quiscalusmexicanus.org – Infanta Margarita of Spain, full name Margarita de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias, was born on March 6, 1939, in Lausanne, Switzerland. She is the younger sister of King Juan Carlos I of Spain and the aunt of the current King Felipe VI. Infanta Margarita has had a distinguished role within the Spanish royal family, balancing her royal duties with a quiet, private life. Known for her grace, dedication to tradition, and charitable work, Infanta Margarita has remained a beloved figure in Spanish society.
Early Life and Education
Infanta Margarita was born during a turbulent time in Spain’s history. Her family was in exile due to the Spanish Civil War, which had overthrown the monarchy and established a republic. Her father, Infante Juan of Spain, Count of Barcelona, was the legitimate heir to the Spanish throne, though he was unable to ascend to the throne due to the political situation. Raised outside of Spain, Infanta Margarita grew up in a royal family that was closely tied to both the Spanish and European noble traditions.
Infanta Margarita’s early years were spent in Switzerland, where she received a private education. As a member of the exiled royal family, she was educated in a manner befitting her status, with an emphasis on the arts, languages, and royal etiquette. Fluent in several languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian, she was well-prepared for a life that would one day see her assume public duties in support of the Spanish monarchy.
Her education also focused on cultivating a deep respect for the history and traditions of her family and country. Infanta Margarita was well-versed in the customs and duties expected of her as a royal family member, ensuring that she would fulfill her role within Spain’s royal hierarchy with dignity and poise.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1967, Infanta Margarita married Don Carlos Zurita y Delgado, a Spanish nobleman, in a wedding ceremony that was attended by members of the Spanish royal family as well as foreign royals. The marriage was a happy one, and together, the couple had three children: Alfonso, Rodrigo, and Juan. Their children were raised with the same royal values and traditions that had shaped Infanta Margarita’s own upbringing.
Infanta Margarita and her husband lived primarily in Spain after their marriage, but they maintained a low-profile lifestyle compared to some of her more public royal counterparts. Despite her royal status, Infanta Margarita led a relatively private life with her family, rarely making headlines and preferring to avoid the media spotlight. She focused on raising her children and supporting her husband in his endeavors, always prioritizing family over public appearances.
Though she was not as frequently seen at major royal events as her brother, King Juan Carlos I, or her sister, Infanta Elena, Infanta Margarita was a regular presence at family gatherings and royal functions. Her involvement in the royal family remained strong, and she participated in several official ceremonies throughout her life, often seen supporting her brother’s reign and the monarchy’s ongoing duties.
Royal Duties and Public Engagements
Infanta Margarita’s royal duties were primarily ceremonial, and she took on these responsibilities with the same grace and commitment that characterized her entire life. Although she was not directly in line for the throne, she participated in key royal events, including national holidays, state visits, and family celebrations.
She was particularly known for her participation in the family’s public engagements and events that honored Spain’s royal traditions. As a member of the extended royal family, Infanta Margarita was often seen at national events such as the National Day of Spain, royal weddings, and the annual military parades, standing as a symbol of Spain’s enduring monarchy.
Her commitment to the Spanish royal family’s image and heritage extended to her support of various charitable causes. While Infanta Margarita was not as publicly visible as some other members of the royal family, she dedicated her time and resources to social and charitable organizations. Her charitable work focused largely on education, healthcare, and the well-being of Spain’s youth, causes that she held dear throughout her life.
Infanta Margarita was also involved in the preservation of Spanish culture, often supporting initiatives that promoted Spain’s rich history and artistic heritage. She worked quietly behind the scenes, contributing to numerous causes with the understanding that true service does not always need to be in the public eye.
Relationship with the Spanish Royal Family
As the younger sister of King Juan Carlos I, Infanta Margarita had a close relationship with her brother. Although she did not play a significant role in the governance of Spain, Infanta Margarita was a key figure in supporting her brother’s reign. Their bond as siblings was strong, and the Spanish royal family frequently came together during national holidays, weddings, and other significant family events.
Infanta Margarita was also very close to her other sibling, Infanta Pilar, who was a confidante and friend throughout her life. The two sisters shared a deep affection for each other, and Infanta Pilar, in particular, was a constant source of support for Infanta Margarita. Their closeness was well-known, and their relationship became an important part of the royal family’s legacy.
Infanta Margarita’s relationship with her nieces and nephews, including King Felipe VI, was equally supportive. Despite being somewhat distant from the direct line of succession, Infanta Margarita took her role as an aunt seriously, offering guidance and support to the younger generation of royals. Her quiet, respectful approach to family matters made her a valuable member of the Spanish royal family, always ready to lend her support during significant royal moments.
Later Years and Legacy
In the later years of her life, Infanta Margarita continued to maintain a private lifestyle, away from the public spotlight. She remained committed to her family, supporting her children and grandchildren and continuing her involvement in charity work. Her presence at royal events became less frequent, as she chose to focus on her personal life and family.
Despite her relatively low-key public profile, Infanta Margarita’s legacy within the Spanish royal family remains strong. She was a loyal and dedicated royal, who supported her family through the ups and downs of Spanish history. Her life was one of duty, tradition, and service, and her contributions to the monarchy were invaluable.
Infanta Margarita passed away on January 23, 2020, at the age of 80. Her death marked the end of an era for the Spanish royal family, as she was one of the last remaining members of the earlier generation of the Borbón family. Her passing was met with an outpouring of grief from both the royal family and the Spanish people, who remembered her as a gracious and loyal servant of Spain.
Conclusion
Infanta Margarita of Spain, full name Margarita de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias, led a life that was defined by a deep commitment to her family, her royal duties, and the traditions of the Spanish monarchy. As the younger sister of King Juan Carlos I, she played a vital role in supporting the royal family throughout her life. Her charitable work, loyalty to the Spanish monarchy, and dedication to preserving her family’s legacy made her a respected figure in Spain.
Although Infanta Margarita lived a quieter life than many of her royal counterparts, her contributions to the monarchy and to Spanish society will always be remembered. Through her steadfast service, love for her family, and support of Spain’s cultural heritage, Infanta Margarita left a lasting mark on Spain’s royal history.