Spain's Former Monarch Has Been Absent for Five Years, Amidst Calls to Address Demands Regarding Revilla and Corinna Larsen
King Juan Carlos I, the former Spanish monarch, is set to publish two memoirs this year, marking a significant milestone in his life and potentially reshaping public perception of his legacy. The memoirs, titled "El Rey" and "Reconciliación," are scheduled for release in October and November 2025, respectively.
"El Rey," a reissued version of his earlier work, is expected to offer a retrospective of his life, reign, controversies, and reflections. The new memoir, "Reconciliación," written in French with the collaboration of his daughters and close friends, aims to reconcile with his past and country. It promises a mix of personal confession and political intention, covering key episodes such as his relationship with General Franco, his role in Spain's Transition to democracy, and personal and political challenges he faced.
Despite residing discreetly in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Juan Carlos has maintained a connection to Spain through occasional visits to Sanxenxo, Galicia. These visits, primarily for sailing regattas, reflect his ongoing personal interest in the country rather than any public duties. During his stay in Sanxenxo in July 2022, he was accompanied by King Felipe VI aboard the ship Juan Sebastián Elcano. However, it's worth noting that he did not meet with his son, King Felipe VI, or his granddaughter, Princess Leonor, during that visit.
In a turn of events, Juan Carlos did meet with King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Princess Leonor in Sanxenxo in September 2024. The former monarch has also been involved in legal disputes, filing a lawsuit against Miguel Ángel Revilla and Corinna Larsen. The lawsuit against Corinna Larsen stems from accusations of harassment, for which he demands an apology and economic compensation.
Juan Carlos' boat, the 'Bribón,' is moored at the Real Club Náutico of Sanxenxo during his visits. He stays with close friend Pedro Campos during his stays in Sanxenxo. It's important to note that Juan Carlos has no plans for a possible return to Spain, despite the fact that there are no longer any investigations open regarding the alleged irregularities in his personal business.
The year 2025 seems to be a pivotal one for King Juan Carlos I, with the memoir publications set to redefine public understanding of his legacy and continued, though discreet, engagements with Spain through his visits to Sanxenxo.
References: 1. Catalunya Diari 2. XCatalunya 3. Ground News 4. The Olive Press
The upcoming memoirs by King Juan Carlos I, titled "El Rey" and "Reconciliación," are predicted to offer insights into his monarchy, controversies, and reflect on his past, potentially impacting public perception of his legacy. As a part of his ongoing connection with Spain, Juan Carlos' meetings with his family and legal disputes indicate a complex relationship between him and the Spanish politics even after his abdication.
