Family ties within the Spanish royal family continue to draw close attention, especially when it comes to events that bring together its most talked-about members. This time, the occasion was a handball match of the Granollers team, where Pablo Urdangarin shines. However, fans in the stands in León were in for a surprise: next to the former Duke of Palma was not his ex-wife, but his current partner, Ainhoa Armentia. It seems the family has an unspoken rule: Infanta Cristina attends her son’s home games in Barcelona, a city deeply connected to her, while Iñaki takes on the away games across Spain.
This kind of “division” allows both parents to support their son’s sporting career while avoiding awkward encounters. Iñaki, a former handball star and Olympic medalist himself, is fully immersed in Pablo’s professional development. He acts not just as a father, but as a mentor, sharing invaluable experience and helping him cope with the psychological pressures of high-level sports. The trip to León for the game against Abanca Ademar was nothing new for the couple—they had already been here last season, and their repeat appearance only highlights how firmly Ainhoa has become part of the former king’s son-in-law’s life.
Eyewitnesses noted that Iñaki and Ainhoa looked not just happy, but truly at peace and in harmony. Their mutual understanding was evident in every gesture. The couple even coordinated their outfits, appearing in public in white clothing that highlighted their summer tans. Observant onlookers also noticed a change in Ainhoa’s look: she had opted for a stylish bob haircut that suits her very well. Their romance, which began amidst scandal, has clearly grown into a strong and stable partnership.
However, this idyllic picture is somewhat marred by the complicated relationship between Ainhoa and Iñaki’s children. Group photos featuring them all together are rare, and the few images taken last Christmas in Vitoria showed more tension than family harmony. In this context, Pablo serves as something of a bridge between his father and the other children. He was the first among his siblings to calmly accept the news of his father’s new relationship, and it was to him that Iñaki introduced his partner two years ago, after that much-talked-about exclusive publication.
The couple had every reason to enjoy the game. Pablo delivered one of his best performances, scoring five goals and making a significant contribution to Granollers’ 39:34 victory. Sports analysts gave high marks to his play, which was undoubtedly a source of pride for his father and his companion. With the Christmas holidays ahead, which the family traditionally spends in Vitoria, there is always hope that tensions will start to ease and the family can finally find a path to reconciliation.
