The son of José Manuel de Zuleta de Reales y Carvajal, 13th duke of Abrantes and Virginia Alejandro y García, he joined the General Military Academy in 1979 and graduated with the rank of lieutenant in 1984.

[1] In 2014, after the accession to the throne of King Felipe VI, he was appointed head of Queen Letizia's Secretariat.

[1] On early April 2024, the Royal Household made public that the duke would step down as private secretary to the Queen after 17 years of service.

[5] In 2009, the duke granted his eldest daughter, Ana Luisa, the title of marchioness of Sardoal.

[6] His brother, Felipe de Zuleta y Alejandro, was the riding instructor of the Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo.