Former Spanish King Juan Carlos Returns After 2 Years of Exile in Abu Dhabi

Jakarta –

Former Spanish King Juan Carlos will land on Spanish on Thursday (19/5). He returned after being exiled for 2 years in Abu Dhabi.

Carlos will land in the city of Vigo on Spain’s northwest coast on Thursday evening. Then will go to the Sanxenxo Resort to participate in the regatta, Pedro Campos, an old friend, told broadcaster TVE. Juan Carlos will stay at Campos’ house during the visit.

“He’s very happy to come and be here recovering after two years out and doing something he really loves, which is sailing,” Campos said.

Carlos, who is 84 years old and walks with a cane, will sail in a boat adapted to his situation, Campos added.

Juan Carlos’ trip will conclude on Monday with a visit to his son, King Felipe, in Madrid, the Royal House said in a statement late Wednesday.

Juan Carlos will not be staying at the Zarzuela palace in Madrid, the king’s official residence, the statement said.

Carlos was once respected for his role in the country’s transition to democracy. The former king’s popularity plummeted after a series of scandals. He abdicated the throne in 2014.

Carlos then left Spain for Abu Dhabi in August 2020 after several investigations were opened in Spain and Switzerland for alleged fraud.

He now remains on permanent residency in the Gulf state but said in March he would visit Spain frequently after prosecutors called off investigations.

Since the investigation closed, the Spanish government has not opposed him visiting the country although several ministers have asked him to explain his actions. “The Spanish people deserve an explanation,” Economy Minister Nadia Calvino said on radio station SER on Thursday.

(eva / eva)

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