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Spain

King Juan Carlos ‘plans return to Spain’

King Juan Carlos I of Spain wants to return home for Christmas after four months of self imposed exile in the Middle East according to reports in several newspapers.

The former monarch left Spain in the first days of August after allegations of financial irregularity reached crisis point. He didn’t announce his departure until he had quit the country he ruled between 1975 and 2014.

Now, it is understood he has raised the possibility of coming back to Madrid for several days over the festive period. But reports in Spanish media indicate he has already said he won’t return if there is any risk it could cause another crisis.

Juan Carlos is said to be considering coming home for Christmas but only if his son, King Felipe VI, and the Spanish government agree. Neither has made any comment on the possibility of a return.

Juan Carlos went into exile after Spain’s Supreme Court opened an investigation into his alleged involvement with a rail contract in the Middle East. Allegations of corruption have swirled around the king for several years and earlier in 2020, his son, Felipe VI, renounced all personal inheritance from his father and cut off his official allowances.

Following his decision to leave Spain, the whereabouts of Juan Carlos remained shrouded in secrecy for two weeks, leading to more speculation and criticism.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.