Jaime de Marichalar, Spanish businessman

Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada, born on April 7, 1963, is a Spanish aristocrat and businessman widely recognized for his former marriage to Her Royal Highness Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo. His full name reflects a long-standing lineage within the Spanish nobility, a heritage underscored by his hereditary title of Lord of Tejada, a unique honorific connected to the ancient noble solar (ancestral home) of Tejada.

Marichalar's prominence surged with his engagement and subsequent marriage to Infanta Elena, the eldest daughter of Spain's former reigning monarch, King Juan Carlos I, and Queen Sofía. Infanta Elena herself holds a significant position within the Spanish Royal Family, currently ranking third in the line of succession to the Spanish throne, following her younger brother King Felipe VI and his daughters.

The Royal Marriage and Its Evolution

The wedding of Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada and Infanta Elena took place on March 18, 1995, at the Seville Cathedral. This grand event was a major occasion for Spain, drawing considerable public and media attention as the first royal wedding of one of King Juan Carlos I's children. The couple's union was seen as a symbol of continuity and modernity for the Spanish monarchy. During their marriage, Jaime de Marichalar was often referred to as His Excellency Don Jaime de Marichalar, reflecting his status as a consort to a royal princess.

Together, they had two children: Felipe Juan Froilán de Marichalar y Borbón, born in 1998, and Victoria Federica de Marichalar y Borbón, born in 2000. Both children hold positions in the line of succession to the Spanish throne, further integrating Marichalar's family into the broader narrative of the Spanish Royal House.

Separation and Divorce

After twelve years of marriage, the Spanish Royal House officially announced the "cessation of their conjugal cohabitation" on November 13, 2007, a euphemistic term for their separation. This news marked a significant and unprecedented event for the modern Spanish monarchy, being the first such instance involving an immediate member of the reigning family. The separation eventually led to a civil divorce, which was finalized in December 2009. Following the divorce, Jaime de Marichalar ceased to be a member of the Spanish Royal Family, though he remains connected through his children with Infanta Elena.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada?

Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada is a Spanish aristocrat and businessman, best known as the former husband of Her Royal Highness Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo, the eldest daughter of Spain's former King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía.

What is the 'Lord of Tejada' title?

The title Lord of Tejada is an ancient, hereditary, non-noble Spanish title unique to the descendants of the noble solar (ancestral home) of Tejada in La Rioja, Spain. It signifies a lineage of hidalgos (noblemen of lower rank) and is traditionally passed down through generations within certain families.

When was Jaime de Marichalar born?

He was born on April 7, 1963.

When did he marry Infanta Elena?

Jaime de Marichalar and Infanta Elena were married on March 18, 1995, in Seville Cathedral.

Do they have children?

Yes, they have two children: Felipe Juan Froilán de Marichalar y Borbón (born 1998) and Victoria Federica de Marichalar y Borbón (born 2000).

When did they separate and divorce?

Their separation was announced in November 2007, and their civil divorce was finalized in December 2009.