Victoria Hohenlohe, who holds a record number of aristocratic titles in Spain, has long chosen a life away from the spotlight. Since her marriage to financier Maksim Korney in 2023, she has virtually disappeared from the society pages. Together with her husband, she settled in New York, where she can vanish into the vast metropolis and lead a calm, almost invisible life away from prying eyes.
However, at the end of 2024, Victoria found herself in the spotlight again when she returned to Spain to receive a prestigious award for her work in social and environmental initiatives. In Madrid, she was presented with the Alma de AndalucÃa Award 2025, recognizing not only her charitable work but also her efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the Casa de Medinaceli family. For many, it was surprising to discover that someone so private actively supports large-scale projects focused on environmental protection and social development.
Environmental mission
During the awards ceremony, Victoria spoke openly about her involvement in the international Plant for the Planet program, which works to restore forests around Doñana—one of Europe’s largest nature reserves. After a devastating fire in 2017 destroyed 10,000 hectares, this initiative became crucial for the region. Since 2022, the project has been carried out in partnership with the Andalusian government, bringing together the efforts of the state, business, and civil society.
Victoria goes beyond purely ceremonial duties. In 2024, she joined the leadership team of Plant for the Planet and is actively involved in strategic planning. Her professional background in sustainability and corporate responsibility has proved valuable: in the US, she works for the consulting firm MJ Hudson, where she manages ESG and sustainability projects. This combination of personal values and professional skills enables her to drive real change.
The road to success
Victoria’s academic background is impressive: she graduated from the International Relations faculty at IE Business School in Madrid, then studied conflict resolution and security issues in London. Her career began at the Real Instituto Elcano think tank, followed by a position at the investment company Oryx Impact. This experience has given her a unique perspective on the social and environmental challenges of today.
In New York, Victoria and her husband maintain an extremely private lifestyle. She avoids publicity, does not give interviews, and is rarely seen at social events. Even in Spain, she only attends the most significant occasions: in May 2024, she was present at a prestigious equestrian tournament in Madrid, and in the autumn became an honorary guest at the Escaparate award ceremony in Seville.
Connections with the European elite
Despite her preference for privacy, Victoria maintains close ties with members of Europe’s royal families. In August 2024, she was invited to the wedding of Maria Carolina of Liechtenstein, representing Spanish aristocracy. A special place in her life is held by her friendship with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands—a bond that began in their youth and continues to this day.
Victoria’s wedding in Jerez de la Frontera in 2023 was the event of the year for the Spanish nobility. The ceremony was attended by King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and their eldest daughter, Princess Amalia. Such attention from royalty only highlights Victoria’s status as one of the most influential figures in modern Spanish aristocracy.
In case you didn’t know, Victoria Hohenlohe is the 20th Duchess of Medinaceli and the head of one of Spain’s oldest and most titled aristocratic families. She holds 43 titles, including duchies, marquisates, and counties. The Medinaceli family is known not just for its historical legacy but also for active philanthropic work. Victoria continues her ancestors’ traditions, balancing work with international organizations and her commitment to preserving cultural and natural heritage.