Less than six months after saying goodbye to a family member, Spain’s royal family is once again in deep mourning with the recent death of Juan Gómez-Acebo, son of Infanta Pilar de Borbón, sister of former king Juan Carlos I.
This loss has deeply affected the heart of the king emeritus, who, at 86 years of age, is once again facing the sadness of losing a beloved nephew.
The news of Juan Gómez-Acebo’s death from cancer has been widely reported in the Spanish press.
Reaction of King Juan Carlos I to the death of Juan Gómez-Acebo
Juan Carlos I received this news with great sorrow, as he had a close and special relationship with his nephew, according to reports from the newspaper Monarquía Confidencial.
Infanta Elena, one of the daughters of the emeritus king, was the one who communicated the fateful news to her father, who is in exile in Abu Dhabi and does not plan to return to Spain in the coming weeks.
The absence of Juan Carlos I at his nephew’s funeral was a painful manifestation of his current situation. However, Queen Sofia was able to be present, supporting the family and offering her condolences to Juan Gómez-Acebo’s loved ones.
Who was Juan Gómez-Acebo?
This nephew of King Juan Carlos is described as a reserved character, a bohemian artist who opted for a life away from the cameras and media attention.
With studies in Fine Arts, he was the second of the five children of Infanta Pilar and Luis Gómez-Acebo, and also carried the title of Viscount de la Torre.
This discreet character made his life and personality unknown to many. Since 2020, it has been known that Juan Carlos I played a fundamental role in the life of his nephews, acting almost as a second father, supporting them both professionally and personally.
Although the relationship with his firstborn, King Felipe VI, has had recent ups and downs, the bond with Juan Gómez-Acebo was particularly strong.
The recent death of Juan Gómez-Acebo not only highlights the cycle of loss that has affected the royal family but also underscores the importance of family ties, especially in difficult times.