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Don Miguel Ricardo de Alava

(1771-1843), Spanish ambassador

Sitter in 1 portrait
Alava had a unique distinction: he fought at both the battles of Trafalgar (1805) and Waterloo (1815), and because Spain changed allegiance, he fought on different sides. He was Wellington's Spanish liaison officer in the Peninsular War, and became a firm friend. He served as his country's ambassador to London in the 1830s. Wellington's regard for him was obvious in the way he introduced the Spaniard to the employees at Coutts' bank: 'This is my friend, and as long as I have any money at your house, let him have it to any amount that he thinks proper to draw for.'

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Don Miguel Ricardo de Alava

by William Salter
oil on canvas, 1830-1840
NPG 3691

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Ambassadors and diplomats

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Don Miguel Ricardo de Alava

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