Remembering the Life and Legacy of the Duchess of Plasencia: 1957

The Duchess of Plasencia, a prominent figure in Spanish nobility, left an indelible mark on the country's history. Her life was marked by a series of significant events that not only shaped her own destiny but also influenced the course of Spanish politics and society. Born into a noble family, she was destined for greatness, and her marriage to the Duke of Plasencia further solidified her position in the aristocracy. Her life was a testament to the power and influence that women could wield in a society dominated by men. As the Duchess of Plasencia's life drew to a close, her passing left a void in the Spanish nobility that would be difficult to fill. Her death in 1957 marked the end of an era, as she was one of the last remnants of a bygone era of Spanish aristocracy. Her legacy, however, lived on, and her impact on Spanish history continues to be felt to this day. The Duchess of Plasencia's life serves as a reminder of the significant role that women have played in shaping the course of history, often behind the scenes, yet with profound consequences.

La Duquesa de Plasencia.

Don Carlo Ruspoli, Duca di Morignano, and Doña María da Gracia de Solís-Beaumount y Téllez-Girón, Duquesa de Plasencia. 

On 20 February 2021, Doña María de Gracia, Duchess de Plasencia died at Madrid. She was sixty-three years-old. The duchess had been a nurse with the Spanish Red Cross and was a Dame of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta as well as of the Constantinian Order of Saint George. María de Gracia was a second cousin once removed of Doña Victoria Eugenia Fernández de Córdoba, Duchess de Medinaceli (1917-2013).

The wedding of the Duchess de Osuna and Don Pedro de Solís-Beaumont, 1946.

Doña Angela, Duchess de Osuna, with her daughters Doña María de Gracia, Duchess de Plasencia, and Doña Angela, Duchess de Arcos.

Doña María de Gracia de Solís-Beaumont y Téllez-Girón was born at Madrid on 12 March 1957. She was the younger daughter of Don Pedro de Solís-Beaumont y Lasso de Vega (1916-1959) and Doña Angela María Téllez-Girón y Duque de Estrada, Duchess de Osuna, etc. (1925-2015), who married in 1946. María de Gracia had one older sister: Doña Angela de Solis-Beaumont y Téllez-Girón, Duchess de Arcos (b.1950). In 1963, María de Gracia's mother remarried Don José Maria de Latorre y Montalvo (1925-1991). From this marriage, María de Gracia had two half-sisters: Doña María del Pilar de Latorre y Téllez-Girón, Duchess de Uceda (b.1965), and Doña María de la Asunción de Latorre y Téllez-Girón Montalvo, Duchess de Medina de Rioseco (b.1968). 

The Duchess de Plasencia with her mother the Duchess de Osuna. Photograph (c) Don Carlo Ruspoli.

Doña María de Gracia Ruspoli y Solís-Beaumont, Marquesa del Villar de Grajanejos.

On 11 October 1975, Doña María de Gracia de Solís-Beaumont y Téllez-Girón married Don Carlo Ruspoli, Duca di Morignano (b.1949). The Duke di Morignano and the Duchess de Plasencia had one child: Doña María de Gracia Ruspoli y Solís-Beaumont (b.Madrid 16 June 1977), Marquesa del Villar de Grajanejos. On 28 November 2009, the Marchioness del Villar de Grajanejos married Don Javier Isidro González de Gregorio y Molina (b.Madrid 7 November 1971). Doña María de Gracia and Don Javier have two children: Doña María de Gracia González de Gregorio y Ruspoli (b.2015) and Doña Blanca Micaela González de Gregorio y Ruspoli (b.2018).

The Duchess de Plasencia and the Duke di Morignano.

María de Gracia de Solís-Beaumont y Téllez-Girón, Duchess de Plasencia, is survived by her husband Carlo, her daughter María de Gracia and her son-in-law Javier, and her granddaughters María de Gracia and Blanca.

May the Duchess Rest in Peace.

As we conclude our exploration of the life and legacy of the Duchess of Plasencia, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the course of Spanish history. Her remarkable story serves as a testament to the power and influence that women could wield in a society dominated by men. The Duchess's life was marked by significant events that not only shaped her own destiny but also influenced the trajectory of Spanish politics and society. Her marriage to the Duke of Plasencia further solidified her position in the aristocracy, and her death in 1957 marked the end of an era in Spanish nobility. The Duchess of Plasencia's legacy continues to be felt today, a reminder of the crucial role that women have played in shaping the course of history, often behind the scenes yet with profound consequences.

As we reflect on the Duchess of Plasencia's remarkable life, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and honoring the legacies of those who have shaped our collective past. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact that individuals can have on the world around them. The Duchess of Plasencia's life and legacy serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, encouraging us to continue exploring and learning from the rich tapestry of human experience. We hope that this article has provided a valuable insight into the life and times of the Duchess of Plasencia, and we invite you to continue exploring the fascinating world of European history through our blog.