Lea ?ntegra la carta del Rey Juan Carlos I en la que anuncia su retirada (https://www.abc.es/espana/casa-real/abci-leaintegra-carta-juan-carlos-anuncia-retirada-201905271904_noticia.html) (In Spanish)
King Juan Carlos official announcement of retirement coming five years after his abdication. This period will begin on June 2, 2019.
IMO this is a good time for him to end his public life. He's seen his son through to his ascension and a five year transition however JC at 80 years of age is increasingly looking more frail and is finding it difficult to stand/walk without assistance.
I think after a long life in the public eye as a Crown Prince and King of Spain, taking a break at the age of 80 could be wonderful for him. A new chapter!
In other Spanish royal news, King Juan Carlos eldest sister is undergoing cancer treatment.
King Felipe?s aunt, Infanta Pilar, diagnosed with cancer ? Royal Central (http://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/king-felipes-aunt-infanta-pilar-diagnosed-with-cancer-122945)
Also going back to Juan Carlos' retirement announcement, apparently the former king's mother and sisters have also had issues with their hips as they've aged so this appears to be a genetic concern. Hopefully none of his children or his nieces/nephews will have the same problems in the future.
Also Queen Sofia will continue with her work visiting her patronages/charities and assisting her son and daughter-in-law. The Spanish constitution limits the size of the working royal family to the monarch/consort and adult children of the monarch. Neither King Juan Carlos or King Felipe can have their siblings assist them once they are enthroned so the Infantas Pilar, Maria and Elena are no longer official representatives. However they do appear at some national and family events during the year.
Double post auto-merged: May 28, 2019, 03:50:20 PM
More information regarding Juan Carlos' announcement in English.
Spain?s monarchy: Former Spanish King Juan Carlos I to retire from public life | In English | EL PA?S (https://elpais.com/elpais/2019/05/28/inenglish/1559036558_028112.html)
This is sad. I hope her treatment goes well.
I agree. Also when I looked at the photos from funeral of GD Jean I had realized how much JC and his reigning/abdicated peers have truly aged in the past five years or so especially Juan Carlos, Albert II, and Constantine who now all need canes to or other forms of assistance to walk. Pilar is older than her brother JC so she's in her mid-eighties now.
Yes, I have noticed the changes as well. Juan Carlos probably wants to sit back and relax - have a proper retirement. We will probably see him out and about with his family and enjoying himself.
Doesn't the Spanish royal family have an annual summer vacation in Mallorca?
Yes they do go to Mallorca every summer and Palma every Easter. However I have read that they'll also take private trips away from the usual destinations.
It's nice that the family gathers together every summer.
Spanish authorities are investigating whether Juan Carlos - the former King of Spain - received a secret commission for helping to win a 5.5 billion Saudi rail deal, after his former mistress made the allegations privately.
German Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein has been placed under investigation in relation to audio recordings of a meeting between herself and retired Spanish police commissioner Jose Manuel Villarejo at her London home in 2015.
The investigation into the conversation was initially closed in 2018, but it was reopened yesterday after new evidence emerged, The Times reported, with police discovering other copies of the conversation.
More: Former mistress of Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is placed under investigation | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8567273/Former-mistress-Spains-ex-king-Juan-Carlos-placed-investigation.html)
BREAKING: King Juan Carlos of Spain leaves country in exile amid corruption scandal ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/breaking-king-juan-carlos-of-spain-leaves-country-in-exile-amid-corruption-scandal-145971/) :o
QuoteKing Juan Carlos of Spain is to leave the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, his home for half a century, as controversy around his financial affairs grows. The former monarch, who ruled Spain between 1975 and 2014, will leave for an undisclosed location. The announcement was made by the Royal Household.
The allegations surrounding Juan Carlos have grown over the past months. He is under investigation over claims he hid money that came to him via a rail contract in bank accounts in Switzerland. In March 2020, Felipe VI declared publicly that he would not take any personal inheritance from his father and he withdrew the allowances being paid to Juan Carlos.
He certainly is making life difficult for his son
Does this mean he's leaving his wife? It is pretty bad for poor Felipe and a shame becuase Juan DId do a good job as kigng....
Spain?s former King Juan Carlos flees country after investigation launched into corruption | Royal | News | Express.co.uk (https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1318137/spain-news-royal-news-king-Juan-Carlos-leaves-country-investigation-business-deal)
QuoteThe announcement was made by the Spanish royal family in a statement released this afternoon.
In June, Spain's Supreme Court opened an investigation into the former head of state's involevment with a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia.
He reportedly received $100 million from the late Saudi King.
Mr Carlos, 82, has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations.
@QueenAlex - It would appear that he's not only leaving Queen Sofia but his country. Born in exile and now he's going into exile again. This is astounding news.
@Macrobug67 - I am so sorry for King Felipe and the trouble that his sister Cristina and father King Juan Carlos have brought on to his reign. Juan Carlos was a well respected leader for decades.
https://www.casareal.es/sitios/listasaux/Documents/Comunicados/20200803_comunicado.pdf The official announcement (in Spanish.)
Spain's embattled ex-King Juan Carlos to leave country - BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53642283?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/europe&link_location=live-reporting-story)
It is rather tragic when he had returned to Spain and done a good job at steering the country into democracy...
According to CNN hes already living abroad. Why do I think the country probably has no extradition treaty with Spain.
@PrincessOfPeace - Yes that is a likely possibility. What a stunning fall from grace! :no:
Latest reports in the Spanish Press are that Juan Carlos has apparently gone to stay in Portugal. He's quite used to that country. I believe he lived there with his parents until 1976 while they were in exile. I seem to remember that it was in their villa there that Juan Carlos and his younger brother Alfonso were messing about with a pistol and his brother was accidentally fatally shot.
The money should be paid to the Spainish govt.
Like father like daughter Cristina (and son in law) it seems, though certainly Juan Carlos was a great King until his later years. He was able to manoevre Spain through those very delicately balanced early decades of constitutional democracy after the Franco regime. Not an easy country to rule over by any means.
I think Queen Sophia will stay put in Spain. She remains popular there and she will want to support her son. There's no great incentive for Sophia to live in some villa abroad with a man who humiliated her again and again in their private life. Their marriage has been a shell for years, and she has her own life in Spain with her son, daughter Elena and her grandchildren. She's quite comfortable where she is, IMO.
Estoril - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estoril)
QuoteDuring the Second World War, the region was a centre of spies and diplomatic secrecy, situations that provided the region with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and sophistication.[12] Due to the vision of Fausto Cardoso de Figueiredo and his business partner Augusto Carreira de Sousa, it became an international tourist destination both during and after the Second World War.[12]
During that time, several dignitaries and exiles came to Estoril: Mikl?s Horthy, the regent of Hungary (lived and died in exile after the Second World War); the Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona (father of Juan Carlos I of Spain) and the King resided in the territory, as did Umberto II of Italy and Carol II of Romania.[12] Former King Edward VIII the Duke of Windsor, briefly resided in an Estoril villa as more direct and reliably safe routes to London from France for his escape from France were cut off by Blitzkrieg during the invasion.
