Juan Carlos Sparks Controversy with Video Ahead of Memoir Release

The release of a video message by Spain’s former king, Juan Carlos, has sparked discontent within the royal household. The video, posted on YouTube, coincides with the impending sale of his memoirs, which are set to be available in Spain on March 15, 2024. In this brief 94-second message, directed at “young Spaniards,” Juan Carlos reflects on the pivotal role he and his generation played in Spain’s transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

In his address, Juan Carlos asserted that he and other leaders managed to achieve an “exemplary transition” during challenging times. He emphasized the collective effort and risks taken by his generation to foster change in the country. This public message, however, caught the royal household off guard. Sources within the palace expressed to the media that the video was considered “neither appropriate nor necessary.”

Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014, has lived in self-exile since 2020, following a series of scandals that severely impacted his reputation. His reign began shortly after Franco’s death, and for a time, he was celebrated for his role in establishing parliamentary democracy in Spain. Yet, his popularity plummeted after a 2012 incident where he was found to have gone elephant hunting in Botswana during an economic crisis. This scandal, among others related to his financial dealings, ultimately led to his abdication.

The former monarch has also faced scrutiny for a €65 million gift to his former lover, Corrina zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, as well as investigations into an offshore bank account in Jersey. Although the inquiries into his finances have been shelved, Juan Carlos remains in the United Arab Emirates, making only sporadic trips back to Spain. His last visit was in February, aligning with the 50th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.

As he promotes his memoirs, ghostwritten by French journalist Laurence Debray, Juan Carlos appears to use the video as a marketing strategy. He states, “I have made the effort of writing my memoirs so that your parents can remember historic moments and so that you can get to know the recent history of your country, without self-interested distortions.” In the memoir, he reflects on personal mistakes, including issues in his relationship with his wife, Queen Sofía, and shares insights about Franco, including his own influence on the political system that his son, King Felipe, is set to inherit.

The royal household’s reaction underscores the ongoing tension between Juan Carlos and the current monarchy. As Spain prepares for the memoir’s release, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to both his message and the revelations within the book.