After two years in exile, Spain’s former king has returned to his homeland for the first time. He is denied one thing, as is now known.
Former King Juan Carlos has returned to his homeland for a visit. The former Spanish monarch has lived in the United Arab Emirates for almost two years and has not been to Spain since. The Spanish newspaper “El País” reports what plans the 84-year-old has and what he is not allowed to do.
On Thursday, Juan Carlos landed in the city of Pontevedra in the north-west of the country, according to the report, and was greeted there by his eldest daughter, Infanta Elena. It is said that he wants to stay until Monday and see friends and family privately.
On Friday, the old king was present at a regatta in Sanxenxo, showed himself there with a walking stick and was greeted with cheers. Over the weekend he wants to visit a friend who is a businessman.
He then reportedly plans to travel to Madrid to meet his son Felipe, his wife Sofia, who will not return from a trip to the United States until Sunday, and other members of his family. Juan Carlos will not stay overnight in the Zarzuela Palace during his visit. The government decided against it, as the palace is not only the royal residence, but also the seat of the head of state. Juan Carlos’ return trip to Abu Dhabi is scheduled for Monday.
“Permanently” away from Spain
In early March, Juan Carlos had confirmed that he would remain in the United Arab Emirates. He has decided to live “permanently” in Abu Dhabi for private reasons, but will “frequently” travel to Spain, as “El País” reported, citing a letter from Juan Carlos to his son Felipe. Juan Carlos “found peace” there. King Felipe “respects and understands” his father’s will, the palace said.
The letter was preceded by the announcement that the public prosecutor’s office of the Spanish Supreme Court dropped the investigation against Juan Carlos, as reported by the newspaper “El Mundo”, among others. The agency believes there is no solid evidence against the emeritus monarch to lodge a complaint with the criminal division of the Supreme Court.
In addition, prosecutors concluded that Juan Carlos could not be prosecuted for financial misconduct because he was untouchable during his time as head of state. A statute of limitations is also mentioned.
In exile since 2020
Juan Carlos has been in exile since 2020, the palace announced on August 3, 2020. After corruption investigations were launched by the Spanish Supreme Court in June, he says he wanted to avert greater damage to the palace’s reputation by leaving.
Juan Carlos I was King of Spain from November 22, 1975 to June 18, 2014. Juan Carlos’ son Felipe and his wife Letizia have been the new royal couple since June 2014.