I understand that he might have moved to Estoril, Portugal.
I agree
@Curryong that Queen Sofia along with her sister Princess Irene of Greece will continue to live at Zarzuela in Madrid. She's closer to her elder daughter son and grandchildren in Madrid. It isn't too far to Switzerland to see Infanta Cristina and her family.
Spanish royal family: The downfall of Spain?s Juan Carlos I | Opinion | EL PA?S in English (https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2020-08-04/the-downfall-of-spains-juan-carlos-i.html?ssm=TW_CC)
King Carlos is 'staying in the Dominican Republic' after being 'forced into exile' | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8591037/King-Carlos-staying-Dominican-Republic-forced-exile.html)
I'm surprised it's the Dominican Republic JC's staying in quite frankly, unless he's really terrified of extradition. I know the SRF have friends all over the world including South and Central America, but he's a very old man and it's quite a way from Spain and Switzerland and his family.
If it's safe for him to do so I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to slither back somewhere nearer the Iberian Peninsular in a few months. One things for sure, I will be flabbergasted if Sophia decides to join JUan Carlos in the DR. Portugal would be bad enough! Perhaps he can call on an old flame to be a companion and help while away his days...!
@Curryong-I am surprised as well that the DR would be the final destination. Somehow I believe that eventually due to ill health, that JC will return to either Portugal or Spain. I don't believe that he'll spend his last days in exile.
I understand he usually would go summer sailing at DR and has 3 BFF there; the actual president Medina, the Fujol brothers and Gustavo Cisneros. He has stayed in their homes for weeks on end or every time he had problems with Sofia, low profile, i.e. long summer rest whilst practicing sailing.
Note: My brother and his wife live in Punta Cana, DR. They own the biggest bilingual school and the only one with USA standards registered in the Education State Department USA gov. When I visit them, I usually stay in one of the best resorts, pay all in one with a club med like wrist band.
@wannable- Side note-I'm pretty sure that my husband's cousin and his wife married at a resort in Punta Cana, DR.
Not surprised that JC had a sailing spot or two around the globe when he was actively sailing and when the couple were on one of their frequent breaks from each other.
IMVHO Sofia now has nearly everything she could have wanted out of her 50 plus year association with the Borbons. She's the respected Queen emeritus with her son on the throne. Her elder daughter Infanta Elena seems content with her post divorce life. If it wasn't for the sticky situation with Cristina and Inaki, life would be more or less perfect.
According to the latest reports, including from sources close to the SRF, Juan Carlos is in Portugal, resting at Casa Grande Quinto de Peru, a place owned by longterm family friends near the town of Azeitao in Portugal. The Govt of the Dominican Republic has in fact denied that JC has entered their country.
Juan Carlos I se instala en Portugal acogido por la familia Brito e Cunha-Espirito Santo (https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2020-08-04/juan-carlos-i-portugal-familia-brito-e-cunha-espirito-santo_2704960/)
Quote from: Curryong on August 05, 2020, 01:34:59 AM
According to the latest reports, including from sources close to the SRF, Juan Carlos is in Portugal, resting at Casa Grande Quinto de Peru, a place owned by longterm family friends near the town of Azeitao in Portugal. The Govt of the Dominican Republic has in fact denied that JC has entered their country.
Juan Carlos I se instala en Portugal acogido por la familia Brito e Cunha-Espirito Santo (https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2020-08-04/juan-carlos-i-portugal-familia-brito-e-cunha-espirito-santo_2704960/)
I'd prefer to think he's in Portugal as I think he'd only got to Dominica if there was serious scandal in the offing. It does seem such a shame that he coudl have been a respected King, who restored Democracy to Spain and he's ended like this.
Double post auto-merged: August 05, 2020, 08:08:31 AM
Quote from: TLLK on August 04, 2020, 08:28:24 PM
@wannable- Side note-I'm pretty sure that my husband's cousin and his wife married at a resort in Punta Cana, DR.
Not surprised that JC had a sailing spot or two around the globe when he was actively sailing and when the couple were on one of their frequent breaks from each other.
IMVHO Sofia now has nearly everything she could have wanted out of her 50 plus year association with the Borbons. She's the respected Queen emeritus with her son on the throne. Her elder daughter Infanta Elena seems content with her post divorce life. If it wasn't for the sticky situation with Cristina and Inaki, life would be more or less perfect.
Harldy perfect. These scandals might well knock her son off the throne as well, I dont think the Spanish monarchy is that stable.. and her husband is in exile.. Even if she doesn't care for him on a personals level that is hardly an ideal situation. She must be angry that Juan C has ruined his repuation like this...
Quote from: Curryong on August 05, 2020, 01:34:59 AM
According to the latest reports, including from sources close to the SRF, Juan Carlos is in Portugal, resting at Casa Grande Quinto de Peru, a place owned by longterm family friends near the town of Azeitao in Portugal. The Govt of the Dominican Republic has in fact denied that JC has entered their country.
Juan Carlos I se instala en Portugal acogido por la familia Brito e Cunha-Espirito Santo (https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2020-08-04/juan-carlos-i-portugal-familia-brito-e-cunha-espirito-santo_2704960/)
Thank you
@Curryong for the update and confirmation from the DR that he's not in their country.
I wonder if he will be able to visit Spain.. probably not because I think the Sp Monarchy is shaken badly by his behavior. Felipe has had to cut his sister off, as it is.. now his father...so I suspect that none of hte SRF are too happy at the moment.
Spanish royal family: How the departure of Spain?s former king was planned | News | EL PA?S in English (https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2020-08-05/how-the-departure-of-spains-former-king-was-planned.html)
King Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi, reported Spanish daily ABC
Juan Carlos is hiding out at a luxury Abu Dhabi hotel after fleeing amid corruption scandal | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8603347/Juan-Carlos-hiding-luxury-Abu-Dhabi-hotel-fleeing-amid-corruption-scandal.html)
Quote from: PrincessOfPeace on August 07, 2020, 09:25:30 AM
King Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi, reported Spanish daily ABC
Juan Carlos is hiding out at a luxury Abu Dhabi hotel after fleeing amid corruption scandal | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8603347/Juan-Carlos-hiding-luxury-Abu-Dhabi-hotel-fleeing-amid-corruption-scandal.html)
'They seek him here, they seek him there..'
Now Juan Carlos is supposedly heading for New Zealand! I can't see that being very likely as NZ is very protective of its borders at the moment, even with an ex monarch, and it would mean at least a fortnight's self- isolation for JC and party even if the authorities relented. (And I would imagine there's an extradition treaty with EU countries as well.)
El rey Juan Carlos, ?destino Nueva Zelanda? (https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20200808/482703787417/rey-juan-carlos-nueva-zelanda.html)
Quote from: Curryong on August 09, 2020, 10:41:21 AM
Now Juan Carlos is supposedly heading for New Zealand! I can't see that being very likely as NZ is very protective of its borders at the moment, even with an ex monarch, and it would mean at least a fortnight's self- isolation for JC and party even if the authorities relented. (And I would imagine there's an extradition treaty with EU countries as well.)
