Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the passing of the XVIII Duchess of Alba de Tormes, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart de Silva Falcó y Gurtubay, who passed away on this day in 2014. Renowned for her vibrant personality, immense wealth, and dedication to Spanish culture, the Duchess was the custodian of countless treasures, including her iconic Ducal Crown, which we are featuring today!
Alba Ducal Coronet | Empress Eugénie’s Pearl Tiara | Duchess of Alba’s Tiaras
In Spain, a unique custom among the nobility involves the use of jewelled heraldic crowns to signify rank and prestige. These headpieces, distinct from the regalia of royalty, are steeped in tradition and symbolism, crafted with exquisite artistry and precious stones. Each noble title is associated with a specific type of crown. This practice was not common in other European Courts, making it an uncomparable and culturally significant aspect of Spanish nobility, which deserves a profound study. The dozens of crowns commissioned by past Duchesses, Marchionesses and Countesses reflect an enduring legacy and dynastic pride.
The House of Alba, one of Spain’s the most illustrious families, possesses its own extraordinary Ducal Crown. Made of emeralds, diamonds, and pearls, and topped by eight imposing strawberry leaves, it was commissioned in 1859 by the Spanish-born Empress Eugenie of the French, intended as a 34th Birthday gift for her beloved sister, María Francisca, ‘Paca’, the Consort of the XV Duke of Alba, as detailed on the catalogue of the ‘Fashion in the House of Alba’ Exhibition by the Historian Alejandro Espejo. It is likely a French-made piece. The Duchess first wore this dazzling jewel at a grand birthday ball organized in her honour by her mother, the Dowager Countess of Montijo.
Sadly, ‘Paca’ passed away the following year, at just 35, having succumbed to tuberculosis. She left behind her grieving husband and three young children. The Ducal Crown was inherited by her eldest son, Don Carlos, the then Duke of Huéscar, but it remained unworn in the family vault for over 25 years. It was not until Don Carlos married Doña Rosario Falcó y Osório, Countess of Siruela and daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Fernán-Núñez, that the Crown re-emerged. Among the dozens of jewelled wedding gifts received by this high-profile aristocratic bride, was the splendid Emerald Ducal Crown of the House of Alba, given by the groom.
We can admire Duchess Rosario wearing the Emerald Crown, paired with an elaborate collier de chien adorned with diamonds, pearls, and emeralds, made by Maison Chaumet, in this magnificent engraving.
After Doña Rosario’s passing, in 1904, the Ducal Crown was inherited by her eldest son, Don Jacobo, XVII Duke of Alba. In 1920, he married Doña María del Rosario de Silva y Gurtubay, Marchioness of San Vicente del Barco and only daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Híjar. On this occasion, the new Duchess of Alba received the Heraldic Crown as a bridal gift. By then, this fashionable young lady had the Crown adapted so it could be worn as a bandeau.
Doña Maria del Rosario passed away in 1934, and the Ducal Crown remained out of sight until 1943, when it reappeared atop the head of the couple’s only daughter, Cayetana, for her much-anticipated debutante ball.
From then on, the Ducal Crown became synonymous with Doña Cayetana’s iconic style. She wore it with elegance and poise on countless occasions, most notably in her first official portraits as the XVIII Duchess of Alba, where the crown shone as her sole adornment.
As a devout Catholic, and as in accordance to the secular Sevillean tradition of borrowing “the finest jewels” to the images of the Virgin Mary, so they can be presented and worshipped as “rightful Queens of Heaven”, the Duchess of Alba allowed her Heraldic Crown to be worn by the image of the Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena on several occasions. Information kindly shared by @SevillaStereoscopica.
Doña Cayetana also brought the Crown into her dazzling and exceptionally busy social life, wearing it frequently at high-profile events, the Wedding of the Count of Quintanilla and Princess Teresa of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn in 1973.
Despite its prominence during her lifetime, none of her daughters-in-law, her daughter, nor her granddaughters-in-law chose to wear the Ducal Crown for their weddings, instead favouring other heirlooms or contemporary jewels.
Upon Doña Cayetana’s passing in 2014, the Heraldic Crown was inherited by her eldest son, Don Carlos, the current Duke of Alba, with the intention of preserving it as a symbol of the headship of the House of Alba for generations to come.
More recently, Sofía Palazuelo, Duchess of Huéscar, daughter-in-law of the XIX Duke of Alba, donned the Heraldic Crown for a series of special portraits. The photographs, taken alongside her husband, the Duke of Huéscar, and their eldest daughter, Rosario, now grace the saloons of the family’s residences, serving as a modern tribute to the enduring legacy of the House.
Ahead of the ‘Fashion in the House of Alba’ Exhibition, a newly released photograph from the same photoshoot mentioned earlier featured the current Duchess of Huéscar wearing the Ducal Crown. Additionally, the crown was photographed, and a high-quality image was shared on the official Instagram profile of the Liria Palace, offering a closer look at this almost two centuries old heirloom.
Alba Ducal Coronet | Empress Eugénie’s Pearl Tiara | Duchess of Alba’s Tiaras
This article was written by assistant editor, David Rato, who runs the Spanish Royal Jewels account on Instagram!
Alba Ducal Coronet
Empress Eugénie’s Pearl Tiara
‘La Rusa’ Tiara
Spanish Fleur-de-Lys Tiara
Spanish Floral Tiara
Prussian Diamond Tiara
Queen Victoria Eugenie’s Cartier Pearl Tiara
Queen Maria Christina’s Loop Tiara
Mellerio Shell Tiara
Ansorena Fleur de Lys Tiara
The Joyas de Pasar
Queen Victoria Eugenie’s Diamond Earrings
Queen Victoria Eugenie’s Diamond Bracelets
Queen Victoria Eugenie’s Diamond Rivière
Queen Sofia’s Wedding Necklace
Queen Maria Cristina’s Pearl Brooch
