A Spanish government minister has indicated that King Felipe will use his Christmas message to distance himself from his father, Juan Carlos I, whose financial affairs have seen his royal family plunged into crisis over the past year.
Exactly a week before Felipe is set to address Spain in his annual festive speech, Carmen Calvo, first vicepresident of the government, described the King as ‘’a realistic’’ monarch who ‘’knows what public opinion in this country thinks and what the citizens demand’’.
Carmen Calvo, who will be asked to approve the speech prior to its delivery on Christmas Eve, added that she was ‘’convinced’’ Felipe will ‘’send the appropriate message of rigour and tranquility now’’.
Felipe has already sought to distance himself from his father’s financial troubles. In March 2020, he publicly renounced his personal inheritance from Juan Carlos and cut the former monarch’s allowance. King Juan Carlos, who ruled Spain between 1975 and 2014, went into self imposed exile in August 2020 after controversy over his finances mounted. He is now living in the United Arab Emirates.
In the past days, he has indicated that he won’t return to Spain for Christmas after earlier comments suggested he was interested in coming home for the holidays. His poor health and the risks of the coronavirus pandemic have been suggested as reasons for the 82 year old not attempting the journey.
However, controversy over his finances continues in Spain and his popularity, already damaged, has tumbled in the months since he quit the country he once ruled.
King Felipe VI’s Christmas address takes place on Christmas Eve. Royal Central will bring you full coverage as it is broadcast.
