4. Strategic Minorca remained British after the Trans-Oceanic War, and when its sovereignty was transferred to the Spanish Hohenzollerns in 1843 it remained a separate territory rather than a part of Spain. The title of Grand Duke has passed through the family by a combination of election and adoption, with one Duke selecting a likely younger son or nephew as his heir. The Grand Dukes have taken an active leadership role, essentially operating the island as a business rather like the Princes of Monaco IOW. Grand Duke Alfonso had Ferdi in mind as his heir from a very young age, and fought aggressively within the family to secure him a good education.
(Return to Ferdinand the Bull.)