For years, Antonio Pleguezuelos moved through Marbella’s high society with a regal title — “Prince of Marbella.” He attended glamorous events, enjoyed a busy social life, and even named the members of his imaginary royal court on his website. Until 2018, when the Spanish nobility council took legal action.
The case eventually reached the Andalucian High Court. Pleguezuelos’ claim, once officially recognised by a notary, was revealed to be completely false. However, to the surprise of many, the court ruled that Pleguezuelos hadn’t committed any crime. The TSJA determined that self-proclaiming as a noble, even falsely, is not a criminal offense under Spanish law. The court noted that Pleguezuelos used his invented title in social and public settings, but this does not break any laws. The true offense, the court ruled, was the notary’s act of certifying the fictitious title as legitimate.
Who’s really guilty?
The real culprit, it seems, was the notary who had officially certified Pleguezuelos’ title, even allowing its publication in Spain’s Boletín Oficial del Estado. The notary was found guilty of falsification. The court concluded that the “Prince of Marbella” could continue with his invented title—without any legal consequences. Despite the legal battles, Antonio Pleguezuelos can continue calling himself the “Prince of Marbella,” albeit with no legal standing. His title remains an invention, with no ties to the Spanish aristocracy.
The verdict
While the legal system cleared Pleguezuelos of wrongdoing, his case shines a spotlight on the surprisingly loose regulations around self-styled nobility. Although the notary will face repercussions, Marbella’s “Prince” remains free to continue his noble charade, leaving many to wonder just how far one can go without breaking the law.