Carlos Zurita, Duke of Soria

Carlos Emilio Juan Zurita y Delgado, Duke of Soria (born 9 October 1943 in Antequera), is the husband of Infanta Margarita and uncle of King Felipe VI of Spain.

He was born to Carlos Zurita y González-Vidalte and wife María del Carmen Delgado y Fernández de Santaella in Antequera, Málaga, Spain.

The Duke of Soria is a medical doctor. He studied Medicine in the University of Seville with merits and took his doctorate with a scholarship in the Saint Clement College in Bologna. In 1971 Carlos Zurita gained the position of teacher service manager of the Spanish National College of the Thorax Illness.

He married Infanta Margarita, on 12 October 1972 in Estoril. They have two children:

• Alfonso Juan Carlos Zurita y de Borbón (b. Madrid, 9 August 1973)
• María Sofía Emilia Carmen Zurita y de Borbón (b. Madrid, 16 September 1975)

In 1989, the Duke and the Duchess of Soria created the Fundación Cultural Duques de Soria (The Duke and Duchess of Soria Cultural Foundation), its objective is to stimulate the Spanish language and culture. The Foundation cooperates with universities and Spanish cultural institutions to contribute the cultural and scientific development in Spain.

The Duke of Soria is President of the Spanish Federation of the Museums Friends Associations and President of the Friends of Prado Museum Foundation. He also is a member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Medicine.

Titles, styles, honours and arms

Titles

• 9 October 1943 – 12 October 1972: Mr. Carlos Zurita
• 12 October 1972 – 27 May 1981: His Excellency Carlos Zurita
• 27 May – 23 June 1981: His Excellency The Duke of Hernani
• 23 June 1981 – present: His Excellency The Duke of Soria and Hernani

The Duke's style and title in full: His Excellency Don Carlos Emilio Juan Zurita y Delgado de Borbón, Duke of Soria, Duke of Hernani, Grandee of Spain.

Honours

In 2003, the Duke and Duchess of Soria were appointed Grand Cross of the Order of Alfonso X the Wise of Spain.

Arms

Arms of Carlos Zurita, Duke of Soria