Mystery and intrigue surround the return of King Emeritus Juan Carlos I to Spain.
On a private trip, the father of the current monarch, Felipe VI, has once again set foot on Spanish soil, unleashing a wave of speculation and expectations about the meaning of this return.
The discreet return of King Juan Carlos I emeritus to Spain
After more than a year and a half since Juan Carlos de Borbón took up residence in Abu Dhabi, thus evading the controversy stirred up by his tax irregularities and personal conduct, his return to Spain comes as a moment of great interest.
This Wednesday, March 13, he arrived discreetly in the northern Spanish city of Vitoria aboard a private plane, reviving headlines and fueling speculation about his current situation.
The former head of state’s presence in Vitoria is no stranger to the rumors that have followed him since his departure.
Vitoria, where he usually undergoes medical check-ups during his visits to Spain, becomes the setting for his return, although his stay is expected to be brief before heading to Galicia, specifically to the town of Sanxenxo, where he usually stays at the home of his friend, shipowner Pedro Campos.
This return marks the eighth visit of Juan Carlos I to Spain since his departure in August 2020.
His last stay, last December, was to celebrate the 60th birthday of his eldest daughter, Infanta Elena, while earlier, in October, he returned for the 18th birthday celebration of Princess Leonor, heir to the Crown.
The context of his return cannot be ignored: in March 2022, the judicial investigation in Spain into his tax irregularities was shelved, which has allowed a certain normalization of his legal situation.
However, his decision to maintain his residence in Abu Dhabi suggests that his return is more a personal gesture than a definitive change in his situation.
The arrival of the King Emeritus in Spain also raises questions about the future of the monarchy in the country. Does his return signify an attempt to reintegrate himself into Spanish public life or simply an occasional trip for personal matters?