Anxiety has once again settled over the walls of the Zarzuela Palace, this time triggered by concerns over the health of Infanta Margarita, the younger sister of honorary King Juan Carlos. At 86, the Duchess of Soria is facing one of her most serious challenges: a severe case of pneumonia required her immediate hospitalization. She spent ten days in the intensive care unit of a Madrid clinic. Fortunately, the most critical phase has passed. Infanta Margarita is now at home, continuing her recovery with the help of oxygen support. Her condition has deeply alarmed her family, given her advanced age and previous medical issues.
This latest incident is far from the first time that Doña Margarita’s health has worried her family. She previously sought medical help for a skin infection with lymphangitis on her left leg, which, fortunately, was successfully treated. In addition, in 2022, she suffered a bad fall while having lunch with friends, seriously injuring her face and head. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and after a hospital exam—including a CT scan of her skull—doctors ruled out any brain injury. That episode ended with a major scare and a noticeable bruise.
If her rehabilitation goes according to plan and her health permits, the Infanta is expected to make a swift trip to the Galician city of Sanxenxo. There, she plans to meet her brother, the emeritus king. A similar meeting took place last June, when Juan Carlos I spent time with his sister, her husband Carlos Zurita, and their nephews. The honorary king is expected to arrive in Pontevedra on November 5, right after a scheduled medical checkup in Vitoria. The main reason for his sixth trip to Spain this year will be to take part in a sailing regatta. At the same time, his memoir titled “Reconciliation” is set to be released in France, and it’s already generating considerable buzz.
Given the strong and determined nature of Infanta Margarita, it’s likely that after a few days of rest at her Madrid apartment in the Salamanca district, she will return to her active lifestyle. Despite being born blind—a condition that shaped her life—Doña Margarita has shown independence and a fighting spirit since her youth. Her greatest passion and comfort has always been music. She became an accomplished pianist who appreciates a wide variety of genres, from classical to rock, even attending concerts by stars like Bruce Springsteen. Her main support is her husband, Dr. Zurita, who helps her get around in her wheelchair and reads to her. She also finds immense joy in spending time with her grandson Carlos and being involved with various charitable foundations.
