Carlos Zurita, Duke of Soria


Carlos Emilio Juan Zurita y Delgado, Duke of Soria and Hernani, 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 retired medical doctor and was, as his father, a specialist in the respiratory and circulatory system. He studied at the medical faculty of the University of Seville, where he obtained a licentiate in medicine with accompanying award "Premio Extraordinario de Licenciatura" for extraordinary merit in 1967. He received his doctorate with a scholarship at the Spanish College in Bologna, Italy. In 1971, the duke 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 at St. Anthony's Church. They have two children:
In 1989, the Duke and the Duchess of Soria created the Fundación Cultural Duques de Soria, 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.

Honours

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