Editing Pedro de Alvarado (section)

==Titles and first marriage==
On 18 December 1527, the [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|king of Spain]] named Alvarado as governor of Guatemala; two days later he granted him the coveted military title of ''[[Adelantado]]''. Alvarado's close friendship with Cortés was broken in the same year; Alvarado had promised Cortés that he would marry Cecilia Vázquez, Cortes' cousin. Alvarado broke his promise and instead married Francisca de la Cueva.<ref name="García Añoveros 1987, p. 247">García Añoveros 1987, p. 247.</ref> Technically, this was not his first marriage as he married an indigenous woman, daughter to [[Xicotencatl the Elder]], who was referred to as Dona Luisa by Spanish speakers and Tlecuiluatzin by Nahuatl speakers.

Francisca de la Cueva was well connected at the royal court, being the niece of [[Francisco de los Cobos y Molina|Francisco de los Cobos]], the king's secretary, and a member of the powerful noble house of Albuquerque. This marriage gave Alvarado extra leverage at court and was far more useful to his long term interests; Alvarado thereafter maintained a friendship with Francisco de los Cobos that allowed him access to the king's favour. In 1528, by coincidence both Alvarado and Cortés were in Seville at the same time, but Cortés ignored him.<ref name="García Añoveros 1987, p. 247"/>

Francisca de la Cueva died shortly after their arrival in America. Alvarado remained governor of Guatemala until his death. He was made [[Knight]] of [[Order of Santiago|Santiago]] in 1527.