Rumours of Juan Carlos’ return

RUMOURS of former King

Juan Carlos I’s definitive return to Spain if Núñez Feijóo wins the elections sparked controversy, despite denials from his entourage.

The former king, Juan Carlos I, is planning to return to Spain at the end of July to participate in regattas in Sanxenxo, Galicia.

The king has made a few trips this year to Spain, after living in self ­ imposed exile after damaging financial allegations over tax fraud and questionable business deals with Saudi

Arabia came into the public eye. He currently resides in Abu Dhabi.

No stranger to controversy, he has had a contentious reputation, and despite being credited with leading Spain through its transition to democracy post ­ Francisco Franco in 1975, Juan Carlos later abdicated in 2014 in favour of his son, Felipe, due to a damaged legacy and multiple controversies surrounding financial dealings. In March 2020, his son and King stripped him of his annual stipend and renounced his own personal inheritance from Juan Carlos to prevent reputational damage after reports that he was due to receive millions of euros from a secret offshore fund with connections to Saudi Arabia.

In April 2023, he visited Spain for the second time since his exile and spent some time in Sanxenxo with friend and fellow regatta competitor, Pedro Campos. His visit to Spain at the end of July will also coincide with the Copa del Rey Mapfre, held from July

29 to August 5 in the Bay of Palma. However, according to a Spanish newspaper, the king was rumoured to have indicated his intention to return to Spain permanently, but only if Núñez Feijóo wins the elec­ tions on July 23. This rumour, as the elections draw near, has caused a flurry in the press.