El rey Juan Carlos, ?destino Nueva Zelanda? (https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20200808/482703787417/rey-juan-carlos-nueva-zelanda.html)
Good Lord why new Zealand? perhaps he's wary of being seen in some of the Arab countries as some of his naughty behaviour seems to involve dealings with these countries... but NZ is a long way to go and its possible that he mgiht not be let in there.
Juan Carlos claimed on Monday that he decided to leave Spain amid scandal But sources revealed that it was King Felipe himself who cast his father out Wanted to save his family from certain happenings relating to fathers affair
Spain's former king Juan Carlos, 82, 'was banished from the country by his son King Felipe VI' | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8608985/Spains-former-king-Juan-Carlos-82-banished-country-son-King-Felipe-VI.html)
Quote from: Curryong on August 09, 2020, 10:41:21 AM
Now Juan Carlos is supposedly heading for New Zealand! I can't see that being very likely as NZ is very protective of its borders at the moment, even with an ex monarch, and it would mean at least a fortnight's self- isolation for JC and party even if the authorities relented. (And I would imagine there's an extradition treaty with EU countries as well.)
El rey Juan Carlos, ?destino Nueva Zelanda? (https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20200808/482703787417/rey-juan-carlos-nueva-zelanda.html)
Wow! New Zealand would not have been on my radar as a choice. I would have guessed the Middle East or somewhere in a Spanish speaking nation.
Double post auto-merged: August 09, 2020, 01:36:09 PM
Quote from: PrincessOfPeace on August 09, 2020, 12:03:49 PM
Juan Carlos claimed on Monday that he decided to leave Spain amid scandal But sources revealed that it was King Felipe himself who cast his father out Wanted to save his family from certain happenings relating to fathers affair
Spain's former king Juan Carlos, 82, 'was banished from the country by his son King Felipe VI' | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8608985/Spains-former-king-Juan-Carlos-82-banished-country-son-King-Felipe-VI.html)
Poor Felipe who has been having to deal with the consequences his family's bewildering behavior for too many years now.
I think he's personally honest in financail dealings, Felipe, but as his father's son, he may be in a tangle to do with Juan's saved up lumps of money..... He may have to cut the old man off pretty brutaly to keep himself safe.
The uncertain future of Queen Sof?a, the ?most royal? royal in Europe ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/the-uncertain-future-of-queen-sofia-the-most-royal-royal-in-europe-147019/)
QuoteShe is perhaps the last of the old European royal way. Daughter of a king, sister of a king, wife of a king and mother of a king, Queen Sof?a of Spain has a regal tale unmatched on the continent, and in the 21st century, it is a rarity. But she?s far more than a sum of her dynastic parts.
Sof?a is a consort who was pioneering a new way of carrying out the ancient role of royalty decades ago. She?s seen coups, exile and the lightning-fast pace of change transform several monarchies, several times over. Now, with her husband in exile and her son facing increasing calls for a debate on the future of his country?s crown, Queen Sof?a of Spain sees another challenge open up in front of her. The ?most royal? royal in Europe is witnessing another historic moment in a life that has already experienced plenty.
I believe that Sofia will continue to focus upon her grandchildren, supporting her son/daughter-in-law and her patronages. She's more or less lived a separate life from JC for decades, so she's used to doing her own thing.
Yes I agree. Sofia is still very much admired in Spain but it's been tacitly understood for decades that she and JC only get together for family occasions and some important national events. If Juan Carlos is spinning around different parts of the world as has been reported in the last couple of weeks, who would want to share that?
Not to mention that he almost certainly doesn't want his spouse around anyway. Too much of a dampener on any extra-curricular activities he might wish for, although his age and physical condition are probably causing these to come to an end anyway.
Double post auto-merged: August 10, 2020, 04:26:07 AM
Incidentally, and I meant to say this earlier, I don't think that Felipe could no anything different to what he has done, with regard to financial inheritance from his father. Juan Carlos's finances are probably such a tangled web of off shore tax havens, secret Swiss bank accounts, third party corrupt schemes and God knows what else that anyone of any public standing whatsoever wouldn't go near it.
I wouldn't want to be responsible for deciding which portion of the wealth was fine and which was from ill-gotten gains. If JC had kept his nose clean and restricted himself to legal investments he would still have been able to leave his son a considerable sum. As it is, Felipe will get nothing.
Spain's scandal-hit former King Juan Carlos, 82, is staying with his lover of 40 years in luxury Abu Dhabi hotel after fleeing Spain with just two suitcases of 'essentials', royal expert claims
More: Spain's former King Juan Carlos is with lover of 40 years in Abu Dhabi hotel, royal expert claims | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8622991/Spains-former-King-Juan-Carlos-lover-40-years-Abu-Dhabi-hotel-royal-expert-claims.html)
<_< is all I have to say on this matter today.
JC may be at Abu Dhabi now (and how typical that he has a longterm girlfriend with him) but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him wriggle back to Portugal in a few months, with the caveat that he is not going to be prosecuted. It was certainly a hurried departure!
Yikes. I?m not a huge fan of the Spanish Royal family but man, this has gotta sting. And they don?t deserve it. You can choose your friends but you get what you get with family
Quote from: Curryong on August 13, 2020, 10:24:08 PM
JC may be at Abu Dhabi now (and how typical that he has a longterm girlfriend with him) but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him wriggle back to Portugal in a few months, with the caveat that he is not going to be prosecuted. It was certainly a hurried departure!
As far as I know this longterm girlfriend is not Corrina, but someone else who he's been with for decades. :wacko:
Isn?t he a darling :thumbsdown:
A long list of Spanish slurs are running through my mind right now.
Yep. <_<
He is an old man, who has behaved very badly and stupidly and has had to leave his country in old age because if he did'nt it might cause a lot of problems for his remaining family. Im glad if he has ladyfriend.. It may be the only companionship he will have now...
New poll shows high disapproval for the self inflicted exile of King Juan Carlos of Spain ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/new-poll-shows-high-disapproval-for-the-self-inflicted-exile-of-king-juan-carlos-of-spain-147502/)
QuoteA new poll for one of the most pro monarchy newspapers in Spain show that over half of those who took part disapprove of the departure of Juan Carlos I from the country he ruled for almost forty years. And 60% those asked believe that his decision harms the present monarch. The poll published last week by the newspaper ABC is not good news for the Spanish monarchy.
More than half of those who responded, 56.2 %, consider the decision of the former monarch, Juan Carlos, to reside outside of Spain to be wrong. Only one in four respondents, 25.4 %, agrees with his departure while 11.9 % said they were indifferent to the move. Only 23.8 % says that they think the departure of King Juan Carlos will benefit his son and successor, King Felipe VI.
The poll also found that the majority of respondents still regard the legacy of King Juan Carlos as positive, despite his departure amid allegations of financial corruption. published in recent months. However, support for his legacy decreases among the youngest and increases among the oldest respondents.
