King Juan Carlos seems set to return to Spain after almost two years in Abu Dhabi as a guest of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan, former head of state of the United Arab Emirates.
Several newspapers have reported that the man who ruled Spain for almost forty years will be back in the country imminently.
The news comes as King Felipe made the trip to the UAE with the undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation to personally bring his condolences to the Emir’s family and the country at large. He joined many more heads of state and government, politicians and prominent figures that paid the same homage.
Only a few months ago, King Juan Carlos had sent a letter to his son, in which he expressed his desire to remain in Abu Dhabi “for the time being,” as he had found “the peace and quiet necessary, especially during this time.” The former monarch also told his son that, if he deemed so appropriate, the letter could be published.
King Felipe did that, saying that he “understood” his father’s wishes. However, there have been ongoing reports that Juan Carlos hoped to spend some time in Spain again.
Those reports increased when both Swiss and Spanish prosecutors dropped all corruption cases they had opened against the former sovereign.
Now, some papers including the pro monarchy El Mundo, are reporting that King Juan Carlos will make his return for the Sanxenxo leg of the Spanish Cup for sailing, as the boat of which he is patron, the Bribón, will compete from 20 to 22 May.
Meanwhile, King Felipe and Queen Letizia have hosted a State Visit from Qatar’s Emir and his wife, which culminated with the traditional state dinner on May 17th 2022.
King Felipe would not be available to welcome his father right away, should he return later this week, as his public agenda states that he will take part in a meeting of the Royal Elcano Institute, an entity that works in International relations and strategic studies. This is a key engagement, especially at a time when Europe feels winds of war blowing stronger by the minute.
It’s not known when Felipe last saw his father. His sisters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina, spent part of the Easter holidays with Juan Carlos in Abu Dhabi.
