Spain's Colorful Duchess de Alba Marries A Much Younger Man

By Michael Lopez

Move over Fergie, there's another over-the-top Duchess in town. Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva or the Duchess de Alba, as she's more commonly called, made huge headlines this week by marrying a man 24 years her junior.

Known for her colorful clothes, carefree attitude, and nipped/tucked appearance, the 85-year-old Spanish Duchess has been a tabloid staple for years. And this latest story has given the newspapers (and her family members) quite a lot to talk about.

It appears as though the Spanish royal (she's classified as a "distant" relative of Queen Elizabeth) has married an ordinary commoner. Yup, 61-year-old Alfonso Diez is just a regular employee at the Spain's social security office who happened to have met his new bride at a local movie theater.

Her total worth is reported to be somewhere near $4.7 billion, while his is about $2,000 a month. But she insists that this is a relationship built out of love and not money.

The Duchess, who is twice widowed, has six grown children, all of whom are reportedly quite upset about the wedding. Speaking about the family turmoil, she said,

"I have a young personality and I don't pay attention. Alfonso has known me for 30 years, and he fell in love with me at first sight...But my children are making it hard on me. They don't want me to marry, but they change partners more often than I do."

Four of her six kids attended the ceremony, which included 40 guests, fancy lobster dinners, and a dance floor that the Duchess busted some serious moves on. We're hopeful that the newlyweds have many long and happy years together. Though it will be very interesting to see if Alfonso reports in to his blue collar job come Monday.

Do you think the Duchess's new husband is only after her money? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alfonso Diez, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrity Couples, Chisme, Duchess de Alba, popnews, Spain, Weddings