Infanta Pilar, Duchess of Badajoz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Infanta Pilar |
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| Duchess of Badajoz Viscountess of La Torre |
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Pilar de Borbón in 2017
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| Born | 30 July 1936 Ville Saint Blaise, Cannes, French Third Republic |
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| Died | 8 January 2020 (aged 83) Ruber International Hospital, Madrid, Kingdom of Spain |
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| Burial | Saint Isidore Cemetery, Madrid | ||||
| Spouse |
Luis Gómez-Acebo y Duque de Estrada, 2nd Viscount of La Torre
(m. 1967; died 1991) |
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| Issue | Doña Simoneta Gómez-Acebo y Borbón Don Juan Gómez-Acebo y Borbón, 3rd Viscount of La Torre Don Bruno Gómez-Acebo y Borbón Don Luis Gómez-Acebo y Borbón Don Fernando Gómez-Acebo y Borbón |
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| House | Bourbon | ||||
| Father | Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona | ||||
| Mother | Princess María de las Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicilies | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholic | ||||
Infanta Pilar of Spain, Duchess of Badajoz and Viscountess of La Torre (born María del Pilar Alfonsa Juana Victoria Luisa Ignacia y Todos los Santos de Borbón y Borbón; 30 July 1936 – 8 January 2020), also known as Pilar de Borbón, was a Spanish princess. She was the older sister of King Juan Carlos I. Her parents were Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona and Princess María de las Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.
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Early Life and Royal Beginnings
Infanta Pilar was born in Cannes, France, on 30 July 1936. Her parents were Juan de Borbón and María de las Mercedes, who were the Counts of Barcelona. She was given the long name of María del Pilar Alfonsa Juana Victoria Luisa Ignacia de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Borbón.
From birth, Pilar was known as an Infanta of Spain. This title is given to children of the Spanish monarch or the heir to the throne. Her official recognition as an Infanta came later, when her brother became King of Spain.
When Pilar was a baby, her family moved to Rome. This was because the Spanish Royal Family was living in exile, meaning they were living outside their home country. In 1941, her father became the head of the Spanish royal family in exile.
During World War II, Pilar lived in Lausanne, Switzerland, with her grandmother, Queen Victoria Eugenia. In 1946, her family moved again and settled in Estoril, Portugal.
When her brother, Juan Carlos, married Princess Sofía of Greece in 1962, Pilar was one of her eight bridesmaids.
Marriage and Family Life
To marry a commoner (someone not of royal birth), Pilar had to give up her right to become queen of Spain. This was a rule from a very old law called the Pragmatic Sanction of Charles III.
She married Don Luis Gómez-Acebo y Duque de Estrada on 5 May 1967. The wedding took place in Lisbon, Portugal. Luis Gómez-Acebo became the 2nd Viscount of La Torre. They had five children together:
- Doña María de Fátima Simoneta Luisa Gómez-Acebo y Borbón (born 1968)
- Don Juan Filiberto Nicolás Gómez-Acebo y Borbón (born 1969), who later became the 3rd Viscount of La Torre
- Don Bruno Alejandro Gómez-Acebo y Borbón (born 1971)
- Don Luis Beltrán Ataúlfo Alfonso Gómez-Acebo y Borbón (born 1973)
- Don Fernando Humberto Gómez-Acebo y Borbón (born 1974)
Pilar's husband, Luis, passed away on 9 March 1991.
A Champion for Horse Sports
Pilar de Borbón was a big supporter of horse riding sports, also known as equestrian sports. She was the President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) from 1994 to 2006. This organization helps manage horse sports around the world.
She was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for Spain from 1996 to 2006. The IOC is the group that organizes the Olympic Games. After 2006, she became an honorary member. She also served on the board of the Spanish Olympic Committee.
Helping Others and Protecting Culture
Pilar de Borbón helped start Asociación Nuevo Futuro in 1968. This is an international group that helps children in need. She was its president and later its honorary president.
She was also a main supporter of the "Rastrillo Nuevo Futuro" event. This event is like a big charity market that raises money for the Asociación Nuevo Futuro. Even the Queens of Spain, Letizia and Sofía, visited this event. Pilar's last public appearance was at this event in November 2019.
Pilar de Borbón was also involved in protecting cultural heritage. She was a member of the board for the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute in New York City. She also served as president of the World Monuments Fund España. From 2007 to 2009, she was the president of Europa Nostra. This is a European group that works to protect historical buildings and places.
She also loved music and enjoyed attending bullfighting matches with her brother, King Juan Carlos.
Illness and Passing
In February 2019, Pilar had surgery for an intestinal problem. Later that year, in May, it was announced that she had colon cancer. Her health worsened, and she was admitted to the hospital on 5 January 2020.
Infanta Pilar passed away three days later, on 8 January 2020, in Madrid. Her family was with her. She was cremated on 9 January 2020. Her ashes were buried next to her husband in Saint Isidore Cemetery in Madrid.
A special funeral service was held for her on 28 January 2020. Many important people attended, including her nephew, King Felipe VI of Spain, and her brother, former King Juan Carlos I.
Honours
National
Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III- Spain: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Queen Maria Luisa
- Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit
Foreign
Greek Royal Family: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Olga and Sophia
Two Sicilian Royal Family (Hispano-Neapolitan branch): Dame Grand Cross of Justice of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George
Portugal: Grand Cross of the Order of Infante Henry
See also
In Spanish: Pilar de Borbón para niños
