Contrary to expectations, the senior generation of the Spanish royal family has no plans to retire. Autumn 2025 promises to be a busy season for them, even though their paths will diverge. While King Felipe and Queen Letizia are preparing for an intense period with state visits to Egypt and China, their parents, Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía, are also keeping busy. Each is following their own course, devoting time to long-standing passions, whether alone or surrounded by close ones.
Undoubtedly, the honorary king Juan Carlos is in the spotlight. Few expected him to undertake a transoceanic journey, given his obvious mobility challenges. However, his passion for sailing, access to a private jet, and invaluable assistance from his aide, Lieutenant Colonel Vicente García-Mochales, allow him to remain active. From September 17 to 26, the former monarch will be in New York to take part in the 6-Metre World Championship with the crew of his yacht “Bribon 500”.
This trip was announced during his last visit to Sanxenxo, and fortunately, all plans have been confirmed. This shows that Juan Carlos still has the enthusiasm and energy to participate in such demanding competitions, even though his yacht has been specially adapted to his physical needs. Before flying to the United States, the current king’s father is expected to visit Galicia to personally ensure the vessels are in perfect condition.
The main intrigue of the upcoming journey lies not only in its purpose—after all, one doesn’t participate in a world championship every day—but also in the active involvement of Infanta Elena. The eldest daughter of Juan Carlos will cross the Atlantic not just as an escort. She will also compete in the same class, but on her own yacht. It is expected that she will also arrive in Sanxenxo for the final preparations of her vessel.
Thus, this repeats the scenario of 2023, when father and daughter traveled together to the World Championship in British waters. They competed against each other in the 6-meter yacht class off the Isle of Wight. Their residence was the home of a longtime friend and one of the regatta’s organizers in Cowes, a place of special significance for the family—this is where his British grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother grew up.
This episode highlights the close bond between Juan Carlos and his eldest daughter, which is evident not only in their physical resemblance and character, but also in their shared interests. Today, they are united by sailing, though in the past the father was an avid hunter while the daughter excelled as an equestrian. Notably, all these pursuits involve an active social life with lunches, parties, and celebrations that are an integral part of sporting traditions.
The competition schedule in New York is packed: a practice race is planned for September 20, and from September 22, the races will begin to determine the new world champion. The father and daughter will have to compete in eight stages over five days—a true test of endurance. Do they have a chance of winning? Absolutely. Especially the honorary monarch, who lifted the champion’s cup on the Isle of Wight just two years ago. His goal is clear—to defend his title. However, Infanta Elena, with her yacht “Alibaba II,” could be a serious contender against “Bribon 500,” as she finished second in 2023.
One might say that this trip to America will serve as a brief respite for Elena from the responsibilities of supporting her mother, Queen Sofia, and her aunt, Irene of Greece, at the Zarzuela Palace. It was previously reported that the honorary monarchs’ daughters have not left their mother alone during this challenging period related to her sister’s illness. However, it seems the situation is not as dramatic as it appeared.
Queen Sofia continues her usual routine and even finds time to go shopping. Recently, she was seen with her sister Irene strolling through one of their favorite places—the El Corte Ingles shopping center. The honorary queen’s longstanding passion for shopping is well known, and it is heartening to see that she still has days when she can enjoy selecting fashionable clothing or home décor with her sister. It is said that during this visit, she bought a jacket for an elderly gentleman accompanying them, who was not a member of the security staff.
It is also known that she recently made a brief trip to her homeland, Greece, to congratulate Queen Anne-Marie, widow of King Constantine, on her birthday. This occurred on August 30, and Queen Sofía traveled alone, without her sister Irene, due to Irene’s health condition. The honorary queen’s autumn schedule still appears quite open; however, there remains the question of when she will be presented with the Order of the Golden Fleece, awarded to her by King Felipe back in January. The ceremony is being postponed, which comes as no surprise—this is one of the most formal and symbolically significant acts a head of state can conduct. Besides the challenge of finding a suitable date in the royal family’s and government’s calendars, a significant date is usually chosen for such an event to underline its historical importance. Perhaps this will happen as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Juan Carlos’s proclamation as king?
