Spain’s Duchess of Alba has died aged 88.
The flamboyant royal – who was known for her quirky dress-sense and love of flamenco – passed away after suffering from a stomach virus followed by pneumonia, at her home earlier today (20.11.14), reports BBC News.
The Duchess – also known as Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y Silva – is reported to have been the country’s richest woman and one of Europe’s wealthiest aristocrats with a fortune amassing £2.2 billion.
According to the Guinness Book of Records she was also the world’s most titled person, having been named Duchess of seven different regions of Spain amongst many others.
The late royal was also known for her immense collection of property and artwork, which included masterpieces by renowned Spanish artists Goya and Velazquez.
She is survived by her husband Alfonso Diez, who is 25 years her junior, as well as her six children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Spain’s Duchess of Alba dies
