King Felipe VI Awards His First Noble Titles, Naming Rafa Nadal, Luz Casal, and Teresa Perales as Marquises

King Felipe VI has awarded his first noble titles of his reign this Thursday, naming tennis player Rafa Nadal, swimmer Teresa Perales, and singer Luz Casal, among other personalities, as marquises. This was announced by Zarzuela. The monarch had not granted any noble titles in his ten years of reign, and the decision coincides with the eleventh anniversary of his ascension to the throne.

"Their respective careers are exemplars of excellence, whether in service to the Crown or in the fields of thought, culture, science, arts, and sports. They are a source of pride for Spain and a constant reference of values that should inspire our society, as reflected in His Majesty the King's proclamation speech before the General Courts on June 19, 2014, as well as in the principles of service, commitment, and duty that he instills in his reign," detailed the Royal Household.

Rafa Nadal has been named Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca. Jaime Alfonsín, former head of the Royal Household, has been named Marquess of Alfonsín, with the dignity of Grandee of Spain. Teresa Perales Fernández will be Marquess of Perales. And singer Luz Casal will be Marquess of Luz y Paz.

Biochemist and molecular biologist Carlos López Otín will be Marquess of Castillo de Lerés, for life, and photographer Cristina García Rodero will be the new Marquess of Valle de Alcudia, with hereditary rights.

The granting of noble titles is a prerogative of the King, who has the power to "grant honors and distinctions in accordance with the laws" as per Article 62, section f of the 1978 Constitution.

This is formalized through a royal charter and becomes effective once the royal decree of concession is published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), where the details and conditions of the awarded title are specified.

These honorary rights cannot be sold or purchased and are usually hereditary, falling to the firstborn. In some cases, they may revert to the Crown if the title becomes vacant due to the lack of actions aimed at its acquisition or transmission over a certain period.