This Monday, March 7, 2022, King Juan Carlos finally broke his silence and spoke about his return to Spain. The emeritus monarch, who currently resides in the United Arab Emirates, published a statement where, among other things, he said he wanted to return “to serenity”.
The statement from the father of King Felipe VI comes just days after the Prosecutor’s Office of Spain decided to file the investigation against him, one of the reasons why in 2020 the emeritus left for Abu Dhabi.
Although the emeritus did not indicate the date of his return to Spain, he made it clear that he will continue “to reside permanently and stable in Abu Dhabi.”
King Juan Carlos Communiqué
“Your Majesty, dear son:
In August 2020, guided by the conviction of rendering the best service to Spain and to all Spaniards, to its institutions and to you as King, I informed you of my decision to move out of Spain, in order to facilitate the exercise of your functions. Since then, I have resided in Abu Dhabi, a place to which I have adapted my way of life and to which I am very grateful for its magnificent hospitality.
Having learned of the Decrees of the Attorney General’s Office, by which the investigations of which I have been the object, it seems appropriate to me to consider my return to Spain, although not immediately. I prefer, at this moment, for reasons that belong to my private sphere and that only affect me, to continue residing permanently and stably in Abu Dhabi, where I have found peace of mind, especially for this period of my life. Although, as is natural, I will return frequently to Spain, which I always carry in my heart, to visit family and friends.
I would like to end this stage of my life with the serenity and perspective that time has passed. As you well know, in 2019 I informed you of my desire to retire from public life, and I will continue to do so. In this sense, both in my visits and if in the future I should return to reside in Spain, it is my intention to organize my personal life and my place of residence in areas of a private nature in order to continue to enjoy the greatest possible privacy.
I am aware of the transcendence for the public opinion of the past events of my private life, which I sincerely regret, as I also feel a legitimate pride for my contribution to the democratic coexistence and freedoms in Spain, fruit of the collective effort and sacrifice of all Spaniards.
Whenever it is in your best interest, it is my wish that you make this letter public, for the knowledge of all Spaniards and on the date you deem appropriate.
With my loyalty, affection and the immense pride I feel for you.
Your father.”His Majesty the King respects and understands the will of His Majesty King Juan Carlos expressed in his letter.
La Zarzuela Palace, March 7, 2022″.
