Friday’s celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Spanish monarchy will take place without the most prominent figure of recent decades. Juan Carlos I, who reigned for almost forty years, will not appear in the halls of the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). His absence from the official events has already become a topic of discussion both in the corridors of power and among the public.
However, the former monarch does not intend to ignore the anniversary entirely. The day after the state ceremonies, he will join a family lunch at the El Pardo residence. Those close to the royal family emphasize that this event is strictly private. For the first time in years, all members of the dynasty will gather at one table: Queen Sofía, current King Felipe VI with his wife Letizia, the heir Princess Leonor, Infanta Sofia, and other relatives.
The guest list remains confidential for now, but it is expected to be similar to that of Leonor’s coming-of-age celebration in autumn 2023. As a reminder, the princess also swore allegiance to the Constitution during that event. This time, organizers intend to shield the gathering as much as possible from media attention: no official photos or videos are planned.
Scandalous memoirs and the shadow of the past
In recent weeks, Juan Carlos’s name has once again become the center of attention following the release of his autobiography, written in France together with author Laurence Debray. In the book, the former monarch reflects on the key events of his life, but the most controversial episodes—from tax investigations to rumors about foreign accounts and ties with Gulf monarchies—are addressed only superficially.
The memoir was written in exile in Abu Dhabi, where Juan Carlos has lived since 2020. Spanish readers will be able to purchase the book in early December. The publication is expected to spark renewed debate and may reignite discussions about the monarchy’s role in modern Spain.
Family and Public Life: Walking a Fine Line
While the public speculates about the reasons behind the former king’s distance from official events, the royal family itself avoids commenting on the details. For Juan Carlos, the family dinner will be a rare opportunity to see his loved ones, as such gatherings have been few over the past two years. However, his absence from state ceremonies only fuels interest in the ex-monarch and the future of the Spanish crown.
