London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jun 20, 2025

Spain’s Carlos makes ‘unwanted’ visit home from exile

Spain’s Carlos makes ‘unwanted’ visit home from exile

Spain’s aging king-in-exile dined with friends at one of London’s most exclusive private clubs this week, and watched Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0.
There was, however, no lunch with King Charles III during a whirlwind visit to the British capital for Juan Carlos -- although it was rumored the distant cousins might meet, since the former Spanish monarch won’t be attending Charles and Camilla’s coronation in May.

Now, a less-than-warm welcome awaits Juan Carlos in his homeland, where he arrived Wednesday for only his second visit, after three years of self-imposed exile in the Middle East.

His family — King Felipe and Queen Letizia — have made it clear they’re not amused with the trip, and there’s no meeting scheduled between father and son in the diary at the Zarzuela Palace either: something which has been interpreted as a clear sign of an ongoing rupture between the two.

The beginning of the end for King Juan Carlos came in 2008, when pictures of him standing in front of dead elephants on a hunting holiday in Botswana were published by the Spanish press.

This trip was the first blow to his reputation, with the expensive vacation taking place during a deep financial crisis. He abdicated in 2014 after almost 40 years on the throne, and handed power to his son Felipe.

Six years later, Felipe took Juan Carlos’ annual allowance and renounced his own personal inheritance.

When he fled Spain for Abu Dhabi in August 2020 amid those financial scandals -- not to mention several extramarital affairs and a messy legal breakup with one particular mistress — Juan Carlos’s reputation was in tatters, although he still retains the title of Rey Emérito, King Emeritus.

Officially, Juan Carlos has returned to Spain to take part in a sailing championship in the north-western region of Galicia where his boat ‘Bribón’ will be competing.

Curiously enough, this word is used in Spanish to refer to someone who uses his wiles to commit petty crimes.

This second visit has generated even more commotion than the last time, as he has decided to return despite not having the consent of the Royal Family and with the resentment of Spain’s Socialist government.

While Spanish society is divided over its affection for its former king, institutions seem to have made up their mind.

The Royal Family is trying to protect its image and reputation, and dissociate itself from the controversial ex-king.

The scandals that haunt Juan Carlos I, as well as reports stating the Royal Family fears the consequences of his actions, contrast with the former king’s attitude.

When asked by the press to explain his behavior on his last trip to Spain he gave a clear-cut answer: “Explanations for what?”.

Both the Spanish government and the Royal Household made it clear that their priority is to save Felipe VI. Their strategy lies in hoping the former king will plan a discreet visit to his homeland.

“Juan Carlos’ visit clearly has a negative effect on the Spanish monarchy. Although his criminal behavior has not been proven, his moral one is not exemplary,” said Fernando Rayón, journalist and professor of Political Information at CEU San Pablo University.

“Juan Carlos I’s activities are like a scuff on his son’s shoe. He’s not complying with the Spanish Royal Family’s maxim: impeccable institutional and personal behavior,” he added.

Despite being known as the king who helped Spain return to democracy after Francisco Franco’s dictatorship ended with his death in 1975, Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 when his popularity was shattered.

The last few years have not done him any good, a series of personal and financial scandals lowered his public approval ratings to 30%, according to a survey by Spain’s Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS).

His son has enjoyed better ratings: up to 70%.

But after Juan Carlos’ scandals, many questioned whether the Spanish Royal Family could continue. This is why every step Felipe takes is scrutinized.

“The King’s behavior has to be at its best now. He has to be extremely transparent in his private life, with his income and in his activities. This is what Spanish society is now asking of him,” he added.

Juan Carlos, who for decades was a symbol of harmony between Spaniards, has sown discord with his conduct while he reigned. As a firewall, the King has established a series of measures he would have to comply with.

“I believe that Juan Carlos is trying to listen to his son. On the first trip he made we all knew every single detail. From where he was staying, to the time when he arrived,” said Rayón.

“Felipe VI asked him to limit the information provided to the press and this time he has done it.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
Trump Organization Launches 5G Mobile Network and Golden Handset
Towcester Hosts 2025 English Greyhound Derby Amid Industry Scrutiny
Gary Oldman and David Beckham Knighted in King's Birthday Honours
Over 30,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded Across UK During Overnight Storms
Princess of Wales Returns to Public Duties at Trooping the Colour
Red Arrows Use Sustainable Fuel in Historic Trooping the Colour Flypast
Former Welsh First Minister Addresses Unionist Concerns Over Irish Language
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
France Bars Israeli Arms Companies from Paris Defense Expo
King Charles Leads Tribute to Air India Crash Victims at Trooping the Colour
Jack Pitchford Embarks on 200-Mile Walk to Support Stem Cell Charity
Surrey Hikers Take on Challenge of Climbing 11 Peaks in a Single Day
UK Deploys RAF Jets to Middle East Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Two Skydivers Die in 'Tragic Accident' at Devon Airfield
Sainsbury's and Morrisons Accused of Displaying Prohibited Tobacco Ads
UK Launches National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Families Seek Closure After Air India Crash
Gold Emerges as Global Safe Haven Amid Uncertainty
Trump Reports $57 Million Earnings from Crypto Venture
Trump's Military Parade Sparks Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Challenge Trump's Leadership
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Germany Holds First Veterans Celebration Since WWII
U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee
Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
×