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In 2020, Spain’s former King Juan Carlos, who abdicated the throne in 2014, went into self-imposed exile in Abu Dhabi amidst an ongoing scandal over potential financial misconduct. He has only returned to Spain a few times since, and over the weekend, made a rare return to his home country for the Easter holiday.
On Easter, Juan Carlos attended a traditional bullfight in Seville; Easter Sunday marks the first day of the bullfighting season at La Maestranza bullring in the city. Per Hola, upon his arrival, he received a standing ovation upon his arrival.
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The King Emeritus returns to the Plaza de la Maestranza.
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Juan Carlos waves to the crowd.
For the outing, he was joined by his daughter Infanta Elena de Borbon. Also reported to be with Juan Carlos in Seville were two of his grandchildren, Felipe and Victoria Federica de Marichalar. (They are Elena’s children; more on the Spanish royal family tree, here.)
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The former King and his daughter Elena de Borbon.
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The 88-year-old rey emérito, or King emeritus.
Following the event, he met with bullfighters Morante de la Puebla, Roca Rey, David de Miranda and José Maria Garzón:
Speaking to the press after leaving, the former King said he had a “fantastic” time in Seville and would return to Spain “very soon.” He said his trip “was brief; I came for the bullfight.”
He last visited Spain in November, per El País, “when he attended the family luncheon held on the 22nd at the Royal Palace of El Pardo, organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy. He had intended to return from Abu Dhabi in March to participate in the regatta organized by the Royal Yacht Club of Sanxenxo (Pontevedra), but the conflict in the Middle East prevented the trip due to air travel restrictions.”
In 2022, investigations into his financial misconduct ended, and Juan Carlos wrote, “It seems appropriate to consider my return to Spain, although not immediately. I prefer, at this time, for reasons that belong to my private sphere and that only affect me, to continue residing permanently and stable in Abu Dhabi, where I have found peace of mind, especially for this period of my life.”
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.