The recent photographs of former King Juan Carlos embracing and kissing a woman who is not his wife have generated a real whirlwind in Spain, placing his wife, Queen Emeritus Sofia, in an extremely uncomfortable situation.
The Dutch magazine ‘Privé’ has published the first image of King Juan Carlos in a romantic pose with Bárbara Rey, a well-known actress in Spain.
Although the actress had repeatedly denied rumors about her relationship with the monarch, the compromising snapshots have changed the narrative.
This is the first time that the king has been clearly captured with one of his mistresses in an everyday context.
Previously, there were photographs of King Juan Carlos with Corinna Larsen, but these cannot compare with the series of images revealed by the Dutch press, which show an obvious intimacy.
Photos of King Juan Carlos with his mistress
In the midst of the scandal, attention is focused not only on the protagonists of the photos but also on Sofia, the emeritus queen, who has been publicly humiliated after the publication of these controversial images.
Although many anticipate a strong reaction from the emeritus queen, Spanish press reports indicate that, despite the situation, what former King Juan Carlos does matters little to King Felipe’s mother.
The reality is that the queen emeritus has led a life separated from her once-husband for decades.
The image of a happy family has been left behind, especially since the Corinna Larsen scandal broke, although the trouble had been brewing long before.
Now, Queen Sofia faces the publication of the kiss between her husband and his former mistress, a blow difficult to assimilate.
The relationship between the king and Bárbara Rey dates back some 30 years, when the monarch was still married to Queen Sofia and, in the eyes of the public, they formed a united and harmonious family.
This scandal becomes even more relevant at a time when the release of King Juan Carlos’ first memoirs is anticipated.
Since his retirement in Abu Dhabi, the monarch has dedicated time and effort to writing more than 500 pages narrating his story, which adds an additional layer of interest and controversy in the current context.
The wait for this memoir becomes more intriguing as details about his personal life are released, leaving the Spanish monarchy at a public and media crossroads.