Spain’s ex-monarch in exile has traveled to a regatta in the coastal town of Sanxenxo. He is quite controversial, but appeared in high spirits, leaning on a cane.

At the start of his first home visit in almost two years, Spain’s former king Juan Carlos was greeted with cheers by onlookers in the small coastal town of Sanxenxo on Friday.

The ex-monarch, otherwise controversial in Spain because of affairs and financial irregularities, was in a good mood together with sailing friends. The evening before, he had arrived from his exile in Abu Dhabi for a short visit to Spain, which lasted until Monday.

It was unclear whether the passionate sailor would take part in a regatta at the weekend. However, the 84-year-old had significant problems walking, having to be guided by a man on one side and leaning on a cane on the other. Sanxenxo Mayor Telmo Martín said the ex-monarch wanted to come back for the Sailing World Championships in June. Then, in the 6mR class, racing boats about eleven meters long compete against each other. In 2017 and 2019 Juan Carlos became world champion in this class.

Enormous media interest

Juan Carlos spent the first night at home in the house of a friend of his, a businessman in Sanxenxo. Juan Carlos had already taken part in the sailing championship, which will be held there with several races until Sunday, in previous years. Media interest in the visit was enormous. About 200 journalists are on site, reported the state TV broadcaster RTVE. In an hours-long RTVE live broadcast, seven journalists discuss all aspects of the visit. In heated moments, everyone would talk at once.

A meeting with his son, King Felipe VI, and other family members, including his wife Sofía (83), is only planned for Monday. It is to take place in the royal residence of Zarzuela near Madrid. Shortly thereafter, the ex-monarch’s return flight to Abu Dhabi is planned. Felipe tries to improve the royal family’s image, which has been battered primarily by his father, and keeps his father at a distance.