CAYETANA Fitz-James Stuart, 18th Duchess of Alba has died in her sleep at her home, the Dueñas Palace in Sevilla.
She was admitted to hospital in the city on Sunday after suffering a stomach upset and lung infection for some time, experiencing a relapse when she appeared to have been recovering well.
On Monday, possibly suspecting she may not pull through, the Duchess, 88, asked to be taken home to the Dueñas Palace and treated there.
The same staff attended to her round the clock, and on Tuesday it was reported that she was on a life support machine and had been unconscious since the night before.
Born at Liria Palace (Madrid) on March 28, 1926, her full name is María del Rosario Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva and she is the only child of the 17th Duke of the House of Alba and goddaughter of Queen Consort Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg, King Alfonso XIII’s wife.
With over 40 noble titles, the Duchess holds the world record – she is the Countess-Duchess of Olivares, holds seven Duchess titles, 19 Marquise titles, is Countess 22 times, Viscountess of La Calzada, Lady of Moguer, has four The Most Excellent titles, is a Dame six times over, and has eight honorary appointments including Constable of Aragón, Honorary President of the Red Cross in Spain, Member of the Hispanic Society of America in New York, Marshal of Castilla and Honorary President of the Opera Philharmonic Orchestra.
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