Spain’s Duchess of Alba – descendant of Scottish kings – marries at 85

ONE of Europe’s wealthiest aristocrats, the 85-year-old Duchess of Alba – a descendant of James VII of Scotland – wedded a civil servant 24 years her junior in a Seville palace yesterday after overcoming opposition from her children and Spain’s royals.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered outside the palace, waving fans against the Andalusian sun, to catch a glimpse of the flamboyant duchess.

Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y Silva wore a salmon dress with a green sash by Andalusian designers Victorio & Lucchino.

The twice-widowed duchess, known for her love of flamenco and bull-fighting, threw her bouquet into the crowd and danced outside the palace after the ceremony.

Her six children opposed the marriage to 61-year-old Alfonso Diez, whom she first dated in 2008, but softened after she started to arrange for her fortune to be split among them.

King Juan Carlos eventually gave his blessing, the duchess said recently. Her fortune, which includes paintings by Velazquez and Goya, is said to be worth between £500 million and £3 billion.