Recently, King Juan Carlos of Spain and King Charles III of England met, and the Spanish press has not missed the opportunity to report on it.
Although Juan Carlos, the father of King Felipe VI, is in the habit of visiting London, this time his visit had a special reason: a private meeting with his British counterpart.
Meeting between King Charles and King Juan Carlos
Normally, such meetings are uncommon, but sources close to the Royal Household, who spoke to the Spanish media outlet Monarquía Confidencial, revealed that the visit was arranged because Juan Carlos was unable to attend the coronation of Charles III, which took place in 2023.
Although King Charles had planned to invite the emeritus, it was finally confirmed that Juan Carlos would not be present at the ceremony.
Both kings felt they owed each other a meeting, so they decided to take advantage of a dinner to chat quietly.
According to the same sources, “institutionally he was not authorized to attend the official act, but unofficially this meeting was going to happen. They have a very good relationship, and they are family.”
The dinner conversation focused on more personal matters; one of the prominent topics was the health of King Charles, who in January 2024 made public his fight against cancer.
Other topics of mutual interest were also touched upon, including the future of both royal houses and, interestingly, Juan Carlos’ attention to Kate Middleton.
Not only was this trip the perfect occasion for a royal meeting, but it also allowed Juan Carlos to spend time with his family.
While in London, he met his grandson, Juan Urdangarin, who has been living there for work for the past three years.
In the end, Juan Carlos’ visit to London highlights his desire to maintain personal ties with his family and close friends, as well as the importance he places on his relationship with the British royal family.
According to sources, these private meetings show a more human side of King Juan Carlos I. Despite the ups and downs of his public life, he remains a relevant figure in the contemporary history of Spain and in the relations between the royal houses of Europe.