
His love for history, especially naval history, is a big part of his life. He is a respected member of Spain's Royal Academy of History, where he helps protect and share the country's past. He was elected to this position in 2001 and officially took his seat in 2004.
Family and Children
The Duke is married to María de la Asunción Armada y Díez de Rivera. They have four children who also have noble titles:
- Carlos Leopoldo O'Donnell y Armada, who is the 15th Marquess of Altamira.
- Maria de la Fuencisla O'Donnell y Armada.
- Hugo José O'Donnell y Armada, who is the 9th Marquess of las Salinas.
- Alfonso O'Donnelly Armada, who is the 7th Count of Lucena.
His oldest son, Carlos, is his heir and will one day become the next Duke of Tetuán.
Honors and Achievements
Throughout his life, the Duke has received many awards for his work in the military and as a historian.
Military Ranks and Medals
He reached the rank of Commandant in the Marine Infantry.
Spain
Grand Cross of Naval Merit: A top military award for service in the navy.
Medal of the Sahara : A medal for his service in the Sahara region.
Royal and Academic Honors
Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Knight Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion: A high honor from the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a historic Christian organization.
Spain
- Censor of the Royal Academy of History: A trusted position at Spain's most important historical institution.
United Kingdom
- Fellow of the Royal Historical Society: He was elected as a member of this respected British society for his contributions to history.
See also
In Spanish: Hugo O'Donnell para niños