On January 5, King Juan Carlos I celebrated his 86th birthday far from Spain, at his residence in Abu Dhabi.
Despite the distance, several members of the royal family traveled to the United Arab Emirates to accompany him on this special date, where the former monarch was able to feel the affection of his loved ones.
King Juan Carlos’ 86th birthday in style
The celebration, which took place on the island of Zaya Nurai, gathered around 100 guests, mostly family and close friends of King Juan Carlos.
Among them was the presence of the Infanta Elena, who attended in the company of her children Victoria Federica and Felipe Juan Froilán.
Also in attendance were the Infanta Cristina and her children Irene, and Pablo, and the latter’s girlfriend, Johanna Zott.
One of the most emotional moments was when the honoree blew out the candles on his lavish birthday cake, which was printed with his coat of arms.
To cut it, Juan Carlos I used a long sword before the attentive gaze of those present.
Although the presence of King Felipe VI and his family, as well as Queen Sofia, was missed, the fact is that the relaxed and festive atmosphere made the former monarch enjoy a very special day.
According to those close to him, Juan Carlos I is in good health and is looking forward to living after leaving behind his judicial problems.
Pedro Campos, a close friend and racing partner of the emeritus was the one who came up with the idea of organizing this event.
Together with his wife and other close friends such as Miguel Arias or Eduardo Anitua, they planned every detail to offer the king an unforgettable celebration.
Leaked photos of Juan Carlos’s birthday in Abu Dhabi
The controversy generated by the publication of images of the birthday party of King Juan Carlos in Abu Dhabi has caused discomfort in the Palace of La Zarzuela.
The images were published in the magazine ‘Hola’ and show the inside of the party, where the emeritus seems to be enjoying himself with a hundred guests.
“The publication of these images has not pleased Casa Real at all,” assured an insider close to Casa Real.
The Spanish Royal House has not reacted positively to the dissemination of these images, expressing its disapproval of the “excessive overexposure” and suggesting that they could have accepted the publication officially through the EFE Agency.
“Of course he can celebrate her birthday, but not by becoming the cover of a magazine,” the source said.
Some sources close to Casa Real consider that the publication of these photos could be interpreted as a provocation and that it does not contribute positively to the image of the monarchy, especially in the context of Felipe VI’s reign, which has been characterized by keeping a greater distance in family matters in the institutional sphere.
86 Cumpleaños de SM en Rey Juan Carlos. pic.twitter.com/3mIBSP4758
— Monarquía España ⚜ (@MonarquiaEspana) January 10, 2024
Although there is unease, the Royal Household is not expected to give official explanations, since it is a private party of King Juan Carlos.