Spanish Immigration Guide: The nobility system in Spain has ancient historical roots, with some existing noble titles having been in place for centuries. However, due to historical changes over the past century, particularly the reforms following the reign of King Juan Carlos, the court system centered around the nobility has been abolished under the parliamentary monarchy, and the traditional nobility system has disappeared. Currently, only a few noble groups exist that are more symbolic than powerful. Nobles no longer enjoy political and economic privileges, and the diplomatic privileges they once enjoyed have also been revoked, leaving only some symbolic and ceremonial rights. For example, they can prefix their names with titles on identification cards or household registration, and retain the palaces where they have lived for generations. Nevertheless, public opinion generally holds that the nobility remains the foundation or pillar of the monarchy and parliamentary constitutionalism.
Currently, there are thousands of nobles of various ranks in Spain, the vast majority of whom are old nobility inherited from history. Among them, the highest rank is the Grand Duke, with approximately 300 individuals. The most prominent Grand Duchess is the Duchess of Alba, whose ancestor, the Duke of Alba, was a renowned general who achieved great military feats for the House of Charles I. The ancient Grand Duke is the Duke of Medina-Sidonia, who was granted his title in 1368.
The well-known great navigator and explorer, Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, was appointed by the king as Admiral of the Navy and Viceroy of the Indies. His son Diego was granted the title of Duke of Veragua by the king. Veragua was the name of an island discovered by Columbus at that time. Today, his direct descendants inherit these titles and honors. The current generation of heirs is also named Christopher Columbus, Duke of Veragua. His father, the late Duke of Veragua, was a friend of King Juan Carlos and was assassinated by the terrorist organization ETA on February 6, 1986.
Spanish law does not have clear provisions regarding the granting of noble titles. King Juan Carlos, by convention, grants new noble titles each year to outstanding intellectuals, politicians, entrepreneurs, and military leaders. From 1975 to 2002, he has granted titles to 14 nobles and 8 Grand Dukes. Among them are former Prime Ministers Arias and Suárez, Franco's widow and daughter, and former Speaker Miranda. The President of the International Olympic Committee, Samaranch, was granted the title of Marquis on January 2, 1992. Some members of the royal family, such as the two princesses mentioned earlier, also receive titles. However, overall, the Spanish royal family is relatively cautious in granting noble titles, and the number of titles granted is quite small, unlike the British royal family, which grants a batch of peerages every year.