Spanish bookstores are now stocking the autobiography of former King Juan Carlos I, titled “Reconciliación” (Reconciliation). Published by Planeta, the book went on sale almost a month after its French premiere. Across more than 500 pages, the monarch recounts his life, beginning with his birth in Rome in 1938 while his family was in exile, and ending with his voluntary departure to Abu Dhabi in August 2020. Now living in exile at age 87, Juan Carlos reflects on his legacy and his place in Spanish history.
In his memoirs, the former king emphasizes that the Spanish crown, as defined by the Constitution, has always been his responsibility. He openly expresses his longing for his homeland and his wish to return—especially in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy. Juan Carlos describes Spain as the country to which he has dedicated his entire life and insists that his contribution to democracy should not be overlooked.
Family and history
The memoirs are dedicated not only to his family, but also to everyone who accompanied him during Spain’s transition to democracy. In the preface, the king admits he feels as though part of his own history has been ‘stolen’ from him. He aims to recount the events of recent decades without distortions or subjective interpretations. According to Juan Carlos, the book’s purpose is to offer an honest perspective on the changes Spain has undergone.
The book’s release coincided with the former king’s recent appearance at a family lunch in Madrid’s El Pardo palace, where he met with the current monarchs. The event was held privately, a day after the official celebrations marking the monarchy’s anniversary, which the ex-king was not invited to attend. At the same gathering, Queen Sofía was awarded the Order of the Golden Fleece (Toisón de Oro).
Mistakes and admissions
In the book, Juan Carlos does not shy away from difficult topics. He admits to having made mistakes and says he does not consider himself a saint. The king talks about his childhood, when at the age of ten he came under the guardianship of Francisco Franco, and openly says he felt a certain sympathy for the dictator. At the same time, he emphasizes that his greatest achievement was leading Spain’s transition to democracy and safeguarding the country’s unity.
Special attention is paid to his personal life. Juan Carlos admits to “emotional deviations,” but insists that most rumors about his extramarital affairs are not true. He does not mention any names, but notes that one of his relationships was exploited against him, leading to serious consequences for his reign.
Public statements
The book launch in Spain coincided with the publication of a video address by Juan Carlos, in which he called on young people to support the current king, Felipe VI. According to him, the monarch’s mission is to unite the nation, despite challenges. In the video, the former king stresses that he hopes his memoirs will serve as a candid account of the country’s recent history.
After the book was published in France, Juan Carlos gave several interviews to local media. In them, he once again acknowledged his mistakes, but noted that he has no regrets about the past and tries not to dwell on his decisions. If he had the chance to go back, he would be more cautious in certain actions.
Monarchy and Legacy
The release of “Reconciliation” in Spain sparked interest not only among supporters of the monarchy, but also among critics of the royal family’s role in the country’s modern history. The book has prompted discussion of Spain’s difficult past, personal dramas, and the political decisions that have shaped the nation’s future for decades.
The memoirs of Juan Carlos I are not just a personal confession, but also an attempt to understand a transformative era in which he was a central figure. The book does not try to make excuses, but rather to explain why so many decisions were made the way they were.
