King Juan Carlos I has been in the news again, this time because of his discomfort with a recent advertising campaign starring his alleged mistress, Bárbara Rey.
In the ad, the Spanish vedette promotes a brand of mattresses with an obvious nod to royalty, which has generated mixed reactions.
Barbara Rey’s mattress ad
The commercial shows Barbara Rey in an elegant environment, evoking the interiors of the Royal Palace, while playing with phrases like “to sleep like a queen”.
For many, this is a striking marketing strategy, but for Juan Carlos I, it is a clear provocation.
People close to the emeritus have assured that he has received the news with discomfort, expressing his surprise at the use of his figure in an indirect way.
“I don’t care exactly what he does, but it is clear that there is provocation”, he would have commented to his closest circle in Abu Dhabi.
Unexpected censure
The controversy surrounding the ad has led Telemadrid to take a drastic decision: the regional channel has decided not to broadcast the spot.
According to information published by the website ‘El Plural’, this measure seeks to avoid any kind of controversy and to protect the image of the former monarch.
However, sources close to the Royal Household have assured that Juan Carlos I has not intervened in this decision and prefers to stay out of the controversy.
“He is aware, but has decided not to get involved,” they comment.
A history of tensions and leaked photos
This episode is not the first friction between the emeritus and Barbara Rey. Months ago, a Dutch magazine published old photographs in which the two appeared together, which were allegedly sold by the son of the actress.
Since then, Juan Carlos I has instructed his inner circle to analyze any situation that could affect his image.
“He does not want his good name to be tarnished,” assure close sources, adding that the emeritus is calm, but firm in his intention to protect his honor.