Introduction
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, the 18th Duchess of Alba, was one of the wealthiest women in Europe. She was popularly known as the Queen of Spain, even though she wasn’t a royal. A descendant of King James II of England, she was the head of one of the most influential and noble families in Spain. But how much was her net worth, and where did all of her fortune come from? In this blog post, we’ll reveal the details of the Queen of Spain’s riches in 2021.
The Alba Family – An Overview
The Alba family was one of the most important and wealthy Spanish families descended from the most influential nobles and monarchs of Europe. The family owned several palaces, gardens, and monuments scattered throughout Spain, including the Liria Palace in Madrid. With their vast wealth, they owned several businesses such as art galleries, vineyards, and horse breeding.
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s Net Worth
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart was born rich, but her wealth was mostly inherited from her parents, the 17th Duke of Alba and the 11th Duchess of Berwick. According to Forbes, she had a net worth of $3.5 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in Europe. Her fortune came from her family’s extensive landholdings, which included palaces, farms, vineyards, and various other businesses.
The Liria Palace
The Liria Palace was the principle residence of the Alba family and was one of the most luxurious and culturally significant properties in Madrid. The palace’s interior was decorated with paintings, sculptures, furniture, and tapestries from different eras, including works by Goya and Velasquez. The palace also contained some of the most notable arts and antiques collections, including important manuscripts and documents from Spanish history.
The Duchess’s Art Collection
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart was known for her love of art and antiques. Her extensive collection included various works by famous artists such as Francisco Goya, Diego Velazquez, and El Greco. Her collection included paintings, sculptures, tapestries, gold artifacts, porcelain, and many other rare and beautiful pieces of art from different eras and regions.
The Duquesa’s Weddings
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s weddings were some of the most talked-about events of her time. She was married twice, once at the age of 21 and then again at the age of 56. Both weddings were lavish and spectacular, featuring over-the-top decorations, music, art, and fashion. The second event was attended by over 2000 guests, making it one of the most significant social events in Spanish history.
Cayetana’s Philanthropic Efforts
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart was known for her philanthropic works in Spain, including her support for various charities and foundations. She was the president of the Casa de Alba Cultural Foundation that aimed to promote Spain’s culture and arts heritage. Her contributions to the foundation helped preserve some of the Spanish culture’s most notable treasures, including the country’s national archives, libraries, and museums.
Cayetana’s Legacy
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart died in 2014, leaving a significant void in the Spanish society. Her legacy still lives on, and her impact on Spain’s cultural heritage and philanthropic works continues to inspire many. Her passing also marked the beginning of a new era for her family, with her son Carlos Fitz-James Stuart inheriting her vast wealth, and he is now the 19th Duke of Alba.
Conclusion
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart was a woman of extravagance, wealth, and prestige. Her fortune came from her family’s vast wealth and property holdings, which included some of Spain’s most luxurious and significant cultural heritage monuments. Her commitment to preserving the Spanish culture’s legacy and her philanthropic works has ensured her legacy’s continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much was the Duchess of Alba worth when she died?
A: The Duchess of Alba was worth an estimated $3.5 billion when she died.
Q2: Who owns the Liria Palace today?
A: The Liria Palace is owned by the Casa de Alba Cultural Foundation, established by the Duchess of Alba before her death.
Q3: What did the Duchess of Alba spend her wealth on?
A: The Duchess of Alba spent her fortune on various things, including art collections, palaces, vineyards, farms, and other businesses.
Q4: What was the Duchess of Alba’s philanthropic work?
A: The Duchess of Alba was involved in several philanthropic works, including supporting charities and preservation of Spain’s cultural heritage.
Q5: Who inherited the Duchess of Alba’s wealth?
A: Carlos Fitz-James Stuart inherited the Duchess of Alba’s wealth after her passing.