Cipriano de Palafox

Who was Cipriano de Palafox?

Don Cipriano de Palafox y Portocarrero, Count de Montijo, was a Spanish nobleman, politician and soldier. From 1837 to 1838 he served as senator for the province of Badajoz and was also a Freemason. Pro-French in his outlook, he fought for Joseph Bonaparte whilst the latter was king of Spain, losing an eye in battle and being honoured in Paris by Joseph's brother Napoleon I. After the death of his elder brother Eugenio Palafox y Portocarrero, Cipriano inherited the county of Montijo and the lordship of Moguer. He befriended the famous French writer Prosper Mérimée during the latter's time in Spain.

On 15 December 1817 he married María Manuela Kirkpatrick – they had two daughters:

⁕María Francisca "Paca" Palafox Portocarrero y Kirkpatrick, who became duchess of Alba by marriage to Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Ventimiglia;

⁕María Eugenia Palafox Portocarrero y Kirkpatrick, who married Napoleon III.