Although Abu Dhabi has officially been the residence of honorary king Juan Carlos I since August 2020, the former monarch spends a significant amount of time in Switzerland. Reports indicate his frequent visits to the Alpine country are connected not only to Infanta Cristina, who resides there, but also to his close friend Marta Gayá. It is in Switzerland, far from the press’s attention, that their relationship—lasting more than thirty years—continues.
According to the latest information released by Spanish royal family expert Pilar Eyre, Juan Carlos and Marta Gayá spent this past winter together. They meet in an apartment in the prestigious Cologny district near Geneva, which the former monarch is said to have gifted to his friend back in 2007. This detail sheds new light on the honorary king’s private life, as it was previously believed that during his stays in Switzerland, he stayed exclusively in luxury hotels.
During these meetings, sources say the couple use affectionate nicknames: he calls her “my girlfriend,” while she calls him “Juanchu.” The most notable revelation concerns the alleged wish of the 87-year-old Juan Carlos, whose health has been a concern, to “spend his final days” next to Marta Gayá. This points to the depth and strength of their bond, which has endured for decades.
Juan Carlos and Marta Gaya first met in the summer of 1990 in Mallorca, at a party organized by the Georgian prince Zourab Tchokotua. Since then, their relationship has stood the test of time and survived numerous scandals, including the affair with Corinna Larsen. Gaya has always maintained utmost discretion and has never publicly commented on her connection with the monarch. Her name first appeared in the press in 1992, when French and later Spanish media reported on ‘rumors’ linking the king to the Mallorca native.
Today, Marta Gaya remains one of the most trusted confidantes in the honorary king’s inner circle. She regularly attends his birthday celebrations in Abu Dhabi and is believed to be among the few privy to his personal concerns and future plans. It is also reported that Juan Carlos I has secured his longtime companion’s financial stability after his departure. At the same time, sources suggest that support may extend beyond finances, leaving room for speculation about the nature of their arrangement.
