Juan Urdangarin's drama: Cristina de Borbón's son who worries the royal family

The life of Juan Valentín Urdangarin (Barcelona, 1999), eldest son of Infanta Cristina and Iñaki Urdangarin, is once again in the media spotlight. According to the tabloid press, the young man has reportedly ended his romantic relationship with his partner, an economist living in London, and has decided to temporarily leave Queen Sofía's residence at the Palacio de la Zarzuela to take refuge in Sardinia.

Apparently, the breakup has led him to distance himself from his immediate circle and to reconsider his personal life. At this time, he is one of the members of the royal family who "causes the most concern," especially for his mother.

Born in 1999 in Barcelona, Juan is the oldest of the four children of Infanta Cristina and Iñaki Urdangarin. He spent his childhood between Spain and, later, Washington, where the family moved when Iñaki was signed by the local handball team. It seemed like a comfortable and peaceful life until, in 2011, the outbreak of the Nóos case changed the family's course.

At just 12 years old, Juan witnessed how his father went from being an admired athlete to becoming the protagonist of one of the biggest corruption scandals in Spain.

Various reports indicate that, among the siblings, he was the one who suffered the most. Not only because he understood better what was happening as the oldest, but also because he had to face comments, insults, and uncomfortable questions at school. There was even talk of bullying episodes and the need for psychological support during that period.

The pressure was so great that the family moved to Geneva, seeking anonymity that was impossible to find in Spain. There, the four siblings were able to continue their studies at an international school, far from the media spotlight. However, the mark of those years left Juan with a discreet and reserved character, which he still keeps today.

A sensitive and protective young man

Those who know him describe him as the most sensitive of the siblings. During those dark years, he naturally assumed the role of the older brother who protects and supports.

While Pablo, Miguel, and Irene were still young, he was aware of the rejection that his last name provoked in some circles. That experience forced him to mature early and to develop an empathy that he would later channel into volunteer experiences.

The shadow of the Nóos case also affected his daily life. During the trials and his father's prison sentence, Juan made an effort to keep a low profile.

Unlike other young people his age, he hardly appeared on social media and avoided any unnecessary exposure. His silence became a way to protect himself.

In 2018, after finishing high school, Juan decided to dedicate some time to charitable work. He traveled to Cambodia, where he collaborated with Jesuit Enrique Figaredo on educational and social projects.

Later, in 2022, he went to India, this time with the NGO Entreculturas. There, he worked in communities near the border with Nepal, living with young people from backgrounds very different from his own.

These experiences strengthened his vocation for service and allowed him to distance himself from the weight of his last name. For Juan, those trips were not a tourist break, but a way to find a personal purpose.

Juan Urdangarin's international career

After his time in Geneva, Juan moved to the United Kingdom to continue his university studies. He studied international relations and economics at the University of Essex, where he completed his bachelor's degree in 2018. Later, he decided to settle in London, a city that has become his usual residence.

His life there is simple; he shares an apartment and moves in an international university and work environment. He keeps a routine far from the royal household.

As we already published in elcierredigital.com, he found work in the field of electric motor sports. First in Formula E, the championship founded by Alejandro Agag, son-in-law of José María Aznar. Later in Extreme E, an off-road racing category that promotes sustainability and the use of clean energy.

In these organizations, he worked in logistics and production areas, participating in the organization of grand prix events and in social initiatives linked to sports. He has even been credited with supervising projects to bring electric vehicles to disadvantaged communities.

Family as a refuge

In the most delicate moments, Juan has had the unconditional support of his family. Infanta Cristina, especially, has kept a close eye on him.

Queen Sofía has also played an important role. In recent years, Juan has been seen on several occasions at the Palacio de la Zarzuela, where he spent time with his grandmother. That closeness provides him with a family refuge in Madrid, although his daily life remains centered in London.

As for his father, the relationship has been more complex. After serving his sentence, Iñaki Urdangarin keeps ties with his children, but the wound from the past is still present.

Juan, as the oldest, was a direct witness to the fall of his father figure. That has inevitably shaped his perception. Even so, sources close to the family indicate that he keeps in touch and that he has tried to rebuild the relationship in recent years.

Today, Juan Urdangarin finds himself at a turning point. Despite the rumors about his love life, what is certain is that he continues to keep a low profile and continues to build a life away from the spotlight. His reserved character and his preference for international environments have allowed him to stay away from the palace and media life that often surrounds the Bourbons.