In a long-awaited announcement, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo, 61, and Bárbara Mirjan, 29, confirmed they will be marrying after a decade of romance. The couple’s relationship, which has drawn attention due to their significant age difference, has been characterized by its resilience, and they are now ready to take this pivotal step in their lives.
The engagement was revealed by the magazine ¡Hola! on March 19, 2025, with plans for the wedding slated to occur between late September and early October of the same year. While specific details about the ceremony have yet to be finalized, sources indicate it will not take place in one of the prominent palaces of the House of Alba, such as the Palacio de Liria or Las Dueñas, but rather at a lesser-known family property.
The couple met in 2015 in Marbella, Spain, when a freshly turned 18-year-old Bárbara caught the attention of Cayetano, who was then 51. Their relationship took a public turn in 2016 during a prestigious horsejumping event in Salamanca, where Cayetano introduced Bárbara as his official partner at a memorial tribute to his late mother, the Duchess of Alba. "I'm sure they didn't give a dime for us at first, but this is consolidating," he shared regarding the early criticism they faced over their age gap.
Following years of public interest and scrutiny, the news of their engagement comes at a time marked by personal reconciliation within the Martínez de Irujo family. Over the Christmas period of 2024, Cayetano and his younger sister Eugenia resolved long-standing tensions, which many believe has positively influenced his decision to formally commit to Barbara. This improving dynamic within the family is seen as a comforting backdrop for their nuptials, allowing for a united front during a significant occasion.
Additionally, the couple has expressed intentions to expand their family. Cayetano, who has twins—Luis and Amina, both nearing their 24th birthdays, from his previous marriage to Genoveva Casanova—indicated his openness to fatherhood once more. “I wasn’t open to it before, but now I am. We’ll see how things evolve,” he remarked, hinting at their future aspirations.
As they embark on this next chapter, Cayetano and Bárbara are preparing for a ceremony that reflects their journey together while nurturing the bonds of family and community. Their relationship, once the subject of skepticism, has blossomed into a partnership supported by mutual respect and love. Their commitment to family values and the importance of caring for their existing children remains a priority for the couple.
With the wedding planned for the impending autumn, all eyes will be on how this modern aristocratic union unfolds. The anticipation surrounding the event is high, reflecting not only the significance of their announcement but also the broader impact of their relationship on the public and media narratives surrounding Spanish nobility.
In a society that is often quick to judge such unions, Cayetano and Bárbara’s story illustrates the evolving nature of family relationships and romantic partnerships, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity. As they prepare for their upcoming nuptials, both are committed to crafting a life together that honors their pasts while eagerly anticipating a shared future.
As this couple continues their journey, the wedding will undoubtedly attract significant media attention, not just for the nuptial festivities, but also for what this union represents in a contemporary setting fraught with age-old traditions. Both Cayetano and Bárbara are set to navigate the intricacies of family expectations and societal checklists, wrapped in the warm glow of genuine affection.
