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King Juan Carlos’ former lover claims Queen Sofia helped plot his abdication

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The former lover of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, has claimed that Queen Sofia plotted the fall from power of the monarch.

Speaking to True Royalty TV, in her first on camera TV interview, Corinna claims Sofia was obsessed with putting her son, Felipe, on the throne of Spain and helped to organise a coup which led to Juan Carlos giving up power in 2014. She says ”because they were in such a dysfunctional marriage and she was deeply unhappy, the King told me that her only objective in life was to see her son take the throne.”

In the exclusive interview, the Danish born businesswoman also makes fresh claims that she was approached by Spanish Secret Services as her relationship with the former monarch disintegrated and told not to talk to the media. The security services have previously denied Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein’s allegations. Spain’s Royal Family has never commented on any of her remarks.

The claims are part of the programme ‘’The Rise and Fall of The Spanish King’’ which examines Juan Carlos’ dramatic life and reign, from his birth in exile to his decision to flee Spain this summer as allegations of financial misconduct swirled around him. Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein also faces allegations of financial misconduct which she denies.

Presented by Katie Nicholl, it includes interviews with journalist Tessa Dunlop, Russell Myers from the Daily Mirror, historian Dr Kate Williams and El Pais writer and expert, Rafa de Miguel. They analyse every aspect of Juan Carlos’ life from his parents’ decision to send him to Spain as a ten year old as they plotted to reinstate Spain’s monarchy to his secret mission to double bluff the Fascist dictator, Franco, into handing him power so that he could dismantle his regime and bring democracy to his country.

Juan Carlos’ fall from grace is also examined as the programme looks at how his personal life and finances began to erode the image of a man who at one time could do no wrong. After a summer which has seen the very future of the Spanish monarchy called into question, the character of King Felipe VI and his heir, Princess Leonor, are debated as are their chances of being able to keep the royal institution viable in a changing society.

You can see ”The Rise and Fall of a Spanish King” on True Royalty TV from October 23rd 2020. For the rest of October, Royal Central readers can get an exclusive 12-month subscription for just £20/$20! Normally subscriptions are $59.99, so it’s a great saving, but the offer won’t last long! Click on the button below to receive your exclusive discount today.

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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.