Last Saturday in Madrid, an event long anticipated by fans of the Spanish monarchy took place: all the key members of the royal family were reunited. The occasion for this rare gathering was the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the parliamentary monarchy in Spain. The family assembled at the El Pardo palace, where they held a private lunch kept hidden from public view.
Particular attention was drawn to the presence of former monarch Juan Carlos I, who has been living in exile in Abu Dhabi in recent years. This was his first appearance at a family event since 2023, when Princess Leonor came of age and took her oath to the Constitution. Organizers were careful to plan the event so that the ex-king’s attendance would not cause unnecessary controversy, especially in light of the recent release of his memoirs, which sparked heated debate in Spanish society.
A family lunch behind closed doors
The gathering took place in an ultra-private setting. In addition to the main figures—Felipe VI, Juan Carlos I, and Leonor—other family members such as Infantas Elena and Cristina and their children also joined the lunch. Only the closest relatives received invitations to keep the press and public attention at bay.
Despite all efforts to maintain privacy, photographers still managed to capture the moment the car carrying the former king arrived. However, Juan Carlos I himself did not appear before the cameras, choosing instead to remain out of sight. The event organizers had taken precautions in advance to prevent information leaks and unauthorized photos.
Juan Carlos I’s Absence from Official Celebrations and His Role
On the eve of the family lunch in Madrid, official events were held to mark the monarchy’s anniversary. Juan Carlos I, who led the country for almost four decades, was notably absent. His absence was partially compensated by numerous references to his contribution to Spain’s transition from Franco’s dictatorship to modern democracy.
During the celebrations, the current monarch, Felipe VI, highlighted his father’s role in maintaining the country’s stability during a challenging historical period. Also present were former Prime Minister Felipe González and two of the Constitution’s authors, who received the nation’s highest honors. Other notable figures from the transition era—such as Adolfo Suárez and Santiago Carrillo—were also remembered.
A Defining Moment for the Future of the Monarchy
The family lunch at El Pardo was not just an occasion for private conversation, but also a symbol of the continuity of power. Three generations gathered at the same table: the past, represented by Juan Carlos I; the present — Felipe VI; and the future — Princess Leonor. The meeting took place without any public statements, which only fueled interest in the details of the closed event.
To conclude the celebrations, King Felipe VI presented his mother, Queen Sofía, with the Order of the Golden Fleece — one of Spain’s most prestigious honors. This gesture served as yet another reminder of the importance of family traditions and the monarchy’s role in the country’s modern history.
