Fernando Martínez de Irujo, the Marquis of San Vicente del Barco, has made his first public appearance of the summer at the Starlite Gala in Marbella after overcoming cancer. The Spanish aristocrat attended the event in an elegantly festive mood, sharing details of his summer in Andalusia, his health recovery, and his niece Tana Rivera's relationship with Peruvian bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey.
Martínez de Irujo arrived at the charity gala wearing a yellow flower on his lapel. He explained that the gesture was a nod to Cudeca, an anti-cancer foundation based in Málaga whose work he praised alongside the medical team that treated his illness.
The marquis, a son of the late Duchess of Alba, faced his cancer diagnosis with serenity and optimism, speaking openly about the condition and following every step of his medical treatment. Addressing compliments from acquaintances who noted that he appeared more youthful and healthy post-recovery, he joked while blushing that some had even called him handsomer, adding that he was grateful to God and only asked for continued good health.
Summer residence in Casares
Martínez de Irujo is spending a quiet summer at Finca Cortesin in Casares, a municipality near Marbella. He revealed that two years ago he rented his Marbella beach house, Las Cañas, to a businessman because the property was too large for him alone. He emphasized that he has no intention of selling the villa and is enjoying the relaxation of Casares.
Located on Casablanca beach in Marbella, Las Cañas was inherited by Martínez de Irujo following the death of his mother, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, the 18th Duchess of Alba. The villa served as an idyllic summer retreat for the family for many years. He recalled that his mother loved coming to Marbella and that those summer memories are featured in a book written about her this year to mark the centenary of her death.
Known for his friendly manner despite being considered one of the more reserved members of the House of Alba, Martínez de Irujo shared memories of his mother while croquettes were served at the gala. He noted that croquettes were one of the duchess's favorite dishes, prepared masterfully by a family cook whom his mother never wanted to replace.
Family reconciliation and new romance
Within the family, Martínez de Irujo has consistently advocated for unity and open dialogue. Together with his niece Cayetana 'Tana' Rivera, he was instrumental in reuniting his siblings Cayetano and Eugenia Martínez de Irujo after a period of estrangement.
Martínez de Irujo spoke warmly of his close bond with Tana Rivera and expressed happiness over her relationship with Andrés Roca Rey. He described the bullfighter as a very good person and a very good bullfighter, saying that seeing his niece and Roca Rey doing so well brought joy to the entire family.
Roca Rey, recognized as a prominent figure in contemporary bullfighting, has received strong support and affection from Rivera's family, while his own parents have also met the granddaughter of the Duchess of Alba. Martínez de Irujo is spending his summer between Marbella and Sotogrande, adding that while the Marbella Club remains like a second home to him, he decided not to stay there this year.