Those most critical of the previous monarch are those under 29 years of age, who did not experience the transition to a democracy in Spain from Franco to King Juan Carlos. According to the ABC-survey, 59 % of people below 29 years consider that the legacy of the former Monarch is negative for Spain. Only 33 percent of those under the age of 29 rate his legacy as positive.
However, as the age of the respondents increases, support for the legacy of Juan Carlos also increases. From the age of 30, there are more who defend him than those who criticize him. ABC?s poll shows 49 % aged between 30 and 44 years old consider his legacy positive, compared to 46 % who rate it as negative. Of the people who are older than 45 years old, 57 % rate the former Kings legacy as positive.
Honestly, no surprise here for the results.
No, no surprise, in spite of Felipe's decisive efforts to separate himself and the monarchy from what his father has done. The reactions in this poll are obviously affected by the age of the respondents but I do have to say that I'm always surprised by the affection in which Juan Carlos is still held by older Spaniards, even ones who didn't care for the monarchy overly much.
Respect for Queen Sophia I can understand but to be tolerant of multiple mistresses and money grubbing corruption that went on for decades is a bit more eyebrow raising for me, even though I do appreciate the King's skilful steering of the country after Franco.
:ugh: With privileges' comes responsibilities. I wish all monarchies would pick along early rather than mollycoddling a tic tac tic tac time bomb, that have proved will go boom sooner or later.
Spanish Royal Household confirms King Juan Carlos Has been staying in United Arab Emirates
Spain's Royal Family: Spanish Royal Household confirms location of emeritus king Juan Carlos I | News | EL PA?S in English (https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2020-08-17/spanish-royal-household-confirms-location-of-emeritus-king-juan-carlos-i.html)
King Juan Carlos former mistress claims 65 million he gave her was a generous gift and a recognition of how much I meant to him.
In a rare interview, Corinna Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein told the BBC how the monarch tried to win her back two years after giving her the money and went ballistic when she spurned him and demanded his millions back.
More: King Juan Carlos's ex mistress feared she'd 'end up like Diana' | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8646639/King-Juan-Carloss-former-mistress-reveals-warning-end-dead-tunnel-like-Diana.html)
Swiss prosecutors 'probe King Juan Carlos's ex-lover's British mansion' | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8658197/Swiss-prosecutors-probe-King-Juan-Carloss-ex-lovers-British-mansion.html)
I think this New Yorker journalist is egging the pudding a bit by linking Juan Carlos's scandals to the other European monarchies (though JC's activities somewhat resemble Prince Andrew's and the dead Pr Bernardt's of the Netherlands.)
At least in the immediate future only Spain looks rather rocky though I don't expect a revolution there. Sweden's monarchy as an institution has been losing favour with younger Swedes for years and I can't see Estelle becoming Queen of Sweden. That's for the future though and only Spain appears to have immediate troubles.
Juan Carlos?s Fall from Grace in Spain and the Precarious Future of the World?s Monarchies | The New Yorker (https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/juan-carloss-fall-from-grace-in-spain-and-the-precarious-future-of-the-worlds-monarchies)
The former King is considering a return to Spain for the holidays.
King Juan Carlos ?plans return to Spain? ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/king-juan-carlos-plans-return-to-spain-153287/)
QuoteKing Juan Carlos I of Spain wants to return home for Christmas after four months of self imposed exile in the Middle East according to reports in several newspapers.
The former monarch left Spain in the first days of August after allegations of financial irregularity reached crisis point. He didn?t announce his departure until he had quit the country he ruled between 1975 and 2014.
Now, it is understood he has raised the possibility of coming back to Madrid for several days over the festive period. But reports in Spanish media indicate he has already said he won?t return if there is any risk it could cause another crisis.
Juan Carlos is said to be considering coming home for Christmas but only if his son, King Felipe VI, and the Spanish government agree. Neither has made any comment on the possibility of a return.
What does 'crisis' mean to Juan Carlos, that a visit may well cause difficulties for his son at a time of pandemic and increased tensions, or 'crisis' in that he might be charged with financial corruption if he returns? :lol:
Talk about tone-deaf!
I suppose the old bloke misses his kith and kin (though not his wife) in this festive season. It will be interesting to see what decision Felipe and the Spanish govt come to, actually.
@Curryong - Well it would appear that JC is making an overture to the government by paying the back taxes he owes. Lord I feel so sorry for Felipe who will always have to contend with the misdeeds of his father, sister and brother-in-law. <_<
King Juan Carlos pays back tax bill ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/king-juan-carlos-pays-back-tax-bill-153377/)
QuoteSpain?s former monarch, Juan Carlos I, has settled a bill for back taxes as reports continue that he is planning a return to the country he ruled for almost forty years.
In a statement released on December 9th 2020, the king?s lawyers said he had paid 678,000 euros. The sum also covered interest and fines. They gave no details on why the back tax was owed. However, in recent days, leading Spanish paper, El Pais, has reported that Juan Carlos wanted to sort out alleged illegal credit card transactions with Spain?s tax service to avoid being charged in an investigation. It could lead to his return to Spain. His lawyers added that he ?remains, as always, at the Tax Service?s disposal? for any inquiries or proecedures.
Juan Carlos and his finances have been under scrutiny for several years and Spain?s Supreme Court has started investigations including one into his links to a high speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia. In March 2020, his son and successor, King Felipe VI, renounced any personal inheritance from Juan Carlos and cut his allowances.
Juan Carlos went into self imposed exile in August this year as allegations of financial impropriety continued to increase and pressure on Spain?s Royal Family intensified. It was later confirmed he had moved to the United Arab Emirates.
Infanta Elena has traveled solo to visit her father.
Familia Real Espa?ola: EXCLUSIVA: La infanta Elena est? en Emiratos con el rey Juan Carlos desde el d?a 3 (https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2021-01-05/infanta-elena-emiratos-rey-emerito-juan-carlos-lunes-viaje_2895136/)
New poll suggests that the public believe that King JC should be allowed to return to Spain. Due to his age and a recent photo showing what appears to be declining health, I could see the how public opinion would want to allow him to return. It will be interesting to see if the Casa Real and the government feel that it would be appropriate. The King recently celebrated his 83 birthday.
New poll hints at support for King Juan Carlos to return to Spain ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/new-poll-hints-at-support-for-king-juan-carlos-to-return-to-spain-154549/)
QuoteA new survey for a major Spanish newspaper has shown support for King Juan Carlos to return from his self imposed exile.
The poll, for El Mundo, found 55% of people asked think the former monarch should come back to live in the country he ruled for almost forty years. It also found that 31% were opposed to him returning. El Mundo is a liberal conservative newspaper and a supporter of the monarchy in Spain.
There's obviously still some residual affection for JC among the general population, as the man who helped change Spain into a constitutional democracy, following Franco. And yes, he is an old and very frail man.
The problem is, what if JC returned and settled down and more wrongdoing, more corruption was found and the legal authorities decided they had to act? Nobody knows that what is out in the open now is the end of JC's back door dealings over the last twenty odd years. One poll in a pro-monarchy newspaper can't be the lode stone on this issue, especially as, even that shows about one third of the readership who voted opposed to his return.
