King Emeritus Juan Carlos I of Spain, has traveled from his new home in Abu Dhabi to his native country once again.
The former monarch arrived by private plane in Galicia on Monday, September 25, for a week-long visit centered on a sailing competition in Sanxenxo.
This is the emeritus’ fourth trip to Spain since he moved abroad amid scandal in 2020.
At 85, King Juan Carlos is still passionate about sailing.
Where is King Juan Carlos staying in Spain?
King Juan Carlos is staying at the home of his close friend Pedro Campos in Sanxenxo, as he has done on previous visits.
His main objective is to train and compete in the eighth King Juan Carlos I Trophy regatta in the 6-meter class, which will start on the afternoon of September 28.
The king won this same sailing event in 2017 and 2019, so he hopes to be victorious again.
Beyond the sailing competition, King Juan Carlos will spend time with friends and participate in social activities around Sanxenxo and Pontevedra.
This visit comes on the heels of winning another World Sailing Championship title in England in early September.
King Felipe and Juan Carlos I will be very close to each other
Coincidentally, his son King Felipe VI will be just 15 km away in Pontevedra on Thursday for the inauguration of the La Toja Forum.
However, despite their physical proximity, the two are not scheduled to meet during this trip.
The last reunion between father and son took place in March 2022 at the funeral of King Constantine of Greece.
King Juan Carlos remains a controversial figure in Spain three years after leaving the country amid a financial scandal and allegations of corruption.
However, it recently emerged that the King Emeritus intends to return to Spain for good so he can enjoy sailing and spend more time with his friends.