The Spanish monarchy is facing a new crisis after the dissemination of photos and audio recordings that expose the relationship of former King Juan Carlos I with actress Barbara Rey.
This scandal has gained momentum after a Dutch magazine published photographs of the ex-monarch sharing intimate moments with the actress.
To these revelations are now added voice recordings released by the Spanish press, which contain even more compromising information for the figure of the emeritus king.
In the first audio recordings, it was revealed that the conversations between Juan Carlos and Barbara Rey were close and full of affection, and the ex-king even discussed state matters with her.
However, recent recordings have brought to light Barbara’s comments about Queen Sofia, adding an additional layer of complexity to the situation.
What Did Barbara Rey Say About Queen Sofia?
According to various Spanish media, Barbara Rey expressed that Queen Sofia has been the source of numerous problems in her life. The statements are forceful.
In statements that have been replicated by the newspaper ‘Okdiario’, the actress stated:
“I have been hated by the Queen to the hilt. She has used all the means she has had at her disposal and around her to sink me.”
In addition, she described Sofia as the one responsible for her professional and personal misfortunes.
In the audios, Rey mentions that she had attended events where the king was present, not because she wanted to, but because she felt she had no choice. She claims that she has been constantly under surveillance, which limited her ability to thrive in her career in film and television.
Sofia’s knowledge of her husband’s affairs is nothing new.
According to royal journalist Pilar Eyre, Queen Sofia discovered Juan Carlos’ infidelity shortly after giving birth to their son Felipe.
In an attempt to accompany the king on a hunting trip with friends, Sofia found Juan Carlos and another woman in compromising situations. From then on, the queen became aware of all her husband’s activities.
Despite the recent revelations and media scandals, Pilar Eyre points out that Queen Sofia has maintained her usual routine, indicating that nothing that happened recently with Barbara Rey seems to affect her.
This makes sense, since the marriage of Sofia and Juan Carlos has been marked by a deep separation for decades.
In fact, last weekend, Sofia attended her niece’s wedding in Greece, accompanied by her daughters and several of her grandchildren, showing a radiant attitude and no evidence of sadness or concern for her husband’s future.
The current crisis in the Spanish monarchy not only highlights the complexities of personal relationships within the royal family, but also reflects the impact such scandals can have on public perception of the monarchy itself.
The mix of loyalties, betrayals, and deeply guarded secrets presents a significant challenge to the image of the Spanish monarchy at a time when transparency and ethics are more vital than ever.