A Rich Past
Our Heritage
Sir Winston Churchill, a Grandosian hero, left
t
Sir Anthony Eden, above
Granados Today
Modern Granados dates to 1872 when the Royal Family of the Principality, Carreño de Granados, the founders of the Royal Order of St. Mark (OSt.M), relinquished its claim as the nation's governing family. In doing so, Granados' last family prince, Toribio Carreño, forever abidcated all rights and titles, transferring these to the nation's new princes, the monarchs of Spain and the United Kingdom. A new Parliament was also born.
Despite their abdication, the Carreños continued to play an important role in the country's modernisation, transforming Granados from a sleepy 18th-century fishing village to today's vibrant playground of sun and fun and allure. The Carreños still maintain a prominent presence in the economy, figuring significantly in their real estate holdings and media interests. (The Carreños own a deciding share in the publicly-traded The Granados Times, the country's only daily newspaper).
The Carreños also continue to be heirs to their family title, OSt.M.
Almost single-handed, Prince Toribio was also responsible for establishing the nation's tourist industry, still today the country's economic engine. Together with fiduciary interests from Madrid and London, Prince Toribio opened Granados' premier tourist venue, the Hotel Negresco, in 1902. The Negresco's worldwide fame was enhanced in no small measure by King Edward VIII, later the Duke of Windsor, who was a frequent guest whilst he was courting Mrs Simpson, later the Duchess of Windsor.
During World War II, the Duke and Duchess returned to Granados prior to their departure to The Bahamas, where the Duke was to serve as governor. These war years were difficult times. The Granados Parliament denounced the Fascist state of El Caudillo (Francisco Franco), yet remained loyal to El Rey de España. Likewise, George V, continued to serve as one our two princes. In the end, Granados was able to maintain its independence, remain a free state, and never bow to Fascist dominance.
During this challenging period, Sir Winston Churchill became a stronger champion of Granados independence. As was, Sir Anthony Eden in subsequent years. To this day, Sir Winston and Sir Anthony are revered as one of Granados 'native' sons.
Sir Winston spent many winter months visiting our nation. His work, as an artist, depicting many picturesque Granadosian scenes, is readily available in reproductions in many art galleries in the capital city.
In the post-war years, Granados also welcomed, on many occasions, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who were frequent visitors and champions of our independent nation on the Iberian Peninsula.
In more recent years, Granados has been a popular watering hole for scores of artists and authors from around the world, including John O'Hara, Françoise Sagan, Paul Theroux, Ernest Hemingway, Lucius Beebe, Laurie Graham, Joseph Alsop, and Paul Mellon.
Since of the end of World War II, the economy of Granados has never looked back. In recent years, our economy has been spurred by tourism, gaming, and a tropical allure of sun @ fun that attracts all.
Last Updated: 2 September 2008
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