Sep 29, 2008, 11:00 GMT
Spain's Duchess of Alba has been forbidden to marry by her children.
The 82-year-old royal had hoped to marry antique dealer Alfonso Diez Carabantes who is 24 years her junior, but her plans were dashed by younger members of her family who are reportedly concerned their inheritance may be affected if she remarries.
The Duchess - full name Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva - has criticised her six children for not giving her their blessing.
She recently told Spain's Hola magazine: "It's true that I planned to marry. We were both full of enthusiasm for the idea. They don't want me to marry, but they change partners more often than I do."
Members of the House of Alba - who have a hand in the decision of who the duchess can marry - refused to acknowledge any plans of a wedding.
A spokesperson said: "In the light of reports about the relationship between the Duchess of Alba and Alfonso Diez, this House emphasises only the affectionate friendship between the Duchess and Mr Diez, there being no plans whatsoever of matrimony."
The royal - who is twice widowed - will now go to Queen Sofia for her approval in the hope of overturning her children's decision.
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Juan Jesus Ladron de GuevaraOct 3rd, 2008 - 13:48:16
The Duchess of Alba is not a 'Royal', but one of the most important members of Spanish nobility.
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