Are they really likely to prosecute a man of his age and state of health? His behavour has been very bad, but at his age, what are they going to do wiht him?
Quote from: Amabel2 on January 09, 2021, 02:05:49 PM
Are they really likely to prosecute a man of his age and state of health? His behavour has been very bad, but at his age, what are they going to do wiht him?
Probably not, but the possibility is still there if more comes out in the next year or so about his financial corruption. Plus, these things are sometimes politically based as well. If the govt is struggling and the issue of JC surfaces again they might act. In most things if you break the law neither rank nor age nor illhealth can save you from prosecution. Nor should it.
I think it is extremely unlikely that an old man, formerly the king, is going to be prosecurted for anything less than some crime of violence. What woudl they gain from putting a man of his years in prison?
I said in my last post that prosecution isn't probable. Myself, I don't care about JC. He's of very little interest to me. However, for argument's sake what did the legal authorities have to gain from prosecuting his daughter and his son in law? And what about justice not only being done but being seen to be done.
It may not appear to matter, but Spain is not exactly a stable monarchy, even now. There were endless troubles in the 19th and 20th centuries that saw the RF exiled, and in spite of Felipe's present popularity it could happen again.
I'd say that of any monarchy that stops, starts, stops, starts again and again. The Greek throne for example is a lost cause though it started very well with George I.
No monarchy is really safe when it is besmirched with corruption, and Cristina, her husband and JC were up to their eyeballs in it.
Completing our trio of elderly monarchs, there seem to have been some rumours flying around Spain that Juan Carlos is failing, due to a private visit paid to him at Abu Dhabi by his daughter Elena and her daughter, which was unexpected. However, although photos of him over the past year have shown a very frail old man those rumours have been denied by him and by the Court in Spain. Frankly I think Sofia would have considered it her duty to fly over if there had been an emergency.
Considering rumours about the state of health of His Majesty King John Charles, sources of the House of S.M. the King point out that they have no basis".
https://www.semana.es/casas-reales/f...215-002314594/
?HOLA! he has contacted King Juan Carlos and said: "I am perfectly fine. I do two hours of gymnastics a day and I feel great."
https://www.hola.com/realeza/espana/...-declaraciones
Quote?HOLA! he has contacted King Juan Carlos and said: "I am perfectly fine. I do two hours of gymnastics a day and I feel great."
Okay I am having a little bit of a giggle over the Spanish to English translation.
Quote from: TLLK on February 15, 2021, 08:11:26 PM
Okay I am having a little bit of a giggle over the Spanish to English translation.
Yes, I suspect whoever translated that did not have much of an acquaintance with the English language. But you get the drift, so it's OK! Having seen some photos of JC over recent months I'm having more trouble with the statement that he does two hours of gymnastics a day. He looks as if getting onto a beach lounge including lifting his legs up would be a stiff enough challenge.
I suspect that even this Olympic athlete no longer does two hours of gymnastics a day.
Nadia Comaneci's Perfect Ten In Montreal 1976 | The Olympics On the Record - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adlaLvSYjs8)
Well I do hope that JC is in as good as health as can be expected.
JC pays the Spanish tax authorities 4 million Euro.
King Juan Carlos pays 4 million euro to Spain?s tax authorities as investigations into his financial affairs continue ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/king-juan-carlos-pays-4-million-euro-to-spains-tax-authorities-as-investigations-into-his-financial-affairs-continue-156360/)
QuoteKing Juan Carlos of Spain has paid over 4 million euro to his country?s tax authorities in another attempt to regularize his financial situation.
The money was handed over to Spain?s Tax Agency after Juan Carlos received undeclared income over a number of years. This latest payment covers around 8 million euro of payments in kind and relates to flights taken in private jets which were funded by the Zagatka foundation which is owned by his distant relation, Alvaro de Orleans. The flights took place until 2018 and are regarded by authorities as a payment in kind. Therefore, income tax is due on them.
The move comes several months after Juan Carlos made a similar payment, totalling 678, 393 euros, to the Tax Agency to cover hidden funds paid to him by a Mexican businessman, Allen Sangines-Krause. Under Spanish law, if a taxpayer settles their debts before the authorities notify them of the start of an official investigation then they can avoid accusation of financial offences.
Juan Carlos, who ruled Spain from 1975 until his abdication in 2014, is currently living in Abu Dhabi after deciding to go into self imposed exile in August 2020 as political controversy around his financial affairs escalated.
A new series that will cover the life and reign of Spain's King Juan Carlos is planned. It's already being referred to as Spain's version of The Crown.
This should be a fascinating series IMO as JC was truly one of Spain's high profile figures throughout the mid to late 20th century until his abdication.
Llega la ?The Crown? espa?ola: Javier Olivares prepara una serie biogr?fica en torno al rey Juan Carlos I | Televisi?n | EL PA?S (https://elpais-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/elpais.com/television/2021-07-04/llega-la-the-crown-espanola-javier-olivares-prepara-una-serie-biografica-en-torno-al-rey-juan-carlos-i.html?outputType=amp)
Crikey! It sounds an exciting project but if The Crown was criticised for its going over of old controversies and scandals it will be interesting to see what this one digs up. Are they going through the Franco years I wonder, and the passing over of JC?s father in favour of the son, even in flashback? And how are they going to tackle JC and Sofia?s marital relationship, as well as the financial scandals? Surely the accession of Felipe will have to be covered? I wonder if they will eventually sell it to other countries in Europe as well as Central and South America.
Amazon Prime has several series of the Spanish Monarchy, I think they were very well done. Watched it in original audio Spanish.
This one is modern times, so hopefully they do a good job.
The former lover of ex-King Juan Carlos of Spain is suing him in the High Court in London, accusing the former monarch and the Spanish secret service of putting her under illegal surveillance in the UK.
Ex-lover sues Spain?s former king Juan Carlos over ?unlawful surveillance? (https://amp.ft.com/content/3792b1fd-557f-421c-9ea4-9da3a5feacc7?segmentid=acee4131-99c2-09d3-a635-873e61754ec6&__twitter_impression=true)
This must be painful for the Spanish Royals.
A new article about ex King Juan Carlos in Abu Dhabi. Apparently he lives a very secluded life. It?s said the Spanish Treasury is paying part of his costs, while the wheels of justice back in Spain grind on. Latest stories are about arms smuggling in the past.
The life of Spain?s emeritus king Juan Carlos I in Abu Dhabi | Spain | EL PA?S in English (https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-08-03/the-life-of-spains-emeritus-king-juan-carlos-i-in-abu-dhabi.html)
Uh oh.
Spanish Tax Agency audits Royal Household payments to King Juan Carlos ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/spanish-tax-agency-audits-royal-household-payments-to-king-juan-carlos-165026/)
Friday, Spanish newspaper El Pa?s broke the exclusive news that the Spanish Tax Agency has requested that the Royal Household hand over documents on all payments made to former King Juan Carlos between June 2014 and 2018 and that employees give proof of the origins of the money they deposited on His Majesty?s bank account, allegedly to purchase small items at stores, according to the former King?s employees.
