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Monday, February 14, 2011

A final separation for Eulalia and her husband




February 14, 1899

Infanta Eulalia of Spain and her husband, Don Antonio de Orleans-Borbon have decided on a final separation, reports the Marquise de Fontenoy today.  Don Antonio has left his wife, and has "taken his children with him."

The final quarrel was "brought about by the extravagant flirtations of the Infanta" in England, where she is currently living.

Infanta Eulalia has always "been noted for her flightiness."  She has become "so extravagant in her conduct," which has brought the "strongest remonstrances from Madrid."  It has been said that Eulalia's recent behavior has resulted in a "complete rupture" between Eulalia and her sister-in-law, Queen Regent, Maria Cristina.
The Infanta grew up in a demoralized home, as her mother, Queen Isabel, was not known for high moral standings.   As a young woman, Eulalia was forced against her will into a loveless marriage. 
 
The marriage was arranged in "a hurry" by her brother, King Alfonso XII to put an "end to her infatuation for a young secretary at one of the foreign embassies in Madrid."  There was a fear that she might elope, following the example of two of her aunts, one with Count Gurowski, and the other with the Cuban poet Guele y Rente.

Don Antonio is said to be a "poor sort of creature, as insignificant mentally," a "colorless individual," who is constantly "henpecked, persecuted and betrayed."

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