Aline Griffith, Countess of Romanones

Aline Griffith, Countess of Romanones (1923–2017) was an American-born socialite, author, and Spanish aristocrat who became one of Europe's most prominent figures in high society during the mid-20th century. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she emigrated to Spain where she married the Spanish nobleman Luis Martínez de Irujo, 22nd Duke of Feria, and later the Count of Romanones. During World War II and the Cold War era, Griffith moved in elite diplomatic and intelligence circles, and she later revealed involvement with Allied intelligence services. Her glamorous lifestyle and extensive connections made her a fixture in European society pages and cultural life. Griffith authored several memoirs and books detailing her extraordinary life, including 'The Spy Wore Red' (1987) and 'The Thirteenth Candle' (1992), which offered insider perspectives on European aristocracy and geopolitical intrigue. Her accounts have been praised for their vivid detail and historical significance. Griffith's life exemplified the golden age of European aristocracy and transatlantic social prominence. She became known not only for her social position but also for her intellect and literary contributions, making her an important chronicler of 20th-century European history.