Sources from inside La Zarzuela Palace have stated that employees have already turned over the requested documents, and they have also answered the tax inspectors? questions.
Queen Sof?a of Spain awards namesake art prizes in Madrid ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/queen-sofia-of-spain-awards-namesake-art-prizes-in-madrid-165700/)
QuoteQueen Sof?a of Spain has been a patron of the Spanish Association of Painters and Sculptors since 1964, and on the night of Wednesday, she undertook a rare engagement to hand out the Queen Sof?a Awards for Painting and Sculpture.
Queen Sofia participated in the Coastal Cleanup in Espig?n de Gargoris, Almadraba Beach, Alicante today:
Do?a Sof?a, como una voluntaria m?s, colabora en las tareas de limpieza de la playa (https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/20210918196219/reina-sofia-limpieza-playas/)
The Prosecutor's Office explains that Switzerland must confirm the evidence against Juan Carlos I.
La Fiscal?a explica que Suiza debe confirmar los indicios contra Juan Carlos I | Pol?tica | Agencia EFE (https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/politica/la-fiscalia-explica-que-suiza-debe-confirmar-los-indicios-contra-juan-carlos-i/10002-4621517)
September 21. Queen Sofia attended the opening of the VIII International Congress of Research and Innovation in Neurodegenerative Diseases in Madrid today.
SM LA REINA DO?A SOF?A ASISTE A LA INAUGURACI?N DEL VIII CONGRESO INTERNACIONAL DE INVESTIGACI?N E INNOVACI?N EN ENFERMEDADES NEURODEGENERATIVAS - (http://images.gtresnews.com/es/feature/1267089/sm-la-reina-dona-sofia-asiste-a-la-inauguracion-del-viii-congreso-internacional-de-investigacion-e-innovacion-en-enfermedades-neurodegenerativas/page/1/SN/ACTUALITY_TODOS)
September 23. Queen Sofia attended the opening of this year's season at the Teatro Real this evening.
Bilder und Fotos - Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/search/2/image?events=775710238&family=editorial&editorialproducts=all)
Now that is one lovely coat, and she looks really good in red.
September 29. Queen Sofia, executive president of the Foundation that bears her name, visited the Burgos Food Bank Association on Wednesday in order to learn about its management and daily operation.
Inicio - EN (https://www.fundacionreinasofia.es/EN/Paginas/home.aspx)
October 7. Queen Sofia as Honorary President presided over the meeting of the International Circle, an organ of the Queen Sof?a School of Music in Madrid, today.
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Reuni?n del C?rculo Internacional de la Escuela Superior de M?sica Reina Sof?a (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15042)
Ex King Juan Carlos is probably celebrating. The Spanish authorities are dropping their inquiries into his finances. However there are other things proceeding. The Swiss are still continuing their investigations and there are a couple of paternity suits still pending.
Juan Carlos viewed the Prince Philip funeral with sadness and has decided to begin planning his own. No doubt he will be buried at El Escorial with his ancestors but whether the funeral will take place in Spain is unknown. It may be a bit awkward as his recent actions have estranged him from King Felipe. Nevertheless I do think it is likely that it will take place there.
King Juan Carlos says he ?must now think? of his own funeral ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/king-juan-carlos-says-he-must-now-think-of-his-own-funeral-166755/)
October 14. Queen Sofia attended the premiere of the winner piece of the Queen Sofia Composing Award in Madrid this evening.
1: Editorial Photos, Celebrity, News, & Sports Images | Shutterstock Editorial (https://www.rexfeatures.com/set/12537895)
2: Editorial Photos, Celebrity, News, & Sports Images | Shutterstock Editorial (https://www.rexfeatures.com/set/12537893)
Spain's Juan Carlos to plead Crown Immunity to dismiss claims he sent spies to Britain to harass ex | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10099385/Spains-Juan-Carlos-plead-Crown-Immunity-dismiss-claims-sent-spies-Britain-harass-ex.html)
October 20. Queen Sofia visited the Granada Food Bank in Granada today:
Editorial Photos, Celebrity, News, & Sports Images | Shutterstock Editorial (https://www.rexfeatures.com/set/12545942)
October 26. Queen Sofia with Princess Irene visit the exhibition on the Battle of Nafpaktos hosted at the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
https://youtu.be/Zrc9TAjVj20
November 5. Queen Sofia received representatives of the Dignity and Justice Association who presented her with the Association's Gold Medal:
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Audiencia a una representaci?n de la Asociaci?n Dignidad y Justicia (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15081)
November 11. Queen Sofia attneded the opening of the CEAFA National Alzheimer's Congress in Vitoria-Gasteiz today.
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Inauguraci?n del IX Congreso Nacional de Alzheimer CEAFA (https://www.casareal.es/VA/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15088)
Corinna Larsen, the former lover of Spain's emeritus king Juan Carlos, used offshore firms to hide more than 70 million worth of accounts while the pair were together. That's according to a Swiss investigation into the businesswoman's financial dealings.
Corinna Larsen used 12 firms in tax havens during her relationship with Spain?s emeritus king Juan Carlos I | Spain | EL PA?S English Edition (https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-11-16/corinna-larsen-used-12-firms-in-tax-havens-during-her-relationship-with-spains-emeritus-king-juan-carlos-i.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&ssm=TW_CM_EN#Echobox=1637150453)
I wonder if Corinna Larsen received funds from King Juan Carlos?
Quote from: Blue Clover on November 21, 2021, 05:06:06 PM
I wonder if Corinna Larsen received funds from King Juan Carlos?
I have read that she has stated that she lent HIM funds at one stage. He probably gave her money at various points. JC seems to have been very free and easy with gifts he got from business corporations etc. However, the couple?s financial and other arrangements seem to have been so convoluted over the years that who knows what was going on.
November 24. Queen Sofia viewed the exhibition 'The Codex of Alfonso X The Wise' at the Royal Library of El Escorial Monastery in El Escorial village, Madrid, for the 800th anniversary of the birth of Alfonso X, today.
Editorial Photos, Celebrity, News, & Sports Images | Shutterstock Editorial (https://www.rexfeatures.com/set/12614740)
Queen Sofia presides over the Concert in the Church of Santo Domingo de Ibiza of the "VIII Cycle of Chamber Music in World Heritage Cities".
https://twitter.com/CasaReal/status/1464293824285626371?s=20
King Juan Carlos: Model 'paid ?4.6m for silence over affair' | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10266883/King-Juan-Carlos-Model-paid-4-6m-silence-affair.html)
Spain?s former king seeks immunity over claim he used spy agency to threaten ex-lover | Spain | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/06/diana-book-was-left-at-home-of-spanish-kings-ex-lover-uk-court-told)
My goodness, the complications that have come to both parties in this due to both not contemplating the consequences of an adulterous affair. Thank heavens Felipe doesn?t behave as his father did throughout his married life. It?s appalling really.
