Spanish government officials were quick to clarify that the right person to represent the country is the current King Felipe.
The former king of Spain, Juan Carlos, announced in a letter to the British Foreign Office his intention to “pause” his self-exile in Abu Dhabi to attend the funeral of his cousin, Queen Elizabeth, in London.
Spain’s former royal couple received an official invitation from British authorities and accepted, despite failing health, scandals and a pending molestation prosecution in Britain against Spain’s 84-year-old former monarch.
As soon as the invitation became known, there was an uproar in the Spanish court and Spanish government officials rushed to clarify that the right person to represent the country is the current King Felipe, son of Juan Carlos and second nephew of Queen Elizabeth.
In fact, the Spanish government privately contacted the 84-year-old former king and asked him not to attend the funeral as his appearance might undermine Felipe’s position and status.
Finally and despite the reactions, Juan Carlos decided to attend Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19, to say goodbye to his cousin.
Juan Carlos has lived in self-imposed exile in Abu Dhabi since 2020, and his attendance at the funeral will be his first public appearance at a royal event since stepping down following a money laundering scandal.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
