Spain’s monarchy faces a potential media whirlwind as former King Juan Carlos I prepares to launch his autobiography.
His return to the public eye promises to generate a significant impact, especially given his controversies and the surrounding circumstances.
Since 2020, Juan Carlos I has resided in Abu Dhabi, where he opted for exile against a backdrop of investigations and lawsuits, particularly by his former mistress, Corinna Larsen.
These events led the king, the father of Felipe VI, to move away from Spain at a critical moment for the reputation of the Spanish monarchy.
In recent times, however, Juan Carlos has made several visits to his native country, managing to regain, albeit in a limited way, the acceptance of some sectors of the public.
Biography of King Juan Carlos
The context of his return to the public sphere is further complicated by the imminent publication of his memoirs, authored by the former monarch himself.
This literary project has aroused great expectation and, according to recent reports in the French magazine Point de Vue, Juan Carlos I is finalizing the details of his autobiography with the French publisher Éditions Stock.
The title of the work, ‘Réconciliation’, suggests an introspective tone and is expected to cover a broad spectrum of his life, from his childhood and exile to the events that marked the final moments of his reign.
Publication is scheduled for November 13, although it has not yet been confirmed whether there will be interest from Spanish publishers in acquiring the rights to the work.
In an exclusive excerpt provided by the French magazine Point de Vue, Juan Carlos I explains his motivations for breaking with the monarchical tradition of not writing memoirs.
‘My father always advised me not to write a memoir. Kings do not confess. Especially not publicly. Their secrets remain buried in the darkness of palaces. Why should I disobey him? Why have I changed my mind? I have the feeling that my own history is being stolen from me,’ the king says in his words.
At 86, the former king seems ready to acknowledge his mistakes and reflect on his legacy.
In the autobiography, he will open up about his decisions and choices, addressing issues with a sincere and humane approach, as someone who is aware of the limitations of his time.
The repercussions of its publication could be significant, as it will not only renew interest in his figure but also rekindle debates on the monarchy and its challenges in contemporary Spain.
The release of ‘Réconciliation’ promises to be a key chapter in the recent history of the Spanish monarchy, forcing everyone, from the royal family to the general public, to confront anew the complexity of their past and the uncertain future that awaits them.