Josep Cusí, a trusted friend and business partner of Juan Carlos I, has died in Barcelona at 92. His low-profile role in royal circles and sporting achievements marked decades of Spanish history.
Josep Cusí, a figure long associated with the Spanish royal family and especially with Juan Carlos I, has died in Barcelona at the age of 92. His passing closes a chapter in the discreet network that has surrounded the former king for decades. Cusí was not only a successful businessman but also a key confidant, known for his loyalty and reserved presence in royal circles.
His relationship with Juan Carlos I began in the early 1970s, during a hunting event organized by Francisco Franco. Cusí, who had served as Franco's shooting instructor and hunting companion, quickly became a trusted figure for the then-prince. Over the years, he took on the role of armador for the Bribón regatta boats, a project closely linked to the king's passion for sailing. Yet, his influence extended beyond sports, as he was often described as one of the monarch's most discreet confidants.
Cusí's background was marked by both business and sport. Trained as an electronic engineer, he built a career as an entrepreneur while also excelling as a competitive swimmer and water polo player. Notably, he represented Spain in shooting at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Within Barcelona's elite, he was a member of the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona and the Círculo del Liceo. He is survived by his wife, Inés Muiños, and their six children.
Despite his low public profile, Cusí played a significant role in royal affairs. He was involved in organizing the honeymoon for Felipe VI and Letizia, a trip reportedly costing over half a million dollars and shared with Juan Carlos I. In 2018, he publicly supported the positive relationship between Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía, countering rumors of tension within the royal family.
The friendship between Cusí and Juan Carlos I was not without its challenges. According to journalist Pilar Urbano, tensions arose when the king wished to attend meetings accompanied by Corina Sayn-Wittgenstein. Cusí himself commented in a 2012 article in La Vanguardia that the decision to go on a hunting safari in Botswana—where the king suffered a hip injury—was not a wise one. His approach was always marked by discretion, as reflected in his 1983 statement that he saw himself not as the king's patron, but as his servant both at sea and on land.
Barcelona has long been a backdrop for influential figures in Spanish politics and society. The city has also seen its share of political shifts and internal tensions, as highlighted in recent years by the evolving role of parties such as Junts per Catalunya. For example, the party's internal divisions and uncertain future have drawn attention to the changing landscape of Catalan influence in national affairs.
Cusí's legacy is intertwined with the modern history of Spain's monarchy. His life offers a window into the private networks that have shaped the country's recent past, from the final years of Franco's regime to the present. His passing is a reminder of the enduring connections between business, sport, and royalty in Spain, and of the individuals who have quietly influenced the course of national events.
For context, the Bribón boats, which Cusí managed, became symbols of Spanish sailing and royal participation in international regattas. The Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, where he was a member, remains a central institution in the city's maritime life. The Círculo del Liceo is one of Barcelona's most prestigious private clubs, reflecting the city's tradition of elite social circles. Cusí's Olympic participation in 1968 highlights the breadth of his sporting achievements, while his business activities placed him among the influential Catalan bourgeoisie. His story illustrates the often unseen but significant roles played by those close to Spain's most prominent families.
