Juan Carlos has been living in exile in Abu Dhabi for some time. Now he pays his old homeland a visit. The media interest is great.
Spain’s former king Juan Carlos (84) apparently feels very comfortable on his first home visit after almost two years in exile in Abu Dhabi. He is doing “very well,” said the controversial ex-monarch on Saturday to journalists in the small coastal town of Sanxenxo in Galicia.
He added: “Thank you for what you do.” Around 200 journalists from Germany and abroad came to the small town to report on the return.
Juan Carlos arrived in Spain on Thursday evening aboard a private jet from Abu Dhabi. Citizens greeted him with cheers on Friday. A reunion with his son, King Felipe VI, and his wife Sofía (83) in Madrid is only planned for the last day of the visit on Monday. The relationship between father and son is considered tense because Juan Carlos, according to his critics, caused damage to the monarchy through affairs and financial misconduct.
Despite his limited mobility, the 84-year-old boarded the racing yacht “Bribón” on Saturday to take part in a regatta. With this boat he had previously become world champion in the 6mR class. However, the start of the competition was delayed due to a lull.
