Rafael Nadal’s regal reward

Rafael Nadal retired from tennis with 22 Grand Slams tucked under his belt, but the King of Spain has ensured the Mallorcan legend won’t be fading into the background. His Majesty recently elevated Nadal to the rank of Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca – a title that comes with no castle, moat and certainly no free entry to Palma Cathedral, but with plenty of pomp. Nadal was one of six Spaniards honoured as part of celebrations for King Felipe VI’s first decade on the throne.

Some mutter darkly that making Nadal’s title hereditary contradicts the idea of rewarding his “personal” achievements. But that complaint’s a bit like criticising Wimbledon for serving strawberries and cream – it rather misses the point. A noble title’s not a gold medal or a plaque on a street corner – its whole purpose is to pass down through generations.

After all, the monarchy itself is hereditary and, by ennobling Nadal, King Felipe lends the institution a dash of modern sparkle – and borrows some of Nadal’s sporting glory for the Crown. In turn, the aristocracy looks rather shinier for having a Marquess capable of a killer topspin forehand.

And it isn’t just Nadal’s tennis. His discipline and philanthropy make him as suitable a marquess as David Beckham is a knight for his services to sport and charity – minus, of course, the tats!

Thanks for emails to my website! Thrilled you enjoy my novels too!

Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.