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Antonio Álvarez
de Toledo
7th Duque de Alba de Tormes (1615–90) Biographical 7th Duque de Alba de Tormes, Grandee of Spain 1667–90† 5th Duque de Huéscar [as heir of Alba] 4th Duque de Galisteo 10th Marqués de Coria 1667–90† 6th Marqués de Villanueva del Río 7th Conde de Salvatierra de Tormes 1667–90† 6th Conde de Piedrahita 1667–90† 8th Conde de Lérin, Grandee of Spain 1667–90† 9th Conde de Osorno 1663–90† Conde del Barco 11th Señor de Valdecorneja 1667–90† Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece 1675 (Burgundian) President of the Council of Italy 1677 Gentleman of the King's Chamber 1677 Councillor for War 1674 State Councillor 1674 Constable of Navarre 1667–90† High Steward to Queen Mariana of Austria High Steward to King Carlos II Antonio, newly instated as Duke of Alba, emerged as a staunch supporter of King Carlos II’s brother, Juan José, demonstrating his loyalty in Torrejón de Ardoz in February 1669. Having lived much of his life overshadowed by his father’s formidable influence, Antonio assumed leadership of his family at the age of 54, lacking political experience and the alliances his father had cultivated. In 1676, he signed the manifesto of the Grandees, advocating for Juan José’s governance and the removal of Queen Mariana of Austria from court. This document, penned by the Marquis of Mondéjar, bore the signatures of key noble figures, including the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, Osuna, and Gandía. The Alba family’s involvement extended further when Antonio’s heir, the Marquis of Villanueva del Río, and the Duke of Medina Sidonia violated the sacred asylum of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in 1677 to seize Fernando de Valenzuela, the disgraced favourite of Queen Mariana. The act caused an uproar at court, highlighting the Alba family’s unwavering commitment to Juan José’s cause. Despite Antonio’s reputation for incompetence, Juan José rewarded his loyalty by appointing him President of the Council of Italy, a prestigious role contested by Pedro de Aragón. During Juan José’s governance, Antonio engaged actively in politics. In 1675, during deliberations on King Carlos II’s marriage, Antonio, along with Juan José and other influential figures, opposed the proposal of an alliance with the German Archduchess Maria Antonia, favouring instead a Medici bride. Ultimately, in 1679, the council approved the marriage of Princess Maria Luisa of Orléans, with Antonio among the supporters of this union. In 1678, when Juan José fell ill, Antonio successfully promoted his choice of confessor for the king, Fray Francisco Reluz. However, by 1681, with the rise of the Duke of Medinaceli as prime minister, Antonio, like many nobles, shifted his allegiance to the new administration, securing substantial rewards for his political backing. Place of birth: Madrid Place of death: Madrid Son of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo and Antonia Enríquez de Ribera, he was married firstly in 1626 to María Ana de Velasco, and had issue: • Juan, dvp • Antonio (see) • Juana, married to Francisco Ponce de León in 1654, with issue • María, married to Nicolás de Guzmán in 1654, with issue Antonio married secondly in 1657 to Guiomar de Silva, with issue: • Francisco (see) • Teresa (see) |
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