In the midst of a new controversial chapter for the Spanish monarchy, the relationship between King Juan Carlos I and his son, King Felipe VI, seems to be going through one of its most delicate moments.
The recent scandals involving Don Juan Carlos, coupled with the imminent publication of his memoirs, have generated obvious concern within the Royal Household, especially because of the possible impact on the image of Felipe VI and the stability of the Crown.
The controversy has been fueled by the leak of audios in which Juan Carlos talks about Queen Sofia in conversations with Bárbara Rey, as well as by the appearance of intimate photos of the former monarch with the actress.
These incidents have grabbed the media attention and have made La Zarzuela stay alert, watching the movements of the king emeritus to avoid that his behavior could further damage the reputation of the royal family.
King Juan Carlos’ memoirs worry King Felipe
A key element in this tension is the upcoming release of Don Juan Carlos’ book of memoirs, entitled Reconciliation. Close sources have revealed to Monarquia Confidencial, that King Felipe has personally asked his father to stop the publication, as he fears the repercussions it may have for the monarchical institution and, above all, for his daughter Leonor, heir to the throne.
During a brief meeting at the Naval Academy in Marin, taking advantage of Princess Leonor’s visit, Felipe VI expressed his disappointment with his father in relation to the latter’s statements to a French media outlet, where he defended the publication of his memoirs.
“Leonor is above everything,” say sources close to him, underlining the king’s concern to protect his daughter’s image and the stability of the Crown.
Although the publication of Reconciliación has been paused, it has not been canceled. Juan Carlos, according to close sources, maintains the intention of making public his experiences, arguing that “he has done nothing wrong”.
However, he has also expressed his desire to respect, as far as possible, the request of his son, who prioritizes the welfare of the monarchy.
This episode has generated a clear estrangement between father and son, a relationship that, after several ups and downs in recent years, had achieved a certain normality. But the imminent release of the memoirs and the controversial photos with Bárbara Rey have once again put this fragile balance at risk.
Juan Carlos’ book, written in collaboration with the French journalist Laurence Debray, is already causing a significant stir in the media, despite the fact that it has not yet come to light.
From La Zarzuela, they are aware of the media impact that its publication will bring and of the possible damage it could cause to the Spanish monarchy.
The photographs recently published by a Dutch magazine, where the king emeritus is seen with Barbara Rey in intimate moments, have only added fuel to the fire.
Felipe VI, although he has been aware of the preparation of the memoirs, has not been able to avoid their imminent release.