Spanish nobility

The Spanish nobility are people who possess a title of nobility confirmed by the Spanish Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Cortes, as well as those individuals appointed to one of Spain's three highest orders of knighthood: the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Order of Charles III and the Order of Isabella the Catholic. Some members of the Spanish nobility possess various titles that may be inherited or not, but the creation and recognition of titles is legally the prerogative of the monarchy of Spain.

Many Spanish titles and noble families still exist and many have transmitted their aristocratic status since the Middle Ages. Some aristocratic families in Spain use the nobiliary particle de before their family name, although this was more prominent before the 20th century.

Until 1923, noble titleholders in Spain were exempt from taxation^[1]; afterwards they were subject to it. During the rule of Francisco Franco in Spain (1939-1975), some new hereditary titles were conferred on individuals, and titles granted by Carlist pretenders were officially recognised. Despite Juan Carlos I's ascension to the Spanish throne in 1975, the royal court of nobles holding positions and offices attached to the Royal Household of Spain was not restored. He maintained the practice of conferring titles, however, to recognize those whose public service, artistic endeavours, personal achievements, philanthropy, etc. were deemed to have benefitted the Spanish nation.