This year, the Spanish royal family surprised everyone: Juan Carlos’s birthday in Abu Dhabi passed without a single public image. No photos, no selfies, not even a hint of the usual family idyll the Bourbons had so willingly shared in previous years. In 2026, there was complete silence. There were no official greetings, no pictures with his daughters—Infanta Elena and Cristina—or with his many grandchildren. Even the outlet that traditionally publishes exclusive family photos came up empty this time. Everything suggested the celebration took place under strict secrecy.
Looking back on previous years, when photos from the Abu Dhabi celebrations filled magazine pages, this year’s silence seems especially odd. Rumor has it that nearly all his grandchildren joined the former monarch, except for the daughters of the current king—Infanta Sofía and Princess Leonor. There is also talk that a new face joined the gathering: Sofía Khan, Juan Valentín’s girlfriend, who came to meet the grandfather and other relatives. But without photographs, all these details remain mere speculation. The only thing known about the celebration is that it was limited to a modest family lunch.
Family silence
What happened that made the Bourbons suddenly disappear from public view? In recent weeks, not a word has been heard even from Victoria Federica, who usually never misses a chance to make her presence known on social media. Infanta Elena, always outgoing and talkative, has also chosen to remain silent. This seems especially paradoxical against the backdrop of the success of Juan Carlos’ memoirs, which, according to official figures, have sold in huge numbers. The former king himself declared that he wanted to reconnect with Spaniards and support his son, King Felipe, during a difficult time. But perhaps the reaction from society and his family was not what he expected.
It is quite possible that the only real winner in this story is the publishing group that released the book. Spanish society is in no hurry to applaud, and the Royal Household is not particularly enthusiastic about the revelations of the former monarch. The family’s silence may signal a cooling of relations, if not a complete freeze. Juan Carlos’ hope of reconciling with his granddaughter Leonor seems as elusive as ever. On top of this, there have been personal losses: over the past year, close family friends have passed away, which has inevitably affected the former king’s mood.
Lost traditions
All this suggests that the Bourbons’ traditional display of family unity is a thing of the past. After so many years in the public eye and fighting for attention, their sudden disappearance from view seems like a conscious decision. Perhaps it’s an attempt to protect their privacy or a response to internal disagreements. Or maybe it’s simply fatigue from constant scrutiny and controversies surrounding a surname that has long been associated not only with power but also with scandal.
In any case, the lack of photos and comments only fuels curiosity about what’s happening behind the closed doors of the Abu Dhabi residence. Spaniards are used to seeing the royal family as a mix of spectacle, drama, and an endless topic for discussion. But this time, the Bourbons have chosen silence—and that silence speaks louder than any words.
New Faces
Interestingly, amid the general quiet, new figures are emerging. The appearance of Sofia Khan within the family circle could mark the start of a new chapter in the dynasty’s story. The younger generation brings fresh perspectives—but also new challenges. For now, everything related to this celebration remains shrouded in mystery. Even the most active members of the family have chosen not to share details, as if wary of drawing too much attention or prompting new rumors.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Juan Carlos I is the former King of Spain, who reigned from 1975 to 2014. After his abdication, he left the country and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2020. His biography is marked by both historic achievements and high-profile scandals, and his relationships with his family and Spanish society remain the subject of ongoing debate. Despite stepping away from public life, Juan Carlos continues to attract interest and spark controversy in Spain and beyond.