That so called *man* needs to disappear completely and stay out of sight for the rest of his life......no words to describle what a horrible man he is.... :censored2:
Quote from: Curryong on December 06, 2021, 10:22:24 PM
My goodness, the complications that have come to both parties in this due to both not contemplating the consequences of an adulterous affair. Thank heavens Felipe doesn?t behave as his father did throughout his married life. It?s appalling really.
:goodpost: This has to sum up Felipe's feelings on some days when he muses about his father, second sister and brother-in-law. :ugh: So frustrating to see those that you love making the most idiotic decisions over money and/or libido. <_< Juan Carlos' legacy is so badly tarnished by his actions. IMHO Felipe is fiercely determined to be the best husband, father, and monarch that he can possibly be.
Swiss Prosecutor drops case against King Don Juan Carlos I.
Swiss Prosecutor drops case against King Don Juan Carlos I (https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2021/12/13/swiss-prosecutor-drops-case-against-king-don-juan-carlos-i/)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/13/world/europe/switzerland-money-laundering-case-juan-carlos.html
QuoteSwiss Prosecutors Drop Money-Laundering Case Against Juan Carlos
A criminal inquiry into allegations that Spain?s former king laundered illegal commission payments from Saudi Arabia related to a high-speed rail deal was closed because of insufficient evidence. GENEVA ? Geneva?s chief prosecutor said Monday that a criminal investigation into allegations that Spain?s former king, Juan Carlos, laundered illegal commission payments from Saudi Arabia related to a high-speed rail deal has been closed because of insufficient evidence.
But a Swiss private bank, Mirabeau, which was involved in the three-year investigation, was fined over a reporting failure related to the case.
The prosecutor, Yves Bertossa, said he had established that Saudi Arabia had paid $100 million in August 2008 into an account opened a month earlier at Mirabaud in the name of a Panamanian foundation whose beneficial owner was Juan Carlos.
But Mr. Bertossa said in a statement that he had been unable to prove a clear link to a contract awarded three years later to Spanish companies for a high-speed rail connection in Saudi Arabia.The Spanish royal household declined to comment. Juan Carlos, who is living in exile in the United Arab Emirates, could not be immediately reached for comment.
Through his lawyer, Juan Carlos has previously declined to comment on the various accusations of wrongdoing against him.
Mr. Bertossa said he had opened the criminal investigation in 2018, after news reports that the former king, who abdicated in 2014, may have received ?illegal commissions? linked to the contracts and placed the funds in Swiss accounts.
Queen Sofia has traveled to Greece to see her brother former King Constantine who remains hospitalized in Athens. Spanish media is also reporting that King JC might join his wife in Greece if Constantine's health declines.
La Reina Sof?a viaja a Grecia tras el ingreso de su hermano Constantino en el hospital (https://www.semana.es/casas-reales/reina-sofia-viaja-grecia-ingreso-hermano-constantino-hospital-20211217-002431785/)
It's amazing how Queen Sofia may end her life with King Juan Carlo by her side despite years of estrangement.
Spanish-Lebanese arms dealer wanted for tax fraud reported to accompany former king Juan Carlos I in Abu Dhabi.
Spanish-Lebanese arms dealer wanted for tax fraud reported to accompany former king Juan Carlos I in Abu Dhabi | Spain | EL PA?S English Edition (https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-12-27/spanish-lebanese-arms-dealer-wanted-for-tax-fraud-reported-to-accompany-former-king-juan-carlos-i-in-abu-dhabi.html)
January 8, Queen Sofia attended a charity concert on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Caritas Spain:
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Concierto ben?fico con motivo del 75? aniversario de C?ritas Espa?ola (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15137)
El rey Juan Carlos reaparece en Abu Dabi junto a Carlos Herrera (https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/20220131203711/rey-juan-carlos-abu-dabi-encuentro-carlos-herrera/)
Queen Sofia visits the projects of the CSIC's Margarita Salas Biological Research Centre in Madrid:
La reina Sof?a visita el laboratorio que trabaja en la vacuna de la Covid-19 (https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/20220131203735/reina-sofia-visita-laboratorio-vacuna-coronavirus/)
February 7, Queen Sofia attended a concert for the benefit of the annual scholarships for further studies abroad by Juventudes Musicales de Madrid. Princess Irene accompanied her:
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Concierto extraordinario a Beneficio de las Becas anuales de ampliaci?n de estudios en el extranjero de Juventudes (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15159)
On February 14, 2022, Former Queen Sofia of Spain visited the food bank Bancosol at Trevenez industrial estate in Malaga. Queen Sofia, who has been working with Bancosol since 2012 through her charitable foundation, toured the facilities to receive more information on how the organization works.
Queen Sof?a visited the food bank Bancosol in Malaga (https://www.newmyroyals.com/2022/02/queen-sofia-visited-food-bank-bancosol.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&m=1)
Queen Sofia presented the "Ibero-American Patronage Awards 2022" of the Callia Foundation in Madrid today:
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Entrega de los ?Premios Iberoamericanos de Mecenazgo? de la Fundaci?n Callia (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15182)
Queen Sofia attended the act "Besapies of the Christ of Medinaceli" in Madrid today, March 4:
La Reina Sof?a vuelve al besapi? del Cristo de Medinaceli (y m?s joven que antes) (https://www.semana.es/casas-reales/familia-real-espanola/reina-sofia-vuelve-besapie-cristo-medinaceli-y-mas-joven-antes-20220304-002464832/)
Queen Sofia attended a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the "Reina Sofia" Higher School of Music in Madrid today:
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Reuni?n del Patronato de la Escuela Superior de M?sica Reina Sof?a (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15195)
An update on the future plans for King Juan Carlos who plans to continue to reside in Abu Dhabi but will visit Spain frequently. IMO this is the best solution as it will keep him away from Spain most of the time, but permit him to make visits from time to time.
King Juan Carlos announces future plans ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/king-juan-carlos-announces-future-plans-173606/)
QuoteKing Juan Carlos has announced his plans for returning to Spain in a letter sent to his son, King Felipe, that Casa Real has made public.
The former monarch plans to reside permanently in Abu Dhabi, but he will return to Spain ?frequently.? However, he will not stay in Zarzuela Palace when he does return to the country he led for decades.
Juan Carlos requested that Felipe, who he said he is immensely proud of, release his letter to the public for all Spaniards to read. He thanked Abu Dhabi and its people for their ?wonderful hospitality.?
In his letter, Juan Carlos addresses the investigation into his finances by the State Attorney General and the issues it caused. Now that he will not be charged, the King wants to return to Spain but ?not immediately.?
?I prefer, at this time, for reasons that belong to my private sphere and that only affect me, to continue residing permanently and stable in Abu Dhabi, where I have found peace of mind, especially for this period of my life. Although, naturally, I will frequently return to Spain, which I always carry in my heart, to visit family and friends,? he wrote.King Juan Carlos expressed his desire to ?end this stage of my life from the serenity and perspective that time has elapsed,? referring to his retirement from public life in 2019.
The King does not plan to return to public life.
His Majesty does not plan to live in the royal palaces when he returns to Spain. ?In this sense, both during my visits and if I were to reside in Spain again in the future, it is my purpose to organise my personal life and my place of residence in areas of a private nature in order to continue enjoying the greatest possible privacy,? he said.
