José Joaquín Álvarez de Toledo, 18th Duke of Medina Sidonia facts for kids
José Joaquín Álvarez de Toledo y Silva (born August 14, 1826, in Madrid, Spain – died February 15, 1900) was an important Spanish noble and politician. He held the title of the 18th Duke of Medina Sidonia, which is a very old and respected noble title in Spain. He was also a grandee, meaning he was one of the highest-ranking nobles in the country. From 1885 until his death, he served as the Superior Chief of the Palace, a key role in the royal household. He was also a knight in several important orders, like the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla and the Order of Alcántara.
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Early Life and Family
José Joaquín was the older son of Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo, 13th Marquis of Villafranca. His mother was María del Pilar Joaquina de Silva. His family had many important connections to other noble houses in Spain.
He went to school at the Theresian Military Academy in Austro-Hungary. His father had to live there for a while because he supported a political group called the Carlists.
Political Career
In 1847, a good thing happened for the Medina Sidonia family. Queen Isabella II of Spain allowed them to get their properties back in Spain, and they could finally return home.
When he was young, José Joaquín, who was then known as the Marquis of Los Vélez, began his journey in politics. In 1852, he became a member of the Parliament in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Later, in 1862, he inherited the title of Duke of Medina Sidonia.
After the monarchy was brought back to Spain in 1874, he became a senator. He served as a senator for his own noble title in 1875 and then for the province of Cádiz in 1876.
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From 1885, he worked as the Superior Chief of Palace for King Alfonso XIII. He was also part of a special group sent to Russia in 1883. This group represented Spain at the coronation of Tsar Alexander III of Russia.
The Duke received many special awards and honors during his life. These included the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Collar of the Order of Charles III, and the Grand Cross of the Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa.
Marriage and Children
Medina Sidonia married his cousin, Rosalía Caro y Álvarez de Toledo. They got married in Erpel, Austro-Hungary, on September 26, 1846. They had four children together:
- María del Socorro Álvarez de Toledo (1847–1929)
- Alonso Álvarez de Toledo, 15th Marquis of Los Vélez (1850–1897)
- Inés Álvarez de Toledo, 16th Marquise of Cazaza en África (1857–1937)
- José Joaquín Álvarez de Toledo, 19th Duke of Medina Sidonia, who took over his father's titles.
Noble Titles
José Joaquín held many important noble titles in both Spain and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Titles in Spain
- 18th Duke of Medina Sidonia
- 14th Marquess of Villafranca del Bierzo
- 14th Marquess of Vélez
Titles in the Two Sicilies
- 15th Duke of Montalto
- 12th Duke of Fernandina
- 11th Prince of Montalbán
- 15th Count of Caltavuturo
- Count of Collesano
- Count of Adernò
- Lord of Petralia Sottana y Soprana
See also
In Spanish: José Álvarez de Toledo y Silva para niños
