Former Spanish monarch Juan Carlos I is once again at the center of attention: his autobiography, written in exile, has already sparked considerable controversy. Ahead of the book’s release, the former king gave several interviews to French media. Meanwhile, his visit to Spain has fueled widespread debate among the public and politicians. In his memoirs, he for the first time candidly addresses his complicated relationship with Franco, the dramatic events of February 23, 1981, and the large sum he received from the Saudi crown—an episode he calls one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
The Shadow of Franco and the Road to the Throne
In the book, Juan Carlos describes in detail how dictator Francisco Franco determined his fate by selecting him as his successor. He admits that it was thanks to Franco he became king, and recalls how, in his final days, the dictator asked him to preserve the unity of the country rather than insisting on maintaining the old regime. This gave the future king the freedom to carry out reforms that ultimately led Spain to democracy. The former monarch does not hide that he and Franco developed an almost family-like relationship, with their age difference and Franco’s lack of sons only strengthening their bond. He notes that he often met with Franco and felt the dictator’s special attitude toward him, which stirred concern among part of the political elite.
February 23: The Night That Changed the Country
A special section of the book focuses on the attempted military coup of 1981. Juan Carlos shares his perspective on the events, emphasizing that multiple conspiracies unfolded behind the scenes, and that one of his closest allies turned out to be a traitor. He recalls how that night he was forced to act quickly and decisively to stop the crisis from escalating. According to him, he did not expect such a large-scale military uprising, but he knew the situation could spiral out of control. Ultimately, his actions were crucial in preserving the constitutional order and preventing disaster for the country.
Scandals, Millions, and the Fall
Juan Carlos’s memoirs do not shy away from the financial scandals that led to his exile. He admits to having received $100 million from Saudi King Abdalá, explaining it as a gesture of friendship between monarchies. However, years later, he calls this a grave mistake that cost both him and the royal family dearly. In the book, the former monarch describes how he trusted people who eventually drew him into dubious financial schemes and how he found himself at the center of an international investigation. He notes that many of his decisions were driven by a desire to secure his family’s future, but ultimately led to a loss of trust and his forced departure from the country.
Juan Carlos is equally candid about the scandalous trip to Botswana, when, amid Spain’s economic crisis, he went on safari, igniting a wave of public outrage. He admits this episode marked the beginning of the end of his reign, and says his public apology only made matters worse. After this incident, his relationship with his son, the current King Felipe VI, rapidly deteriorated.
Family dramas and loneliness in exile
The final chapters of his memoirs are devoted to his personal life and family estrangement. Juan Carlos speaks of the painful distance from his son, who, upon ascending the throne, had to separate himself from his father to safeguard the monarchy’s reputation. The former king admits to feeling abandoned and alone in exile, with his efforts to mend ties with Felipe VI proving unsuccessful. He also regretfully notes that his wife Sofía never visited him in Abu Dhabi, unlike his daughters and grandchildren. The book also touches on his complicated relationship with his daughter-in-law, Letizia, whom Juan Carlos believes did not help to strengthen family bonds.
In closing his memoirs, the former monarch admits that his life was dedicated to the interests of the country and the dynasty, while personal freedom remained an unattainable dream. He does not hide his disappointment and fatigue but emphasizes that every decision was made for Spain’s future.
