Who Is the Duke of Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

The Duke of Madrid, also known as the Duke of Anjou, is a title that has been held by various members of the Bourbon dynasty. The current claimant to the title is Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, who was born on April 25, 1974.

Origins of the Title

The title of Duke of Madrid originates from the time when the Bourbons ruled over Spain. The first person to hold this title was Philip V, who became King of Spain in 1700. He was a member of the House of Bourbon and a grandson of Louis XIV of France.

Over the years, various members of the Bourbon family have held the title. It has often been passed down through generations, with each new duke inheriting it from their predecessor.

Louis Alphonse de Bourbon

Louis Alphonse de Bourbon is the current claimant to the title of Duke of Madrid. He is a direct descendant of King Louis XIV through his father and has strong ties to both France and Spain.

He is known for his dedication to preserving and promoting Spanish heritage and culture.

In addition to his claim as Duke of Madrid, Louis Alphonse also holds several other titles including Duke of Anjou and Count of Barcelona.

Family Background

Louis Alphonse de Bourbon was born in Madrid, Spain, and is the eldest son of Alfonso de Borbón y Dampierre and María del Carmen Martínez-Bordiú y Franco. His father was a member of the Spanish nobility and Carlist pretender to the throne.

  • Carlist Movement: The Carlist movement is a traditionalist and legitimist political movement in Spain. It supports the claim of the descendants of Don Carlos, Count of Molina, to the Spanish throne.
  • Family Ties: Louis Alphonse’s paternal grandfather was Infante Jaime, Duke of Segovia, who was a son of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. His maternal grandfather was Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú, 10th Marquis of Villaverde.

The Duke’s Role

As the current claimant to the title, Louis Alphonse de Bourbon plays an important role in representing the Bourbon family and maintaining their legacy.

He actively engages in public appearances and works to promote cultural and historical initiatives.

Although Spain is now a constitutional monarchy with King Felipe VI as the reigning monarch, the Duke of Madrid continues to play a significant role in upholding traditional values and heritage associated with the Bourbon dynasty.

The Future

The question of who will succeed Louis Alphonse as Duke of Madrid remains uncertain. However, he has expressed his desire for his son, Prince Louis, to inherit the title and continue the family’s dedication to preserving Spanish history and culture.

In conclusion, the Duke of Madrid is a title that has been held by various members of the Bourbon dynasty throughout history. The current claimant, Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, represents a link between France and Spain and is dedicated to promoting Spanish heritage. Through his active involvement in cultural initiatives, he upholds the traditions associated with his noble lineage.