Cipriano de Palafox y Portocarrero
Don Cipriano de Palafox y Portocarrero, Count de Montijo (15 September 1784 – 15 March 1839, Madrid), was a Spanish nobleman, politician and soldier. From 1837 to 1838 he served as senator for the province of Badajoz and was also a Freemason. Pro-French in his outlook, he fought for Joseph Bonaparte whilst the latter was king of Spain, losing an eye in battle and being honoured in Paris by Joseph's brother Napoleon I. After the death of his elder brother Eugenio Palafox y Portocarrero, Cipriano inherited the county of Montijo and the lordship (señorío) of Moguer. He befriended the famous French writer Prosper Mérimée during the latter's time in Spain.
On 15 December 1817 he married María Manuela Kirkpatrick de Closbourn y de Grivegnée, they had two daughters:
- María Francisca "Paca" Palafox Portocarrero y Kirkpatrick, who became duchess of Alba by marriage to Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart, 15th Duke of Alba;
- María Eugenia Palafox Portocarrero y Kirkpatrick, who married Napoleon III.
Titles
- Grandee of Spain (1834)
- 13th Duke of Peñaranda del Duero
- 14th Marquess of la Bañeza
- 14th Marquess of Mirallo
- 13th Marquess of Valdunquillo
- 9th Marquess of Valderrábano
- 8th Marquess of Osera
- 16th Marquess of Villanueva del Fresno
- 16th Marquess of Barcarotta
- 8th Count of Montijo
- 8th Count of Ablitas
- 18th Count of Teba
- 12th Count of Baños
- 19th Count of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
- 18th Count of Miranda del Castañar
- 7th Count of Fuentidueña
- 19th Count of San Esteban de Gormaz
- 25th 'señor' of Moguer, Prócer del Reino (1834-1835)
Sources
- Profile, senado.es; accessed 5 March 2015. (Spanish)