Alfonso de Urquijo

Alfonso de Urquijo y Landecho (31 July 1920 – 23 September 1994) was a Spanish professional hunter, writer and banker. Following his success as an international hunter, he was appointed President of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation in 1981. He was a younger brother of Luis de Urquijo, who was President of Real Madrid from 1926 to 1930.

Early years

Alfonso de Urquijo was born the 31st July 1920 in Llodio, a town in the Basque Country province of Álava, in Northern Spain. The Urquijo's were one of the most prominent families in 20th Century Spain, with very close ties to the Spanish royal family. His father, Estanislao de Urquijo y Ussía, was the 3rd Marquess of Urquijo (Grandee of Spain), 1st Marquess of Bolarque and Chairman of Telefónica. His mother was María del Pilar Landecho y Allendesalazar.

Military service

In 1941, Urquijo volunteered as a soldier when Franco sent the Blue Division to fight the Soviets alongside Nazi Germany during the Winter campaign of World War II. During his time in service, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant.

Later years

Urquijo died on 23 September 1994 in his hunting estate or finca, "Nava el Sach", in Jaén, Southern Spain.