He went on to admit that he recognises the importance of public opinion toward him due to actions in his private life, which the King said he regrets. King Juan Carlos did say, though, that he felt ?legitimate pride in my contribution to democratic coexistence and freedom in Spain, the result of the collective effort and sacrifice of all Spanish people.?
Casa Real has said that King Felipe understands the desires of his father.
It?s for the best really, I agree. I think Juan Carlos really wished to live fulltime back in Spain again, but it was made clear to him that wasn?t going to happen. Therefore he accepted the inevitable and the solution proposed. IMO he is a very lucky man that he will not face prosecution for corrupt financial dealings.
@Curryong - I genuinely hope that JC realizes how fortunate he is that there won't be a prosecution.
Queen Sofia attended the 50th anniversary celebration of Madrid's Zoo today:
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Acto inaugural del 50? aniversario del Zoo de Madrid (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15214)
Aritz Parra
@aritzparra
3h
A British court ruled Thursday that royal immunity laws do not protect Spain?s former king, Juan Carlos I, in a lawsuit for alleged harassment filed by his ex-lover
Queen Sofia presided at the Royal Guard's "El Rey" Barracks for the solemn swearing-in of the flag for civilian personnel:
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Acto de Jura de Bandera de personal civil en la Guardia Real (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15263)
Her Majesty Queen Sofia, Honorary President of Hispania Nostra, will preside over the award ceremony for these awards, which are granted to recognize and promote best practices related to Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Entrega de los Premios Europeos del Patrimonio ?Premios Europa Nostra? y de los ?Premios Hispania Nostra? a las buenas (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15271)
Don Juan Carlos is in the Palacio de la Zarzuela where he meets with King Felipe.
El rey Juan Carlos ya se encuentra en el Palacio de la Zarzuela (https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/20220523210243/rey-juan-carlos-viaja-madrid-reunion-rey-felipe/)
Queen Sofia has tested positive for COVID.
Queen Sof?a of Spain tests positive for COVID-19 ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/queen-sofia-of-spain-tests-positive-for-covid-19-177127/)
Queen Sofia attended the World Dog Show Madrid today:
La reina Sof?a participa en una feria canina (https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/20220624212469/reina-sofia-feria-perros/)
Family visits for King Juan Carlos as he marks two years since leaving Spain ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/family-visits-for-king-juan-carlos-as-he-marks-two-years-since-leaving-spain-179364/)
Did the press report any news that Juan Carlos would use Juan III as his regnal name?
No, he has always been known as Juan Carlos I.
https://twitter.com/royalblognl/status/1619987001884962816
The former King is at Formula One races in Riyadh.
Yee-haw! Queen Sof?a of Spain lands in Texas to celebrate her country ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/spain/yee-haw-queen-sofia-of-spain-lands-in-texas-to-celebrate-her-country-189879/)
QuoteQueen Sof?a of Spain travelled to the United States to look at ?Spain Fusion Texas 2023,? which reunites Spanish products with local entrepreneurs.
Her Majesty arrived at the Hotel C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton, on 15 May and was welcomed by the Spanish General Consul to Houston, Julia Alicia Olmo y Romero, and the Director of Spain Fusion Texas 2023.
The event is hosted inside the hotel, and the former Spanish Queen got a chance to tour the stands where food and hospitality professionals get together to offer the ?Foods and Wine from Spain? experience.
May 24, Queen Sofia attended the inauguration of Princess Anne d'Orleans' watercolors exhibition at the Reina Sofia Superior School of Music in Madrid. -
https://media.revistavanityfair.es/photos/646f0fe4ef2c76b16e9f5177/master/w_1600,c_limit/DL_u532938_025.jpg
Former king of Spain Juan Carlos cannot face harassment claim in UK (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/06/former-king-spain-juan-carlos-harassment-claim-uk/)
QuoteJuan Carlos, the former king of Spain, cannot have a claim of harassment brought against him by a former lover, a British court has ruled.
Danish businesswoman Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, a 58-year-old resident of England, sued Juan Carlos in 2020, alleging that he had caused her ?great mental pain?? by spying on and harassing her.
A High Court judge had previously agreed that there were grounds for the claim against 85-year-old Juan Carlos, but Mrs Justice Rowena Collins Rice on Friday ruled that the London court lacks jurisdiction in the case because the defendant has the right to be tried in his own country.
?I was shown no authority coming anywhere near supporting an assumption of English jurisdiction over a foreign-domiciled defendant in such circumstances,? Judge Collins Rice ruled.
Juan Carlos?s life since old age seems to consist every few years of troubles with the law, both civil and govt. He?s not having an easy old age, that?s for sure!
Queen Sofia presented the Mapfre 2023 Social Foundation Award. Infanta Elena accompanied her mother to the event.
https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15908
QuoteEntrega de los Premios Sociales de la Fundaci?n Mapfre 2023
Real Casino de Madrid. Madrid, 10.10.2023Solidaridad
Su Majestad la Reina Do?a Sof?a entregar? los Premios Sociales Fundaci?n MAPFRE 2023 al piloto Carlos Sainz, a BrazilFoundation, al Cuerpo de Bomberos del Ayuntamiento de Madrid y a la inspectora de Seguros del Estado, Pilar Gonz?lez de Frutos.
D
o?a Sof?a entregar? los Premios Sociales Fundaci?n MAPFRE 2023, que tienen como objetivo el reconocer a personas, entidades y proyectos que ayudan a conseguir con su entrega y trabajo una sociedad m?s justa y menos desigual.
Queen Sofia presided over the award ceremony of the Reina Sofia Award for Ibero-American Poetry this evening:
Inicio - Actividades y Agenda - Entrega de la XXXII edici?n del Premio Reina Sof?a de Poes?a Iberoamericana (https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_actividades_detalle.aspx?data=15964)
Disgraced King Juan Carlos of Spain celebrated his 86th birthday with a regal-inspired party after his daughters jetted to Abu Dhabi (but Letizia and (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12946627/Disgraced-King-Juan-Carlos-Spain-birthday-party.html)
Queen Sofia visited the Food Bank Association of ?lava today, January 22:
Queen Sofia January 22 Pictures and Photos - Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/photos/queen-sofia-january-22-2024?assettype=image&family=editorial&phrase=queen%20sofia%20january%2022),%202024&sort=newest&irgwc=1&esource=AFF_GI_IR_Skimbit%20Ltd._10078&asid=Skimbit%20Ltd.&cid=GI&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Skimbit%20Ltd.&utm_content=10078
Queen Sofía of Spain (85) has been hospitalized due to a urinary tract infection. Her situation is rapidly improving, but she will remain admitted to the medical center for observation.
https://x.com/RoyalArjan/status/1778037189357486339
Pics: Queen Sofia attended the Global Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International in Krakow, Poland today, April 24 (https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/photos/queen-sofia-april-24-2024?assettype=image&family=editorial&phrase=queen%20sofia%20april%2024,%202024&sort=newest)