Juana de Aragón y Cortés, duchess of Terranova

Doña Juana de Aragón y Cortés, Duchess of Terranova (1619–1692), was a Spanish courtier. She was the Camarera mayor de Palacio to the queen of Spain, in 1679–1680.

Life and career She was born to Diego de Aragón y Tagliavia, IV duke of Terranova, prince of Castelvetrano, and Estefanía Carrillo de Mendoza y Cortés. She married in 1639 to Héctor (Ettore) Pignatelli d'Aragona, VI duke of Monteleone (1620–1674).

She was appointed to the post of Camarera mayor de Palacio in 1679. She was dispatched to welcome the new queen, Marie Louise of Orleans, upon her arrival to Spain.

She was described as an intelligent but also strict and arrogant character, who did not hesitate to correct the queen in protocoll issues. When queen Marie Louse arrived in Spain, already displeased with the idea of living in Spain and despaired by having to leave Spain, she immediately clashed with the Duchess of Terranova and the adherence of strict Spansh court protocoll the latter tried to enforce upon her. Upon the order of the Duchess of Terranova, Marie Louise had to flatten her curls, discard her French fashion in favor of the stiff Spanish farthingale and a corset that flattened her breasts, banned her from riding and allowe anyone to touch her, and warned the kng that his bride was frivolous.

The conflct between the queen and Terranova caused the latter to be fired from her post on the request of the queen in August 1680. The incident was consideed a scandal, since the post was normally a lifetime position. She was however discharged with full honors and allowed to keep all status and priviligies.