World's most aristocratic blueblood dies aged 88

Maria del Rosario Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart y Silva, the Duchess of Alba, dances flamenco in the presence of her husband Alfonso Diez after their wedding at Las Duenas Palace in Seville, Spain.

Harriet Alexander

Spain's most well-known and wealthiest aristocrat, the duchess of Alba, has died at the age of 88. Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart had been admitted to hospital in Seville on Sunday with pneumonia and possible heart problems, after having suffered a stomach virus a few days earlier.

Yesterday she was taken home to be with her six children and her third husband Alfonso Diez (64), pictured above. Her death was confirmed by the mayor of Seville, the city where she spent the last years of her life. He said the duchess "always held a place in her heart for Seville and so she will always be remembered in the heart of Seville".