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Spain

King Juan Carlos under pressure from Spain’s Prime Minister after disturbing allegations made

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has described corruption allegations surrounding the country’s former king, Juan Carlos I, as ”worrying and disturbing.”

The political leader spoke out after being asked during a press conference whether the allegations were damaging the Monarchy. Sanchez replied that the claims were‘’worrying’’ adding that they ‘’disturb everyone, including me.’’

The Spanish Prime Minister continued ‘’there are media that won’t look the other way, a judiciary that is taking action and the Palace is distancing itself.’’

Spain’s Supreme Court began an investigation in June 2020 into the involvement of King Juan Carlos in a high speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia. The former monarch has always refused to speak on the matter.

In March 2020, King Felipe VI renounced any personal financial inheritance he was due from his father and also ended Juan Carlos’ royal allowance.

Juan Carlos ruled Spain from 1975 until his abdication in 2014. He is widely credited with bringing democracy to Spain after decades of dictatorship. However, his reputation has suffered in recent years. He was widely criticised for a hunting trip he took to Africa while still monarch while allegations of financial irregularity and the conviction of his son in law, Inaki Urdangarin, on charges of embezzlement have further damaged his reputaiton.

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.